Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

introduction

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is warm, cheesy, and easy. It uses tater tots, shredded chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese. You can make it on a weeknight or for a simple family meal. For a similar idea using tater tots, see this tater tot chicken casserole.

why make this recipe

Make this dish because it is quick, filling, and kids love it. It mixes simple pantry ingredients into one pan. You can cook it ahead and bake it when you need dinner. The flavors are familiar: ranch, bacon, chicken, and cheese. If you want more chicken ideas to serve with sides, try these chicken breast recipes.

how to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

This is a step-by-step plan. Preheat the oven, make a simple sauce with butter and flour, add milk and ranch, mix in chicken and bacon, layer with tater tots, top with cheese, and bake until golden.

Ingredients :

• 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 4 cooked, shredded chicken breasts
• 32 oz. frozen tater tots
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour and stir to combine, cooking for about 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
5. Stir in the ranch dressing, cooked chicken, bacon, and season with salt and pepper.
6. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the tater tots.
7. Pour the chicken mixture over the tater tots.
8. Top with the remaining tater tots and cheddar cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
10. Serve warm.

how to serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Cut the casserole into squares and serve on plates. Add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. A light dressing or a few sliced tomatoes work well. Let guests help themselves for a relaxed meal.

how to store Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover and place in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 15-20 minutes. You can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

• Use cooked shredded chicken from a rotisserie for speed.
• Cook the bacon ahead so it stays crisp.
• If the sauce is too thin, cook it a bit longer to thicken.
• For extra flavor, add a little onion powder or garlic powder.
• Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to set.

variation (if any)

• Add frozen peas or corn to the chicken mix for veggies.
• Swap mild cheddar for pepper jack for heat.
• Use cauliflower tots for a lower-carb option.
• Replace ranch with blue cheese dressing for a different taste.

FAQs

Q: Can I use raw chicken?
A: It is best to use cooked chicken. If you use raw, cook it fully first, then shred and add.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate. Bake when ready, add a few extra minutes if cold.

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
A: You can, but tater tots give the classic texture. If you use fresh potatoes, par-cook them first.

Q: Is this recipe freezer safe?
A: Yes. Freeze in portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I reduce the cheese?
A: Yes. Use less cheese or a lighter cheese to cut calories.

Conclusion

For a handy reference and another version of this dish, see Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole – Quick Weeknight Meals.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a warm, cheesy dish combining tater tots, shredded chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing. It's perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 430

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Casserole Ingredients

• 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped Cooked until crispy
• 4 pieces cooked, shredded chicken breasts Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
• 32 oz. frozen tater tots
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp butter For making the sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• to taste Salt & pepper

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour and stir to combine, cooking for about 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
5. Stir in the ranch dressing, cooked chicken, bacon, and season with salt and pepper.

Assembly

1. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the tater tots.
2. Pour the chicken mixture over the tater tots.
3. Top with the remaining tater tots and cheddar cheese.

Baking

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
2. Serve warm.

Notes

Cut the casserole into squares and serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Let guests help themselves for a relaxed meal. For extra flavor, consider adding onion powder or garlic powder to the mixture.