Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe šŸ˜ – Easy Comfort Food for Any Night!

Looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole thatā€™s both creamy and loaded with flavor? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots with a cheesy, ranch-flavored sauce. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy weekend treat!

Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

  • Main Ingredients:
    • 4 cooked and shredded chicken breasts
    • 6 slices of crispy, cooked bacon, chopped
    • 32 oz frozen tater tots
    • 1Ā½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
  • For the Ranch Sauce:
    • Ā½ cup ranch dressing
    • 1 cup milk
    • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
    • 3 tbsp butter
    • Salt & pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Set your oven to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the casserole.

2. Cook and Chop Bacon:

  • If your bacon isnā€™t cooked, fry it until crispy, then chop into small pieces.

3. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce:

  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, cooking until combined and lightly golden.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
  • Remove from heat, then add ranch dressing, salt, and pepper to taste.

4. Mix the Chicken, Bacon, and Cheese:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, and half of the shredded cheese. Pour the ranch sauce over the mixture and stir until well-coated.

5. Layer the Tater Tots and Chicken Mixture:

  • Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour the chicken and ranch mixture over the tater tots, spreading evenly.

6. Add More Cheese:

  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for a golden, melty finish.

7. Bake the Casserole:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

  • Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This dish is perfect for a family meal, game day, or potluck!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

Each serving is packed with comforting flavors, roughly providing:

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g

Tips and Variations

  • Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, stir in some chopped broccoli or bell peppers with the chicken mixture.
  • Extra Ranch Flavor: Add a packet of dry ranch seasoning mix to enhance the ranch flavor.
  • Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, toss in some chopped jalapeƱos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Why Youā€™ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole has everything you need in a mealā€”cheese, bacon, and crispy totsā€”all in one comforting dish. Itā€™s easy to make, reheats well for leftovers, and is a hit with both kids and adults. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, itā€™s the ultimate go-to recipe for any night of the week.

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