Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This dish layers juicy bites of seasoned chicken and crispy tater tots, brought together with melted cheese and a creamy ranch-infused sauce. Bacon lends smoky flavor and crunch, scattered generously above the golden cheese topping. Baked until the edges bubble and the tater tots crisp up, it’s a comfort food classic that’s quick to assemble for family meals. The combination of savory chicken, ranch seasoning, and bacon ensures every forkful is flavorful and satisfying, perfect for cozy gatherings or everyday weeknight dinners.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 09 Aug 2025 10:52:50 GMT
A close up of a delicious chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole. Save
A close up of a delicious chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole. | lilicooks.com

This comforting chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole is the kind of cozy dinner that never lasts long at my table and it is loaded with cheesy goodness and crowd pleasers layered together for a one pan bake perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday potlucks

The first time I made this I barely had time to set the pan down before everyone grabbed seconds and it is now my top choice for potluck dinners or after soccer practice meals

Ingredients

  • Frozen tater tots: for that crispy golden base buy a sturdy brand so they hold texture after baking
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into bite sized pieces make sure the chicken is fresh and pink with no unpleasant odor
  • Mexican blend cheese: shredded and ready to melt use real cheese for the best stretch and flavor
  • Bacon: brings that craveable smoky crunch thick cut slices are my favorite
  • Milk: helps mellow the richness and brings extra moisture choose whole milk for a creamier sauce
  • Heavy whipping cream: amps up the decadence pick one with the highest butterfat content at your store
  • Ranch seasoning packet: creates that signature zingy tang check the label for no MSG or additives if possible
  • Salt and pepper: rounds out all the flavors use freshly cracked black pepper for an extra kick

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon:
Fry bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are crisp and golden turning as needed to cook evenly then transfer them to a towel lined plate and leave a bit of the drippings in the pan for flavor
Sauté the Chicken:
In the reserved bacon fat cook the chicken pieces over medium high heat stir and let them brown until the outside is golden and the inside is fully cooked with no pink left season the chicken well with salt and black pepper
Build the Casserole Base:
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer across the bottom of a nine by thirteen inch casserole dish nestling them together without overlapping to create a sturdy base
Add the Chicken Layer:
Scatter the cooked chicken pieces evenly across the tater tots so every forkful has some chicken
Mix the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
In a mixing bowl whisk together the milk heavy cream and ranch seasoning until smooth and no lumps remain this will soak into the tater tots as the casserole bakes
Assemble and Top:
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and tater tots then sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese in a thick layer make sure to reach the edges so every bite is melty
Add Bacon Crunch:
Crumble the cooked bacon by hand and sprinkle it over the cheesy casserole for extra flavor and texture
Bake Until Bubbling:
Place the assembled dish into a three hundred fifty degree oven bake for thirty to forty five minutes or until the top is lightly browned the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened
A dish of chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole. Save
A dish of chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part is always the bacon and every time we make this my daughter insists on being in charge of crumbling it for topping she loves sneaking a few pieces while we assemble it and it always turns prepping dinner into a fun little ritual for us

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days The casserole reheats well in the oven at a low temperature covered with foil to help the tater tots get crispy again If planning to freeze let the casserole cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil and freezing for up to two months Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey if you are short on time Turkey bacon can be used for a lighter option and a sharp cheddar cheese will give a stronger flavor profile if you do not have Mexican blend You can also use a homemade ranch blend with dried herbs if you want to control the salt content

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole as the main entrée with a green salad or steamed broccoli on the side It is also a hit as a brunch option paired with scrambled eggs If you have a crowd set out hot sauce or extra ranch for drizzling

A dish of chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole. Save
A dish of chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole. | lilicooks.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different cheese blend?

Yes, feel free to substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or any preferred cheese variety for a different flavor profile.

→ Do the tater tots need to be thawed first?

No need to thaw; use frozen tater tots directly in the dish for best results and texture.

→ How can I prep this ahead of time?

You can assemble the layers in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

→ Is it possible to use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works well and saves preparation time.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding diced onions, chopped green chiles, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to enhance taste and aroma.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot

Layered with chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch for a hearty, comforting baked dish topped with crispy tater tots.

Preparation Time
~
Cooking Time
45 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 1 bag frozen tater tots
02 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
03 2 cups Mexican blend cheese
04 5 slices bacon
05 1/2 cup milk
06 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
07 1 Ranch seasoning packet
08 Salt to taste
09 Pepper to taste

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 02

Cook the bacon until crispy, remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 03

Leave a bit of the bacon grease in the bottom of a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken until completely done and no longer pink in the middle. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 04

Place a single layer of frozen tater tots in the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish. Layer the cooked chicken on top of the tater tots.

Step 05

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy whipping cream, and Ranch seasoning packet.

Step 06

Pour the liquid mixture over the chicken and tater tots. Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken in an even layer. Crumble the cooked bacon, and place it on top of the cheese.

Step 07

Bake for 30-45 minutes until the liquid has been absorbed, and the cheese is browned and melted.

Required Tools

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13 casserole dish

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Dairy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fats: 28.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32.5 g
  • Proteins: 22.6 g