The Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy tater tots, creamy ranch-seasoned chicken, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon. This hearty, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a satisfying, cheesy casserole.
The combination of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and tangy ranch with a crispy, golden tater tot topping makes every bite incredibly flavorful. Plus, it’s an easy, one-pan meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum deliciousness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Uses simple, everyday ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Loaded with Flavor – Ranch seasoning, bacon, cheese, and crispy tater tots create the perfect balance of taste and texture.
- One-Pan Meal – Everything bakes together in a single dish for easy cleanup.
- Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, crispy, and savory dish.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, dry ranch seasoning, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 4: Add Bacon and Tater Tots
Sprinkle crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese layer. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire dish.
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy & Golden
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Add More Cheese & Bake Again
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variation
- Spicy Version – Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Ranch Twist – Swap out ranch dressing for BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Buffalo Chicken Style – Replace ranch dressing with buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
- Vegetable Additions – Stir in chopped broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix and check labels on ingredients.
Cooking Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut and extra flavor.
- If using raw chicken, cook and season it before adding it to the casserole.
- Adjust ranch seasoning to taste for a stronger or milder ranch flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with steamed vegetables like green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Enjoy with a side of garlic bread or buttermilk biscuits for extra comfort.
- Add a drizzle of ranch dressing or hot sauce on top for extra flavor.
Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- To freeze, assemble the casserole (without baking) and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Make it creamier by adding an extra 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a little spice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 900mg
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes! Dice raw potatoes, toss them in oil and seasonings, and bake until crispy before adding them to the casserole.
2. What’s the best way to make this ahead of time?
Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
3. Can I make this without bacon?
Of course! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with turkey bacon or veggie bacon for a lighter option.
4. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar and mozzarella are great choices, but you can also use Colby Jack, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Conclusion
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that will quickly become a household favorite. With its creamy ranch-seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and golden tater tots, this dish is perfect for busy nights, game-day gatherings, or weekend comfort food.
Try this delicious casserole today and enjoy the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and creamy flavors in every bite!