Description: A comforting and flavorful casserole that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and cheesy tater tots. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs cooked chicken, shredded (about 4 cups)
- 1 lb cooked bacon, crumbled (about 2 cups)
- 1 (32 ounce) package frozen tater tots
- 1 (1 ounce) package ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish, optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and crumbled cooked bacon. Make sure the chicken is evenly shredded and the bacon is crumbled into small pieces. This will ensure that the flavors are well distributed throughout the casserole.
Step 3: Make the Ranch Sauce: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning mix, flour, and black pepper until smooth. The flour will help thicken the sauce slightly as it bakes. Ensure that there are no lumps in the sauce and that the ranch seasoning is fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients: Pour the ranch sauce over the chicken and bacon mixture. Stir well to ensure that all the chicken and bacon are evenly coated with the sauce. This step is crucial for ensuring that every bite of the casserole is flavorful.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken and bacon mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface. Make sure the tater tots are placed close together to create a nice crispy topping. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for later.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Add the Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. This final layer of cheese adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Step 8: Let Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set slightly and prevent it from being too runny. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines familiar flavors in a fun and easy-to-make dish. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and cheesy tater tots creates a satisfying and delicious meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and hearty dinner, or for potlucks and gatherings where you want to impress your friends and family with a flavorful and crowd-pleasing dish. The recipe is also versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Taste: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Kid-Friendly: 5/5 (Kids Love It)
- Overall: 5/5 (Highly Recommended)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole hot, straight from the oven.
- Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or biscuits for dipping in the creamy sauce.
- This casserole is also great as leftovers and can be easily reheated in the microwave or oven.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use high-quality cooked chicken and bacon.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or rotisserie chicken.
- If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix, you can make your own by combining dried buttermilk, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or corn.
- If you want a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ranch sauce.
- You can also use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby jack.
- To prevent the tater tots from getting soggy, make sure to bake the casserole at a high enough temperature and don’t overbake it.
- If you’re making this casserole ahead of time, you can assemble it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- If you want to make individual casseroles, you can use muffin tins or ramekins.
- This casserole is also great for meal prepping. You can divide it into individual containers and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximately 1/8 of the casserole)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-35 grams
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg (depending on the bacon and ranch seasoning)
Conclusion:
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its comforting flavors and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and gatherings. The recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked chicken?
A: While it’s best to use cooked chicken for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen chicken if you’re short on time. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the casserole.
Q2: Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?
A: Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt for a healthier option. They will provide a similar creamy texture to the casserole.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can add diced onions, bell peppers, corn, or any other vegetables that you like to the casserole. Just make sure to cook them slightly before adding them to the chicken and bacon mixture.
Q4: How do I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?
A: To prevent the tater tots from getting soggy, make sure to bake the casserole at a high enough temperature and don’t overbake it. Also, make sure the tater tots are arranged in a single layer over the chicken mixture.
Q5: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
