Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe š – Easy Comfort Food for Any Night!
Looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole thatās 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 isnāt 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 Youāll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole has everything you need in a mealācheese, bacon, and crispy totsāall in one comforting dish. Itās easy to make, reheats well for leftovers, and is a hit with both kids and adults. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, itās the ultimate go-to recipe for any night of the week.