Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

This creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole has become one of my go-to comfort meals when I want something warm filling and family approved

It brings together crispy tater tots juicy chicken smoky bacon and ranch flavor into one bubbling dish that always disappears quickly at the table

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses frozen tater tots and rotisserie chicken for minimal prep
• Crowd pleasing flavors everyone loves ranch and bacon
• Perfect for meal prep freezes and reheats beautifully

I remember making this on a chilly weekend when I had leftover chicken in the fridge and it instantly became a dinner hit I now keep all the ingredients on hand for a quick toss together meal

Ingredients

• Cooked shredded chicken breast adds lean protein and holds up well in baking
• Chopped cooked bacon brings rich savory crunch throughout each bite
• Frozen tater tots create the golden crispy topping kids especially love these
• Ranch dressing delivers creamy tangy flavor that pairs with the other ingredients
• Milk thins out the sauce to coat everything evenly
• All purpose flour helps the sauce thicken while baking

Look for high quality ranch with no artificial flavors and thick cut bacon for better texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to fully preheat so the dish bakes evenly from the start

Make the sauce

In a mixing bowl whisk together the ranch dressing milk and flour until the mixture is smooth with no clumps

Layer chicken and bacon

In your baking dish spread the cooked shredded chicken and chopped bacon across the bottom making sure they are evenly distributed

Add the sauce

Pour the ranch mixture evenly over the chicken and bacon then gently stir everything in the dish so it is fully coated

Top with tater tots

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single even layer over the top pressing down lightly to ensure even browning

Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy

Cool and serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving this helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve clean portions

You Must Know

• Good source of protein and satisfying fats
• Can be made ahead and frozen before baking
• Kid friendly and great for picky eaters

One time my youngest insisted on calling this crispy chicken pie and now the name has stuck in our house it is become a family joke every time I serve it

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days
• To freeze wrap the entire dish tightly and store for up to two months
• Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use leftover turkey or ground chicken if you do not have shredded chicken
• Greek yogurt ranch can be used for a lighter version
• Swap out the bacon with turkey bacon or veggie bacon if preferred

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal
• This dish also goes great with coleslaw or roasted green beans
• Add shredded cheese inside for a cheesier version or a little hot sauce for heat

Cultural Context

This dish is a playful twist on the classic American tater tot casserole with a nod to the ranch loving Midwest
Casseroles like this gained popularity in the 1950s as easy weeknight meals using pantry staples
Its structure and flavor are built for casual family dinners potlucks and gatherings

Pro Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken to save prep time
• Do not thaw the tater tots before baking or they will turn mushy
• Let the casserole rest ten minutes before cutting to help it hold its shape

Print