My chicken tater tot casserole is where creamy, cheesy chicken and crispy, golden tater tots meet to create the ultimate comfort meal! I use ranch seasoning, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup to give this recipe a rich, savory flavor.
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My Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
My chicken tater tot casserole has a savory, herby flavor, thanks to ranch seasoning mix! Both of my kids are in love with all things ranch flavored. When I told my daughter, Leah, that the casserole had ranch seasoning, she grinned and said, “That’s my kind of meal!”
The way her face lit up when she took her first bite said it all… it was, in fact, her kind of meal! My son, Connor, said the dish reminded him of a Costco chicken bake, except this one was even better.
What I love most about easy casserole dishes like these is that they are completely hands-off once I pop them in the oven. I can set my timer and walk away, and it’s ready before I know it. Best of all, I get to spend all that time with my family right before enjoying a delicious meal together.
Looking for more crispy tater tot recipes? Try my air fryer tater tots, my easy loaded tater tots, my meatless breakfast tater tot casserole recipe, or my tater tot casserole with green beans!
Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Ingredients
- Shredded chicken – I shred my chicken with a fork! I use rotisserie chicken to keep things simple, but chicken breasts or thighs will work too.
- Tater tots – For a satisfying crunch at the top and bottom of each bite.
- Bacon bits – Add salty flavor and more texture to the casserole.
- Ranch dressing mix – This secret ingredient brings a garlicky, savory, herby flavor to the dish!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – I love the mild and slightly sweet taste of this cheese. It makes everything extra gooey too.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – I use this cheese to add a little bit of sharpness to the recipe.
- Canned cream of chicken soup – Brings a rich, velvety texture to the dish while also adding more savory flavor.
- Sour cream – To make the casserole creamy and add a slightly tangy flavor.
- Salt and pepper – I add these to taste, and they enhance the overall flavor of the casserole!
How to Make a Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
STEP TWO: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, ¼ cup bacon bits, ½ cup of each type of cheese, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
STEP THREE: Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning packet, and stir until it is fully incorporated into the mixture.
STEP FOUR: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish, then spread half of the tater tots in the bottom of the dish. Then spoon the chicken mixture evenly over the tots.
STEP FIVE: Sprinkle the remaining bacon bits, mozzarella, and cheddar evenly over the top of the mixture.
STEP SIX: Arrange the remaining tater tots in a single layer over the top.
STEP EIGHT: Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
STEP NINE: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Frozen tater tots are my go-to for this recipe. I use them straight out of the freezer, so there’s no need to thaw them in advance.
- I use pre-cooked bacon bits so I can save time. Plus, it helps that I can skip cleaning up the grease!
- For crispier tots, I broil the dish for the last 2 to 3 minutes, watching it closely so that the tots turn golden without burning.
- When I want to make a larger batch, I simply double the recipe. I use a bigger casserole dish and bake it for longer, or use two pans and take one as a hotdish.
- Be sure to let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. I notice that the creamy texture thickens up a bit after it comes out of the oven, and this makes it easier to serve too!
Tater Tot Casserole with Chicken Variations and Substitutions
- For a spicier flavor, I use Pepper Jack cheese! It is just as creamy but adds some heat.
- If ranch seasoning packets are unavailable, I make my own seasoning mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dill, and chives. And I add salt and pepper to taste, of course!
- If I want an even richer, creamier flavor, I add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese to the chicken mixture.
- To switch up the crunchy layers, I sometimes swap the tater tots for diced, roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes!
- For an extra hearty casserole, I toss in veggies like peas, corn, or sautéed mushrooms.
- I like to add a garnish, like sliced green onions or fresh chopped chives, to enhance the flavor and appearance.
What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Tater Tot Casserole
If I had to pick one sauce to serve with this recipe, homemade buffalo sauce would be my top choice. The bold, tangy flavor complements the creamy casserole so well!
I also love pairing this casserole with comforting side dishes like Velveeta mac and cheese or buttery garlic green beans.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole FAQs
Why is my tater tot casserole with chicken soggy?
I bake my casserole uncovered, since covering it with foil can make the tots turn soggy. If I am adding veggies, I cook them beforehand, as frozen veggies tend to release excess water when cooked.
How should I store leftovers?
Once the casserole is cooled to room temperature, it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. I usually cover the whole dish, but if there’s only a little left, then I scoop it into an airtight container.
For longer storage, I’ll freeze the leftovers instead. Chicken and tater tot casserole will keep well in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.
How do I reheat chicken tater tot casserole?
My favorite way to reheat this casserole is in the oven at 350 degrees F. I cover the casserole dish with foil, then pop it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through. During the last few minutes, I’ll remove the foil so the tots can crisp up. For quicker reheating, I simply microwave a portion for 2 to 3 minutes, covered with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
More Easy Casserole Recipes
- 5 ingredient hash brown casserole
- Sweet potato casserole
- Pork chop casserole
- Sausage green bean potato casserole
- Chicken broccoli rice casserole
Easy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 cups rotisserie chicken shredded
- 1/2 cup bacon bits cooked
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded and divided
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- 1 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 lbs frozen tater tots
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, ¼ cup bacon bits, ½ cup mozzarella, ½ cup cheddar, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Mix until they are well combined.
- Sprinkle in the ranch packet, and stir until it is fully incorporated.
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish, then spread half the tater tots in the bottom. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over the tots, sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup bacon bits, ½ cup mozzarella, and ½ cup cheddar, then arrange the remaining tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown. For crispier tops, broil the tots for the last 2–3 minutes, watching the dish closely.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use frozen tater tots straight out of the freezer.
- Use pre-cooked bacon bits so I can save time.
- For crispier tots, broil the dish for the last 2 to 3 minutes, watching it closely so that the tots turn golden without burning.
- Feel free to double the recipe. Just use a bigger casserole dish and bake it for longer, or use two pans and take one as a hot dish.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. The creamy texture will thicken up a bit after it comes out of the oven, and this makes it easier to serve too!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F covered in foil for 20-25 minutes or in the air fryer for about 4 to 5 minutes at the same temperature to get back the crispiness of the tater tots.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
