Introduction
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together some of everyone’s favorite ingredients. This casserole combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and crispy tater tots to create a delightful comfort food that is perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
– 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
– 1 package (16 oz) frozen tater tots
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup cream of chicken soup
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot enough for baking the casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it is crispy. Once done, remove from heat, let it cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
In the same skillet, add cooked and shredded chicken. If you have rotisserie chicken, it works perfectly. Stir it with the bacon pieces for an even distribution of flavors.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine ranch dressing with cream cheese until smooth. This will create a creamy sauce to mix through the casserole.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, bacon, and ranch mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 6: Layer Tater Tots
Spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 7: Add the Chicken Mixture
Spoon the chicken, bacon, and ranch mixture over the layer of tater tots, spreading it out evenly.
Step 8: Top with Remaining Tater Tots
Place the remaining tater tots on top of the chicken mixture, ensuring full coverage.
Step 9: Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole to create a delicious cheesy crust.
Step 10: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy!
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Options
You may use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken for this recipe.
Note 2: Cheese Variations
Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for added flavor.
Note 3: Add Vegetables
You can incorporate vegetables like broccoli or peas into the chicken mixture for added nutrition.
Note 4: Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Note 5: Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Layering Ingredients
Layer ingredients evenly in the casserole dish to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors. Start with a base of tater tots, followed by chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing, repeating layers as needed.
Baking
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Broiling
For an extra crispy topping, switch the oven to broil during the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Cooking Chicken
Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use pre-cooked chicken or raw chicken that has been seasoned and cooked thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.
Crisping Bacon
Cook bacon until crispy before adding it to the casserole. This adds flavor and texture, ensuring it doesn’t become chewy during baking.
FAQ
Can I use frozen tater tots?
Yes, frozen tater tots are perfect for this casserole and require no thawing before use.
What type of chicken should I use?
You can use rotisserie chicken, cooked chicken breast, or even leftover chicken for convenience.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
You can substitute ranch dressing with a homemade version or use a different creamy dressing, like blue cheese or Caesar.
Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Yes, you can replace the chicken and bacon with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable stock instead of ranch dressing.
Conclusion
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the hearty flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning. It’s an excellent option for family dinners or potlucks, bringing everyone together over a warm, savory meal. Its blend of textures and tastes makes it a crowd-pleaser that you can easily customize, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
More recipes suggestions and combination
BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Swap out the ranch for barbecue sauce and use shredded BBQ chicken for a smoky twist. Top with cheddar cheese and crispy onions for added flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
For an extra kick, incorporate buffalo sauce with shredded chicken. Serve with a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole
Replace the chicken and bacon with your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. Mix in some ranch seasoning for zest.
Southwest Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Add black beans, corn, and diced peppers to the mix, and season with taco spices for a southwestern flair. Top with salsa and avocado for freshness.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Tater Tot Casserole
Incorporate steamed broccoli and a creamy cheese sauce with the chicken for a cheesy and nutritious version that everyone will love.
Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole
Use scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese with tater tots for a breakfast version that’s perfect for brunch gatherings. Add a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.