Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
This comforting, indulgent casserole combines savory shredded chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and crispy tater tots, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It's a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of cooked bacon or microwave bacon
- 4 cooked and shredded chicken breasts
- 32 oz. bag of frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked through. Once cooled, shred the chicken using a mixer or two forks.
- In a small saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over low heat.
- Whisk in 2 tbsp flour, cooking until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk, then add salt and pepper to taste. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in 1/2 cup ranch dressing until fully combined.
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Pour the ranch sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Layer the frozen tater tots over the cheese, covering the entire dish.
- Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the tater tots start to crisp up.
- While the casserole is baking, cook the bacon slices (if not already cooked), crumble them, and set aside.
- Once the tater tots are crispy, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into portions and serve hot.
Notes
Customize this dish by adding jalapeños for a spicy kick, using different cheeses, or making a healthier version with low-fat cheese and turkey bacon. For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend.
Nutrition
Serving: 250gCalories: 550kcal
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