Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot

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

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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

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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.