Crispy tater tots, cheesy ranch chicken, and bacon—this Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! So easy and ridiculously delicious. #comfortfood #easyrecipes #casserolelove
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole (aka Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole)
Ready for the ultimate comfort food? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole—also known as Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole—has it all: juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch sauce, gooey cheese, and a golden blanket of crunchy tater tots. It’s everything you crave in one ridiculously easy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a meal that’ll make everyone cheer. Bonus: it’s super customizable and can be prepped ahead!
1. Yield, Time & Tools
- Yield: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Tools Needed: 9×13-inch baking dish, large skillet, mixing bowl, whisk
2. Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing (or 1 packet ranch seasoning + 1 cup sour cream)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 (28-32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
3. Preparation Steps
A. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
B. Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, cream of chicken soup, milk, and black pepper until smooth.
- Stir in shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese.
C. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in an even layer on top.
- Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the tater tots.
D. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and crispy and casserole is bubbling.
E. Serve It Up
- Let casserole cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve hot and watch it disappear!
4. Tips & Variations
- Use Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a different cheesy twist.
- Add steamed broccoli or peas for extra veggies.
- Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
- Substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter version.
5. Troubleshooting FAQ
Tater tots soggy?
Bake uncovered to keep them crisp—don’t cover with foil.
Casserole too runny?
Use less milk or bake longer until set.
Want crispier tater tots?
Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
6. Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans.
- Serve with ranch or buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.
- Leftovers are amazing reheated for lunch or stuffed in wraps.
7. Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Make-Ahead Tips: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead; cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Freezer Instructions: Freeze unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and bake as directed.
