Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch-flavored sauce, all topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and golden tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this casserole delivers a delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced
Topping
- 5 cups frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, dry ranch seasoning mix, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy mixture.
- Mix in Cheese, Bacon, and Onions: Fold in 1 cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and thinly sliced green onions into the chicken mixture. Mix evenly to distribute ingredients.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the chicken mixture, covering it completely.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled casserole for approximately 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional green onions if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack if preferred.
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut for shredding chicken.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Keywords: chicken casserole, tater tot casserole, bacon ranch casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, tater tots, shredded chicken