Chicken Bacon Ranch Tots

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole brings together juicy shredded chicken and smoky bacon in a creamy ranch sauce topped with crispy golden tater tots. It is a comforting favorite perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken makes this dish quick to assemble while the crispy tater tots add the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy filling. It’s also great for leftovers and meal prep, keeping well in the fridge or freezer.

I started making this when my schedule got hectic and found it to be a total lifesaver. Now it’s requested by my kids after soccer practice and rarely lasts beyond the first meal.

Ingredients

• Cooked bacon: adds a smoky richness so choose thick, meaty slices from the deli or butcher for the best flavor
• Cooked chicken breasts: provide the hearty base and using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds convenience
• Frozen tater tots: create a crispy golden topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling and are easy to keep on hand for busy nights
• Ranch dressing: brings creamy tang and melds the flavors together, opt for a thick, flavorful brand or make your own if you prefer
• Whole milk: lends silkiness and richness to the sauce ensuring a smooth, comforting texture
• All-purpose flour: is used to thicken the sauce just enough so be careful to measure accurately and sift if possible to avoid lumps

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Set your oven to three hundred seventy five Fahrenheit and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the casserole ingredients so everything cooks evenly throughout

Make the Ranch Sauce:

In a sturdy bowl whisk together ranch dressing milk and flour until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps to ensure the sauce stays creamy once baked

Layer the Chicken and Bacon:

In a deep baking dish combine shredded cooked chicken and chopped bacon mixing well so every bite has a perfect balance of flavors

Add the Sauce:

Pour the ranch mixture over the chicken and bacon then stir to coat everything thoroughly allowing the tangy ranch flavor to infuse the filling

Top with Tater Tots:

Arrange frozen tater tots in a single even layer covering the filling entirely to create a crispy golden top that bakes to perfection

Bake to Perfection:

Place the uncovered casserole in the oven and bake for forty to forty five minutes until the tater tots are bubbling and crisp which is key for that satisfying crunch

Rest and Serve:

Let the casserole cool for five to ten minutes before slicing so the flavors settle and the dish holds together nicely when served

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Nothing compares to the smoky aroma of bacon as it bakes in this dish. My family always sneaks a crispy tater tot before dinner is even served. It has become the centerpiece of many cozy weekend meals and celebrations.

Storage tips

Wrap leftovers tightly and store in the fridge where they will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage freeze in a suitable container for as long as two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven to keep the crispy topping intact. For reheating individual servings, a toaster oven or air fryer works great to restore crunch.

Ingredient substitutions

Shredded rotisserie chicken can replace freshly cooked chicken saving time without sacrificing flavor. If ranch dressing is not available, mix mayonnaise with garlic powder dried dill parsley and onion powder to create a simple homemade substitute. Turkey bacon is a lighter alternative to traditional bacon while low fat milk can be used if desired though the sauce will be less creamy.

Serving suggestions

Pair this casserole with a green salad and fresh cherry tomatoes for a crisp refreshing balance or serve with sliced apples for a hint of sweetness. It also shines as a potluck favorite brought warm in a slow cooker where it invites people back for seconds. For brunch add sliced scallions or chives and a drizzle of extra ranch dressing for added brightness.

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Cultural history

Tater tot casseroles have been a staple in Midwest American cooking since the mid twentieth century when casseroles became popular for easy family meals. The combination of frozen convenience foods with homemade flavors made them beloved weeknight dishes. Adding ranch and bacon gives this traditional classic an irresistible modern twist full of savory punch.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve crispy tater tots on top?

Arrange frozen tater tots in a single even layer atop the filling and bake at 375°F until the tots turn a deep golden brown, usually 40-45 minutes. Preheating the oven fully ensures optimal crispness.

→ Can I add cheese for extra flavor?

Absolutely. Adding shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken and bacon before topping with tater tots adds richness and a creamy melt throughout the bake.

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Shredded cooked chicken breast is ideal, but rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken offer convenient and flavorful alternatives without sacrificing tenderness.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes for thorough heating.

→ How should leftovers be stored for best quality?

Cool leftovers promptly and store airtight in the fridge for up to three days or freeze portions for up to two months. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crisp texture on top.

→ Are there any good substitutions for ingredients?

Turkey bacon offers a lighter smoky option. If ranch is unavailable, mix mayonnaise with garlic powder, dried dill, parsley, and onion powder for a creamy alternative. Low-fat milk works but yields a slightly less creamy sauce.