Name: Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients: 4 cooked and shredded chicken breasts; 6 slices of cooked bacon or microwave bacon; 32 oz. bag of frozen tater tots; ½ cup ranch dressing; 1 cup milk; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 tbsp butter; 1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided; Salt and pepper to taste; Non-stick cooking spray

Description

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious, family-friendly meal combining shredded chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, melty cheddar cheese, and golden tater tots. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or a comforting meal for the family.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cooked and shredded chicken breasts
6 slices of cooked bacon or microwave bacon
32 oz. bag of frozen tater tots
½ cup ranch dressing
1 cup milk
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tbsp butter
1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Cook and Shred the Chicken
Cook 4 chicken breasts using your preferred method (baking, grilling, or boiling). Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly and shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer.
Cook the Bacon
If your bacon isn’t already cooked, fry 6 slices until crispy. You can do this on the stovetop or use microwave bacon for a quicker option. Once cooked, crumble the bacon and set it aside.
Make the Ranch Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt 3 tbsp of butter over low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes golden and smooth.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk, adding it a little at a time to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in ½ cup of ranch dressing and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined, and then remove the saucepan from the heat.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Pour the prepared ranch sauce over the chicken, ensuring it covers the chicken evenly.
- Sprinkle ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce.
- Layer the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese.
Bake the Casserole
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
Final Toppings
Once the tater tots are crispy, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon on top of the tater tots.
Final Bake
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to cut into portions.
Serve and Enjoy
Cut into portions and serve hot. Optional garnishes include a drizzle of extra ranch dressing or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Notes

You can substitute turkey bacon or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a faster prep.
For added nutrition, mix in vegetables like broccoli or peas before adding the tater tots.
This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.