Looking for a delicious, family-friendly casserole that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch sauce, gooey cheese, and golden tater tots baked to perfection.
Whether you’re searching for a chicken tot casserole, a classic hotdish recipe, or a creamy ranch sauce dish, this bacon ranch tater tot casserole is a crowd-pleasing, one-pan meal that’s great for weeknights, potlucks, or game-day feasts!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- One-Pan Wonder – A simple, dump-and-bake recipe with minimal cleanup.
- Creamy, Cheesy & Crunchy – Layers of savory ranch sauce, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots.
- Family-Friendly & Kid-Approved – A dish that everyone will love!
- Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead, store, and reheat for an easy dinner.
- Customizable – Add extra veggies, swap proteins, or make it spicier.
Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this chicken hotdish casserole, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven & baking rack
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
- In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Stir in shredded chicken, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon over the top.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Crispy
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the tater tots are crispy.
- If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes for an extra golden crust.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, then serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Tot Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken – Saves time and adds great flavor!
- For extra crispiness – Arrange the tater tots standing up for max crunch.
- Want a richer sauce? – Add ½ cup cream cheese to the mixture.
- Spice it up – Add 1 teaspoon of buffalo sauce or hot sauce to the ranch mixture.
- Make it extra cheesy – Add Parmesan or Monterey Jack cheese for more flavor.
Fun Variations of Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole – Replace ranch dressing with buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
- BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole – Add ¼ cup BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor.
- Loaded Ranch Chicken Casserole – Mix in green onions, jalapeños, and extra bacon for a loaded-style dish.
- Vegetable-Packed Version – Stir in broccoli, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole – Swap chicken for ground beef for a classic “hotdish” feel.
How to Store & Reheat Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or air-fry at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp up tater tots.
Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips
- Serve with a side salad to balance the richness.
- Drizzle with extra ranch dressing for added flavor.
- Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Tater Tot Casserole
- Overloading the tater tots – Keep them in a single layer for even crisping.
- Using cold ingredients – Let cream cheese and sour cream come to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Skipping the broil step – Adds an extra golden-brown crunch on top!
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus – A fresh, crunchy contrast.
- Garlic butter green beans – Adds a light, garlicky side.
- Cornbread or biscuits – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes! Use thinly sliced potatoes and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake as directed.
3. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw and shred it first for the best texture.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy comfort dish that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, and family dinners. Whether you’re making it as a chicken hotdish, a ranch tater tot casserole, or a quick meal-prep dish, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Try this easy casserole recipe today and share your results! Tag us on social media and subscribe for more delicious family meals!
PrintChicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole : Cheesy Food
Looking for a delicious, family-friendly casserole that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 50
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
- In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Stir in shredded chicken, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon over the top.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Crispy
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the tater tots are crispy.
- If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes for an extra golden crust.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken – Saves time and adds great flavor!
- For extra crispiness – Arrange the tater tots standing up for max crunch.
- Want a richer sauce? – Add ½ cup cream cheese to the mixture.
- Spice it up – Add 1 teaspoon of buffalo sauce or hot sauce to the ranch mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Tater Tots