Life's too short for complicated recipes Let's make it deliciously easy together
🍲

Loading...

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

4.8/5
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
⏱️
55min Time
👥
8 servings Servings
🟢
Easy Difficulty
💰
Moderate Cost
🔥
580 kcal Calories

Video Tutorial

ℹ️ Video Disclaimer: This video is embedded from YouTube and is not owned by us. All rights belong to the original creator. Watch on YouTube

Ingredients

8
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
  • 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish

2

In a large bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth

3

Add the diced chicken, crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping), green onions, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the ranch mixture. Stir until everything is well coated

4

Spread the chicken and bacon mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish

5

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture

6

Bake for 30 minutes, or until tater tots are starting to brown

7

Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and reserved bacon over the tater tots

8

Return to oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and tater tots are golden and crispy

9

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions if desired

Kitchen Tools

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Chef's Tips

Use rotisserie chicken for easiest prep

Cook bacon in the oven on a sheet pan for easier cleanup

Don't thaw tater tots for crispiest results

Reserve some bacon and green onions for garnish

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

If too dry, add extra ranch dressing or sour cream
If tater tots aren't crispy, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end
If cheese is burning, tent with foil for last 10 minutes
If too salty from bacon, reduce added salt

🔄 Recipe Variations

BBQ version: Add BBQ sauce to the ranch mixture
Buffalo chicken: Mix in buffalo sauce with the ranch
Loaded baked potato style: Add diced potatoes to the mixture
Veggie-packed: Add broccoli, corn, and bell peppers
Breakfast version: Add scrambled eggs to the mixture

🥗 Healthy Alternatives

Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon
Substitute Greek yogurt for half the sour cream
Use light ranch dressing to reduce calories
Add vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower
Use reduced-fat cheeses to cut fat content

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Nutrition Facts

580
Calories
32g
Protein
35g
Carbs
36g
Fat

🥗 Suitable Diets

Can be made gluten-free with GF tater tots and ranch dressing

🎨 Presentation Ideas

Top with extra crumbled bacon
Sprinkle with fresh chopped green onions or chives
Add diced tomatoes for color
Drizzle with extra ranch dressing
Garnish with fresh parsley

📦 Storage & Conservation

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes
Can be frozen for up to 2 months - best frozen before final cheese layer
Thaw overnight in fridge and bake as directed, adding 10 minutes

♻️ Leftover Ideas

Top with fried eggs for breakfast
Use as a filling for loaded baked potatoes
Make wraps with tortillas and extra veggies
Serve over a bed of lettuce as a loaded salad
Mix with scrambled eggs for breakfast hash

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't use raw chicken - it must be fully cooked first
Make sure bacon is crispy before crumbling
Don't thaw tater tots or they'll become mushy
Avoid using too much ranch dressing or it will be too wet

FAQ

Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?

No, the chicken needs to be fully cooked before adding. Use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or cook and dice chicken breasts beforehand.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except tater tots and final cheese/bacon topping. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add tater tots before baking, adding 10 minutes to time.

What can I substitute for ranch dressing?

Make homemade ranch with buttermilk, mayo, and herbs. Or use a packet of ranch seasoning mixed with sour cream and mayo.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Freeze before adding the final cheese and bacon topping. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes and covering with foil.

How do I make this without bacon?

While bacon adds great flavor, you can omit it or use turkey bacon, ham, or crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Why are my tater tots soggy?

Make sure tater tots are frozen (not thawed), arranged in single layer, and the chicken mixture isn't too wet. Broil 2-3 minutes at end if needed.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Broccoli, corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms work great. If using fresh vegetables, sauté them first to remove excess moisture.

What's the best way to cook the bacon?

Bake bacon on a sheet pan at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for easier cleanup and crispier results. Let cool and crumble before adding to casserole.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Monterey Jack, Colby, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend all work well. Use your favorite melting cheese.

Reviews

Bethany K
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 11, 2026
This is the ULTIMATE comfort food casserole! The combination of bacon, ranch, and crispy tater tots is heaven. My family requests this at least twice a month!
Andrew M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 24, 2026
Made this for poker night and my buddies went absolutely crazy! One friend literally scraped the pan clean. That crispy bacon on top is genius!
Crystal R
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 25, 2026
My kids call this 'the best dinner in the world'! I love that I can use rotisserie chicken - makes it so easy. The ranch flavor is perfect!
Marcus H
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Jan 16, 2026
Really delicious! I added extra bacon because... bacon. Only complaint is it disappeared too fast - definitely making a double batch next time!
Nicole P
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 6, 2026
This is my new go-to potluck dish! Everyone always asks for the recipe. That combination of crispy, creamy, and cheesy is absolutely perfect!
Jared T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 25, 2026
Dude, this casserole is INSANE! I've made it four times in the past month. My roommates are obsessed. That ranch-bacon combo is unbeatable!
Ashley W
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 6, 2026
Perfect for busy moms! I prep everything Sunday and bake it fresh during the week. My picky eater actually asks for seconds. That's a miracle!
Cameron L
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 27, 2026
This is comfort food heaven! I sometimes add broccoli to feel better about myself. Even with veggies, my family devours it every time!
Rachel S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feb 2, 2026
Made this for my husband's birthday and he said it was better than going out! That crispy tater tot layer with all the cheese... perfection!
Tyler G
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 16, 2026
This is dangerous - I could eat the whole pan! The leftovers are bomb for breakfast with a fried egg on top. Total bachelor-approved recipe!
Stephanie M
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Jan 26, 2026
So good! I used turkey bacon to lighten it up and it was still delicious. My only regret is not making two pans - my teenagers ate it all!
Derek F
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 14, 2026
Brought this to a tailgate and it was gone in 10 minutes! People were literally fighting over the last serving. Best casserole I've ever made!
Jennifer N
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 13, 2026
This saved dinner when I had no idea what to make! Had all the ingredients on hand. On the table in less than an hour and SO satisfying!
Connor B
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 14, 2026
My wife is usually not into casseroles but she LOVES this one! That ranch-bacon flavor profile is addictive. Making it for her book club next week!
Brittany H
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feb 2, 2026
This is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Made it for a church potluck and had to guard the pan. Everyone wanted the recipe. So creamy and delicious!
Isaiah R
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 10, 2026
College student here - this is the fanciest thing I can make! My friends think I'm a chef. Plus leftovers are clutch for late-night study snacks!
Miranda K
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jan 6, 2026
My picky father-in-law who critiques everything loved this! He asked for seconds and the recipe. That's basically a standing ovation in our family!
×