Cheesy Chicken Bacon Tater Tot Casserole
Dive into the delicious world of comfort food with this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole—without the use of traditional potatoes! Perfect for those who love cheesy, bacon-filled dishes, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite in your home. With wholesome ingredients and an irresistible blend of flavors, it’s a comforting meal that combines the satisfaction of tater tots with the delightful creaminess of ranch dressing and the savory crunch of bacon. Get ready to indulge!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 4 cooked, shredded chicken breasts
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 32 oz. frozen tater tots
- 1.5 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook 6 slices of bacon in a skillet until they’re crispy. Once cooked, chop the bacon into small pieces.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until combined. Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of ranch dressing, adding salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Bacon
In a large bowl, mix 4 cooked, shredded chicken breasts with the chopped bacon and 0.75 cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese. Pour in the creamy ranch sauce and stir until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Layer the Tater Tots
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly layer 32 oz. of frozen tater tots at the bottom of the dish.
Step 6: Spread the Chicken Mixture
Spread the chicken and bacon mixture evenly over the layer of tater tots.
Step 7: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 0.75 cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
Storage
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just assemble it and cover it tightly. When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Variations
Feel free to add vegetables such as broccoli or corn for added nutrition and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for a unique spin on the dish.