Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
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Total Time: 55–60 minutes
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Yield: 8 servings
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Dietary Badges: Comfort Food, Family-Friendly, One-Pan
Ingredients
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Cooked shredded chicken
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Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
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Cheddar cheese (shredded)
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Sour cream
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Condensed cream of chicken soup
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Ranch dressing mix (dry packet)
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Frozen tater tots
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Salt & pepper
Instructions
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Preheat Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
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Mix Filling – In a large bowl, combine chicken, bacon, cheese, sour cream, soup, and ranch mix. Season with salt and pepper.
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Add Tater Tots – Gently fold in frozen tater tots until evenly coated.
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Assemble – Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish.
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Bake – 40–45 minutes, until bubbly and tater tots are golden brown.
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Rest & Serve – Let stand a few minutes before serving.
Notes
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Swap cream of chicken with cream of mushroom for a different flavor.
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Add paprika or hot sauce for spice.
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Stir in veggies like peas, corn, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Introduction
This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the definition of hearty comfort food—crispy on top, creamy in the middle, and loaded with flavor from ranch seasoning, bacon, and plenty of cheese. It’s an all-in-one crowd-pleaser that works for family dinners, potlucks, or game day spreads.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish
Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with easy serving.
2. Build the Filling
Combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, sour cream, condensed soup, and ranch dressing mix in a large mixing bowl. Season to taste.
3. Fold in the Tater Tots
Add frozen tater tots directly to the bowl and gently mix so they’re evenly coated in the creamy filling.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture into your prepared dish, smoothing into an even layer.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until bubbly and the tater tots are crisp and golden.
6. Rest & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set before scooping into generous portions.
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
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Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for quick prep.
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Bacon: Thick-cut bacon gives more bite and smoky flavor.
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Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a tangy edge; try a blend with Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
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Soup Base: Cream of mushroom, celery, or even cheddar soup can change up the flavor.
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Veggies: Add frozen peas, corn, or diced broccoli for a balanced meal.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
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Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or chili flakes.
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BBQ Twist: Swap ranch seasoning for BBQ seasoning and use BBQ sauce instead of some of the sour cream.
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Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning and top with fresh cilantro before serving.
Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead Info
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container.
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Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge before baking.
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Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave portions until hot.
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Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake before serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
A: Yes—parboil cubed potatoes first, then use in place of frozen tots.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes—cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3, but the tots won’t get as crispy as in the oven.
Q: How do I make it lighter?
A: Use reduced-fat cheese, light sour cream, and turkey bacon.
Personal Note
This casserole is my go-to “everyone’s happy” dinner. The crunchy tater tot topping with that creamy, cheesy filling hits all the comfort food notes—and the fact that it’s so easy to make is just a bonus.
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