Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the hearty, indulgent flavors of a casserole. And if you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, look no further than Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole. This dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and golden tater tots into one irresistible meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a potluck, or just craving something cozy, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.

In this article, we’ll walk you through two delicious variations of this classic dish: a traditional version and a lightened-up version for those looking to cut back on calories without sacrificing flavor. We’ll also include tips for meal prep, storage, and serving suggestions. Let’s get cooking!

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Traditional Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

This version is rich, cheesy, and loaded with all the good stuff. It’s perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

(Serves 6-8)

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing onions and garlic)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • If using onions and garlic, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent (about 3-4 minutes), then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, sautéed onions and garlic (if using), ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
   • Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture. For extra crispiness, space them slightly apart.
4. Bake:
   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
   • Serve warm and enjoy!

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Lightened-Up Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

For those looking to enjoy this comfort food classic with fewer calories, this lightened-up version uses healthier substitutions without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients

(Serves 6-8)

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or light sour cream)
• 1/2 cup light ranch dressing
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen cauliflower tots (or a mix of cauliflower tots and regular tater tots)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing onions and garlic)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • If using onions and garlic, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent (about 3-4 minutes), then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, sautéed onions and garlic (if using), ranch seasoning mix, Greek yogurt, light ranch dressing, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, and reduced-fat mozzarella cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
   • Arrange the frozen cauliflower tots (or a mix of cauliflower tots and regular tater tots) in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture.
4. Bake:
   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
   • Serve warm and enjoy!

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Tips for Success

• Meal Prep: This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
• Customize It: Feel free to add your favorite veggies, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach, to the filling for extra nutrition.
• Crispy Tater Tots: For extra-crispy tots, spray them lightly with cooking spray before baking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

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Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a more substantial spread. It’s also a hit at potlucks and game-day gatherings!

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Why This Casserole Works

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. The combination of savory chicken, smoky bacon, tangy ranch, and crispy tater tots creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you opt for the traditional version or the lightened-up version, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is guaranteed to become a family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

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Final Thoughts

Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, and this Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is proof of that. With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this casserole is a winner.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic happen. Your taste buds will thank you