Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Start by cooking the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly.
- Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until well combined.
- Add the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon to the bowl. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or lightly oil it.
- Spread the tater tots evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form the crispy base of your casserole.
- Spoon the chicken and ranch mixture on top of the tater tots, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- If desired, add a few extra crumbled pieces of bacon on top for an extra touch of flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the tater tots are crispy.
- If you like your tater tots extra crispy, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time, but be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Variations: If you prefer, you can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker and more convenient option.
- Tater Tot Tips: You can adjust the amount of tater tots based on how crispy you want the bottom layer. You could also try using sweet potato tater tots for a slightly different flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist on the flavor.
Why This Casserole is a Crowd-Pleaser:
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole has everything you want in a comforting dish—crispy tater tots, creamy ranch, savory chicken, and smoky bacon. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a gathering, or just need a hearty meal, this casserole will surely be a hit!