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Easy Family Bake

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This comfort food casserole combines crispy tater tots, shredded chicken, and bacon in a creamy ranch sauce, all topped with melty cheese. Quick to assemble and sure to please the whole family.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:07:34 GMT
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A close-up of a cheesy, baked dish featuring chicken, gnocchi, and crispy bacon, with a serving spoon lifting a portion from a black skillet. Pin it
A close-up of a cheesy, baked dish featuring chicken, gnocchi, and crispy bacon, with a serving spoon lifting a portion from a black skillet. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my family's favorite comfort food - Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole! This cozy dish layers crispy tater tots with tender chicken crispy bacon and the most amazing creamy ranch sauce all topped with melted cheddar. I love how easy it is to throw together and it always gets rave reviews whether it's a family dinner or game day gathering.

What Makes It Special

This casserole combines all those flavors we crave - smoky bacon rich cheddar and tangy ranch dressing. The tater tots get so perfectly crispy on top while everything underneath stays creamy and delicious. Best of all it comes together in just over 30 minutes making it perfect for busy nights.

What You'll Need

  • The Main Players:
    • Crispy chopped bacon (6 slices)
    • Shredded cooked chicken (4 breasts)
    • Frozen tater tots (32 oz)
    • Creamy ranch dressing
  • For the Sauce:
    • Fresh milk
    • Butter
    • Flour to thicken
    • Shredded cheddar
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Let's Get Cooking

Get Started:
Heat your oven to 375°F cook that bacon until crispy.
Make the Magic Sauce:
Melt butter whisk in flour add milk and ranch until creamy.
Mix It Up:
Combine chicken bacon cheese and that amazing sauce.
Build Your Layers:
Tots on bottom topped with your chicken mixture.
Finish with Cheese:
Add more cheese bake until golden and bubbly.

Perfect Pairings

While this casserole is plenty filling on its own I love serving it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. Some warm rolls are perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. Want it extra indulgent? Add a dollop of sour cream or ranch on top.

Keep It Fresh

This keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 days. Warm it in the oven to keep those tots crispy or use the microwave when you're in a hurry. Want to make it ahead? You can freeze it uncooked for up to 2 months.

A close-up of a cheesy chicken and bacon casserole topped with golden tater tots and garnished with chopped herbs. Pin it
A close-up of a cheesy chicken and bacon casserole topped with golden tater tots and garnished with chopped herbs. | cookingwithcasey.com

Pure Comfort Food

This casserole is my go-to when I need something that's sure to make everyone happy. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a big gathering that creamy ranch sauce crispy tots and savory chicken-bacon combo never disappoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated and add 5-10 minutes to baking time.

→ What's the best way to shred chicken?

Use two forks to pull cooked chicken apart, or shred while still warm. Rotisserie chicken works great for quick prep.

→ Should I thaw the tater tots first?

No, use them frozen. They'll cook perfectly during baking and help maintain their crispy texture.

→ How do I prevent a runny casserole?

Make sure your sauce is properly thickened before adding it, and let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

→ What can I serve with this?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make perfect sides to balance the rich casserole.

Ranch Tot Casserole

A creamy, crunchy, cheesy casserole filled with chicken, bacon, and tater tots—perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped.
02 4 cooked, shredded chicken breasts.
03 32 oz frozen tater tots.
04 ½ cup ranch dressing.
05 1 cup milk.
06 2 tbsp all-purpose flour.
07 3 tbsp butter.
08 1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese.
09 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Cook bacon until crispy if using raw.

Step 03

Melt butter in saucepan.

Step 04

Add flour, whisk in milk until thick.

Step 05

Mix in ranch dressing, salt, pepper.

Step 06

Combine chicken, bacon, half the cheese.

Step 07

Mix with ranch sauce.

Step 08

Layer tater tots in greased 9x13 dish.

Step 09

Top with chicken mixture.

Step 10

Sprinkle remaining cheese.

Step 11

Bake 30-35 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

  1. Can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  2. Great for family dinners or gatherings.
  3. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Saucepan.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Whisk.
  • Measuring cups.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk (cheese, ranch).
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Eggs (may contain in ranch).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 32 g