Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover Thanksgiving turkey works wonderfully in this recipe, making it a great post-holiday meal. Just substitute an equal amount of shredded turkey for the chicken and follow the recipe as written.

What if I don't have ranch seasoning packet?

No problem! You can make your own by combining 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon each of dried dill and garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon each of onion powder, salt, and pepper. This homemade mix will give you that ranch flavor without the packet.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add about 10 minutes to the baking time since you'll be starting with a cold casserole.

My family doesn't like tater tots. Can I use something else?

Definitely! Try using frozen hash browns, crispy crowns, or even crushed potato chips for a different but equally delicious crunchy topping. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on your casserole.

Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Description

This easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly main course made with layers of tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch sauce, crispy bacon, melty Colby Jack cheese, and golden tater tots. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

3 cups shredded cooked chicken
10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
4 slices cooked, crumbled bacon, divided
5 cups frozen tater tots
1/4 cup sliced green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Mix Chicken and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, dry ranch seasoning, and 1 cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Assemble Base Layer: Spread the chicken and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Add Bacon and Tater Tots: Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon evenly over the chicken mixture. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the entire dish.
Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the tater tots begin to turn golden and the casserole is bubbling.
Add Cheese & Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Top and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining crumbled bacon and sliced green onions. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving for best results.

Notes

For extra flavor, use smoked bacon or add a sprinkle of paprika to the cheese layer.
Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
Customize by adding vegetables like frozen peas or broccoli between the chicken and tater tot layers.
This casserole is kid-friendly and makes great leftovers.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/5 of casserole
Calories: 550
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1160mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 100mg