Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Start by cooking the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. 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.
  3. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until well combined.
  2. 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

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or lightly oil it.
  2. Spread the tater tots evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form the crispy base of your casserole.
  3. Spoon the chicken and ranch mixture on top of the tater tots, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

  1. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  2. If desired, add a few extra crumbled pieces of bacon on top for an extra touch of flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

  1. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. 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!

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