Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole?

Absolutely. You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the dish and wrap tightly. If freezing after, allow it to cool completely, portion it if desired, and store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?

If you don’t have dry ranch mix, you can make a homemade blend using dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. You could also use buffalo sauce or a garlic-herb seasoning for a twist.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Description

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with creamy ranch-seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots. A perfect one-dish dinner for busy nights and picky eaters, this casserole is hearty, customizable, and irresistibly cheesy.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
5 cups frozen tater tots
1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Mix the Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly into all corners. Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon over the top of the creamy layer.
Add the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the bacon and chicken base. Don’t thaw them first—they’ll crisp up better from frozen.
Bake Until Bubbly: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tots start to turn golden and the casserole is bubbling.
Finish with Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top, and return it to the oven for 10 more minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Top with the rest of the bacon and fresh green onions just before serving for extra flavor and a pop of color.

Notes

To lighten this dish, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese. You can swap out the chicken for cooked ground turkey or beef. If your tater tots aren’t crispy enough, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end—but keep a close eye to prevent burning. Add vegetables like spinach, corn, or mushrooms to sneak in extra nutrition without changing the flavor profile too much.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of casserole)
Calories: 490
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 95mg