Description
Hearty chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole delivers comfort on a plate, blending creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots. Southern kitchen magic meets simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked
- 32 ounces (907 grams) frozen tater tots
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Create a rich, savory casserole by preparing all components with precision and layering flavors strategically.
- Heat the oven to a high temperature of 425°F (220°C) to ensure crisp tater tots and melted cheese.
- Thoroughly cook chicken breasts, then shred into tender, bite-sized pieces using a stand mixer or two forks.
- Craft a velvety sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, then whisking in flour to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually introduce milk to the roux, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a thick, creamy base.
- Incorporate ranch dressing into the sauce, blending until a uniform, tangy mixture develops.
- Prepare a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent ingredients from adhering.
- Distribute shredded chicken evenly across the dish’s bottom, creating a uniform protein foundation.
- Generously pour the ranch sauce over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the first layer of cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and integrate with the sauce.
- Carefully arrange frozen tater tots in a neat, overlapping pattern to maximize crispy surface area.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing tots to transform into golden, crunchy morsels.
- While the casserole bakes, crisp bacon until perfectly rendered and crumble into rustic pieces.
- Remove casserole and adorn with remaining cheese and bacon crumbles for added texture and flavor.
- Return to oven for a final 5-minute melting session, creating a bubbling, irresistible top layer.
- Allow casserole to rest briefly, then serve hot, revealing layers of creamy, crunchy deliciousness.
Notes
- Swap chicken with turkey or plant-based protein for dietary variations and healthier alternatives.
- Opt for low-fat cheese and turkey bacon to reduce overall calorie and fat content.
- Use gluten-free flour and ensure tater tots are gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
- For extra crunch, consider toasting breadcrumbs with herbs and sprinkle over the final cheese layer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg