Ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole with Crispy Golden Topping

The ultimate comfort food casserole featuring tender seasoned chicken, crispy bacon bits, creamy ranch flavor, and golden tater tots baked to perfection. This hearty family-favorite combines protein-packed chicken with smoky bacon and tangy ranch dressing, all nestled beneath a layer of perfectly crispy tater tots that create an irresistible golden crust, making it the perfect one-dish meal for busy weeknights, potluck gatherings, or any time you crave satisfying comfort food that brings the whole family together.

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Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Perfect Tater Tot Casserole Mastery Secrets for Ultimate Comfort Food Success

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Perfect Chicken Preparation Technique:
Master the method of seasoning and cooking chicken for optimal flavor and texture.
Bacon Cooking Excellence:
Learn the skill of achieving perfectly crispy bacon that maintains texture in casserole.
Creamy Ranch Base Creation:
Perfect the technique of creating smooth, flavorful ranch cream base for casserole.
Layering Strategy Mastery:
Master the art of properly layering ingredients for optimal flavor distribution and texture.
Tater Tot Topping Perfection:
Learn optimal arrangement and baking techniques for golden, crispy tater tot topping.
Ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole with Crispy Golden Topping - secondary view

The Art of Ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Perfection

Perfect Chicken Preparation Technique
Master the method of seasoning and cooking chicken for optimal flavor and texture.
Bacon Cooking Excellence
Learn the skill of achieving perfectly crispy bacon that maintains texture in casserole.
Creamy Ranch Base Creation
Perfect the technique of creating smooth, flavorful ranch cream base for casserole.
Layering Strategy Mastery
Master the art of properly layering ingredients for optimal flavor distribution and texture.
Tater Tot Topping Perfection
Learn optimal arrangement and baking techniques for golden, crispy tater tot topping.
Perfect Tater Tot Casserole Mastery Secrets for Ultimate Comfort Food Success
Chicken Preparation: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and better texture distribution.
Bacon Crispiness: Cook bacon until properly crispy to maintain texture after baking in casserole.
Tater Tot Arrangement: Single layer of tater tots ensures even browning and optimal crispiness.
Cheese Distribution: Mix different cheese types for complex flavor and optimal melting characteristics.
Resting Time: Allow casserole to rest after baking for easier serving and better texture.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble completely and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole with Crispy Golden Topping - tertiary view

Ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole with Crispy Golden Topping

The ultimate comfort food casserole featuring tender seasoned chicken, crispy bacon bits, creamy ranch flavor, and golden tater tots baked to perfection. This hearty family-favorite combines protein-packed chicken with smoky bacon and tangy ranch dressing, all nestled beneath a layer of perfectly crispy tater tots that create an irresistible golden crust, making it the perfect one-dish meal for busy weeknights, potluck gatherings, or any time you crave satisfying comfort food that brings the whole family together.

Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
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Ingredients

Custard Cream
01
For the Chicken Base:
02
3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
03
2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
07
Salt and pepper to taste
08
For the Bacon Component:
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12 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
10
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11
For the Creamy Ranch Layer:
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1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
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1 cup sour cream
14
1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup milk
16
For the Vegetable Mix:
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1 bag (12 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
20
For the Cheese Layer:
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2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
24
For the Tater Tot Topping:
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1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
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2 tablespoons butter, melted
27
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
28
For the Cream Base:
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1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1/2 cup chicken broth
32
For the Fresh Garnish:
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1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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Green onions, sliced
36
For the Seasoning Blend:
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1 teaspoon dried dill
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1/2 teaspoon dried chives
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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For Special Equipment:
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9x13 inch baking dish
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Large skillet
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Mixing bowls
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Aluminum foil

Instructions

01
Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly.
02
Cook chopped bacon in large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
03
Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons bacon fat.
04
Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
05
Cook seasoned chicken in reserved bacon fat until golden and cooked through.
06
Add diced onion and minced garlic to chicken, cooking until softened.
07
Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated.
08
In large bowl, whisk together ranch packet, sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk.
09
Add cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth to ranch mixture.
10
Fold cooked chicken mixture and crispy bacon into creamy ranch base.
11
Season mixture with dried dill, dried chives, and cayenne pepper.
12
Spread chicken mixture evenly in prepared 9x13 baking dish.
13
Sprinkle cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses over chicken layer.
14
Arrange frozen tater tots in single layer over cheese, covering completely.
15
Brush melted butter over tater tots and sprinkle with garlic powder.
16
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes to heat through completely.
17
Remove foil and continue baking 15 minutes until tater tots are golden.
18
Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set properly.
19
Garnish with fresh chives, parsley, and green onions before serving.
20
Serve hot with additional ranch dressing on the side if desired.