Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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Cook Time: 65 minutes

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup. Imagine a loaded baked potato transformed into a golden, cheesy, crispy casserole that will delight everyone at the table. With tender rotisserie chicken, savory bacon, and a creamy ranch-infused sauce, its a shortcut-friendly dish that doesnt skimp on flavor. Pre-baking the tater tots guarantees that perfect crunch that makes this casserole unforgettable.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 (32 oz) package frozen potato tots (about 6 1/2 cups)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2/3 cup ranch dressing
• 1 (1 oz) envelope ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
• 5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (from a 3 lb chicken)
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 1/4 cups cooked, crumbled bacon (about 10 slices), divided
• Sliced scallions for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 450F (200C) and lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Spread the tater tots evenly on a large baking sheet. Bake until golden and crispy, about 35 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 375F (190C).
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch dressing, ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, and granulated garlic until smooth.
4. Fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of the cooked bacon until everything is fully coated with the creamy mixture.
5. Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
6. Top with the baked tater tots evenly across the casserole.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and golden.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cooked bacon on top and garnish with sliced scallions before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1/8 recipe)

• Calories: 823
• Total Fat: 53g (68% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 15g (77% DV)
• Cholesterol: 225mg (75% DV)
• Sodium: 2106mg (92% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g (14% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (9% DV)
• Total Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 49g (98% DV)
• Vitamin C: 5mg (6% DV)
• Calcium: 200mg (15% DV)
• Iron: 3mg (14% DV)
• Potassium: 915mg (19% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient values may vary depending on ingredients and preparation methods.

History of Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a modern evolution of classic American hot dishes that gained popularity in the Midwest during the mid-20th century. Originally, casseroles became household staples thanks to their simplicity, affordability, and ability to feed large families. The combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and chicken emerged much later, inspired by the rise of ranch-flavored comfort foods in the 1990s, when ranch dressing reached peak cultural popularity in the United States.

Regional Variations

Although the dish is enjoyed nationwide, it is most commonly associated with Midwestern and Southern home cooking. In the Midwest, cooks often use locally produced cheese and prefer extra-crispy tots to mimic traditional hot dish textures. In the South, variations sometimes include spicy ranch blends or additions like jalapeos for a flavorful kick. Some Western adaptations swap rotisserie chicken for smoked chicken, adding a deeper, wood-fired aroma to the casserole.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While many casseroles rely on pasta or rice, this dish stands out with its signature tater tot topping, which provides a crunchy texture not found in most baked entres. Unlike classic chicken-and-rice bakes or potato gratins, it combines two types of ranchdressing and seasoning mixcreating a bolder, herb-forward flavor profile. The addition of sharp Cheddar and smoky bacon also distinguishes it from simpler chicken casseroles, offering a more layered and indulgent taste experience.

Where It Is Commonly Served

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is most often served at family gatherings, potlucks, weeknight dinners, and church socials. Its hearty ingredients and crowd-pleasing flavor make it popular for game-day spreads and outdoor gatherings, where comforting, filling dishes are essential. Because it reheats well, it is also a frequent inclusion in meal prep menus and freezer-friendly recipe collections.

Interesting Facts

One fun fact is that tater tots were invented in the 1950s as a way to use leftover potato scrapsyet they quickly became a beloved American staple. Ranch dressing, another star ingredient, remains the most consumed salad dressing in the U.S., which helps explain the casseroles widespread appeal. Many home cooks report creating their own variations by swapping ingredients such as turkey, pepper jack cheese, or even barbecue sauce, proving how versatile the dish can be. Its popularity continues to grow thanks to viral internet recipes and the modern love of nostalgic comfort food.

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