Description
This Tater Tot Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food solution for busy weeknights. Forget complicated casseroles – this recipe combines savory shredded chicken and crisp bacon folded into a rich, homemade ranch sauce, all nestled under a blanket of cheesy, crunchy tater tots. It’s warm, inviting, ready in under an hour, and guaranteed to be a new family favorite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 6 slices Cooked Bacon, crisply cooked and chopped
- 4 Cooked Chicken Breasts, shredded (about 3-4 cups)
- 1 (32 oz.) bag Frozen Tater Tots
- 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
- 1 cup Milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- 3 tbsp Butter (unsalted or salted)
- 1 1/2 cups Mild Cheddar Cheese, freshly shredded, divided
- To taste Salt & Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Bacon (If Needed): If not already cooked, fry bacon until crisp, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Create Creamy Ranch Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly (creating a roux). Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in the ranch dressing, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Combine Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (¾ cup). Pour the ranch sauce over the top and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the chicken and sauce mixture evenly over the tater tots, spreading to the edges.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden-brown, and the edges are bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.
Notes
- Quick Prep: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and store-bought real bacon bits can make this recipe a true 10-minute-prep superstar.
- Velvety Sauce: Cooking the flour and butter (the roux) for 1-2 minutes before adding the milk is the secret to a thick, velvety sauce that won’t break.
- Frozen Tots are Key: Do not thaw the tater tots! Using them frozen is essential for achieving a crispy texture on the bottom layer.
- Let it Rest: Letting the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes allows the sauce to set up just slightly, making it easier to serve without being too runny.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
