Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this casserole, you’ll need:
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – for assembling and baking the casserole.
- Large skillet – for cooking the bacon.
- Mixing bowls – to combine the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements.
- Spatula – for spreading the layers evenly.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and crumble it. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon (reserve a bit for topping), ranch dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and the reserved bacon crumbles. Serve hot.
Tips and Variations
- Add vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, mix in some steamed broccoli or peas with the chicken.
- Use rotisserie chicken: To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken for easy shredding.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
- Swap the soup: For a different flavor, try using cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken.