This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch-flavored sauce, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots. It’s a hearty, cheesy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole is as delicious as it is satisfying.

Why Make This Recipe

Flavorful and Comforting

The creamy ranch dressing, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese come together to create a comforting and rich dish that will please everyone at the table. The golden tater tots on top add a crispy, satisfying crunch, making this casserole the perfect combination of textures.

Perfect for Family Dinners

This casserole is easy to make, and it’s the kind of meal that everyone in the family will love. It’s hearty enough to serve as a complete meal on its own, and it’s a great option for feeding a crowd. Plus, you can customize it by adding extra veggies or using different cheeses to suit your taste.

Quick and Simple

With minimal prep time and just one baking dish to clean up afterward, this casserole is both quick and simple to make. It comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck.

Ingredients & Substitutions

3 cups shredded cooked chicken: The shredded chicken adds protein and flavor. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option or substitute with cooked turkey or ground beef.
10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup: This provides the creamy base for the casserole. You can use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade creamy sauce if preferred.
1 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor to the sauce. You can use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
1/2 cup milk: The milk helps thin out the sauce and make it smooth. You can substitute with almond milk or any other dairy-free milk.
2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning: The ranch seasoning brings all the flavors together. You can use homemade ranch seasoning if you have it on hand.
1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese: Colby Jack cheese is meltable and flavorful, but you can substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
4 slices cooked crumbled bacon: Bacon adds a savory crunch and flavor. You can use turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version.
5 cups frozen tater tots: The tater tots form the crispy top layer. You can use hash browns if you prefer, but tater tots give the perfect texture.
1/4 cup sliced green onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and flavor. You can also use chives or omit them if preferred.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, and 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Mix until well combined.
Transfer to baking dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Add bacon: Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon on top of the chicken mixture.
Arrange tater tots: Place the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the chicken and bacon mixture.
Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Add cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with bacon and green onions: Once the casserole is done, top with the remaining bacon and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. It’s also great with a side of garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.

How to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Pro Tips from the Chef

Use rotisserie chicken: For even faster prep, use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding the chicken.
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.
Add vegetables: Sneak in some veggies by adding frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers to the casserole mix before baking.
Customize the cheese: Try mixing different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack for a richer flavor.
Make it spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a little extra kick.

Variations

Vegetarian Casserole: Omit the chicken and bacon and replace with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the ranch mixture for some heat.
Cheesy Bacon Casserole: Double the amount of bacon and cheese for an even richer casserole.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can cook and shred fresh chicken, but be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole mixture.

Can I use other types of tater tots?
Absolutely! You can use any frozen potato product, but tater tots give the best crispy texture for the top.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Conclusion

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, with the added crunch of crispy tater tots on top. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or taking it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!