CHICKEN BACON RANCH TATER TOT CASSEROLE

Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that will please the whole family? Look no further! This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect blend of tender chicken, crispy bacon, cheesy goodness, and ranch-flavored tater tots. It’s a delightful twist on the classic casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of cooked bacon or microwave bacon
• 4 cooked and shredded chicken breasts
• 32 oz. bag of frozen tater tots
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken breasts in a separate pan until done. Let them cool for a few minutes, then shred using a mixer.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour and season with salt and pepper. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously until you achieve a creamy consistency. Add the ranch dressing and mix well.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Layer the shredded chicken, then the sauce, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Top with frozen tater tots.
5. Bake: Cook the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
6. Prepare the Bacon: While the casserole is baking, crumble the cooked bacon and set it aside.
7. Add Final Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Accompaniments: Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Portion Control: For a hearty meal, scoop generous portions, but for lighter servings, pair with a side of fruit or a light soup.
• Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the casserole is completely cooled before transferring it to the container.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the desired portion in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations:

1. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy twist. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
2. Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use vegetarian bacon or omit it altogether.
3. Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for varied flavors.
4. Healthier Version: Use low-fat cheese, light ranch dressing, and turkey bacon to reduce the calorie and fat content. You can also opt for sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots.
5. Buffalo Chicken: Add buffalo sauce to the chicken and top with blue cheese crumbles for a buffalo chicken variation. Serve with celery sticks on the side.
6. Mexican Style: Substitute the ranch dressing with salsa and use a Mexican blend cheese. Top with sliced black olives, jalapeños, and serve with a side of guacamole.
7. BBQ Flavor: Swap ranch dressing for BBQ sauce and use shredded BBQ chicken. Top with extra BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese.
8. Breakfast Casserole: Add scrambled eggs to the chicken mixture and use hash browns instead of tater tots for a breakfast twist.
9. Italian Twist: Use Alfredo sauce instead of ranch dressing and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
10. Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the sauce for an aromatic variation.
11. Greek Style: Use tzatziki sauce instead of ranch dressing, and top with feta cheese, olives, and diced tomatoes.
12. Pesto Chicken: Replace ranch dressing with basil pesto and add sun-dried tomatoes. Use mozzarella cheese for the topping.
13. Cheesy Broccoli: Add steamed broccoli florets to the chicken mixture and use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
14. Loaded Potato: Add cooked and crumbled sausage, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on top of the cheese layer for a loaded potato effect.
15. Bacon Ranch Jalapeño Popper: Add chopped jalapeños and cream cheese to the chicken mixture for a jalapeño popper-inspired casserole.

FAQs:

1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can cook fresh chicken breasts in a pan until done, then shred them for the recipe. Simply season and cook them until fully cooked through, then shred with a mixer or fork.
2. Can I use frozen tater tots directly? Yes, there is no need to thaw the tater tots before adding them to the casserole. They will bake perfectly from frozen.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
4. Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Assemble and bake as directed, then let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
5. How long can leftovers be stored? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
6. What can I use instead of ranch dressing? You can substitute ranch dressing with other creamy dressings like blue cheese, Caesar, or even a homemade creamy herb sauce. Adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use different cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda. Experiment with your favorites to find the best combination.
8. How can I make this dish spicier? Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also use spicy cheese or add a layer of hot sauce to the top before baking.
9. What if I don’t have a 9×13 baking dish? If you don’t have a 9×13 baking dish, you can use a similar-sized baking dish or divide the mixture between two smaller dishes. Adjust baking time as needed.
10. Can I use a different type of potato? Yes, you can use different types of frozen potatoes like hash browns or sweet potato tots. Each will give a slightly different flavor and texture to the casserole.