Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Crunchy bacon and ranch chicken come together in this comforting casserole. Quick and easy, but so filling!

There are many nights when I don’t feel like cooking something fancy. I am tired and I’m hungry. But let’s be honest I’m always hungry! This chicken tater tot casserole recipe is so easy to throw together and it’s so decadent that your family won’t know the difference. This would make a great crockpot chicken tater tot casserole too! All you’d have to do is put it in a crock pot and set it and forget it.

This recipe is also known as chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole or cracked out chicken tater tot casserole. You’ll see why it’s known by that name once you taste it! So addicting! It is also a big hit with kids: who doesn’t love tater tots!

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

This recipe doesn’t need may ingredients, and it also won’t break the bank. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Use cooking spray on your 9×13 baking dish and set it to the side.

Next, in a bowl you’ll mix together your three cups of cooked, chopped chicken. This will be the most expensive part of this recipe. Stock up when it goes on sale, and you’ll always have it in the freezer. Just be sure to thaw before cooking. Then, stir in sour cream, cream of chicken soup, the ranch dressing packet, crumbled bacon pieces ,and cheese.  After that, mix it all together. Once you have that done, fold in tater tots. I also like to reserve a few to sprinkle on top as they make a super crispy crust!

All you have to do now is pour the mixture into your pan ,and bake it for about 40-45 minutes.You’ll know it is done when it is golden and bubbling. If you like, you can top it with more cheese. That’s all there is to it! Put your feet up for 45 minutes, while dinner cooks itself in the oven.

How Long Does it Take to Make Tater Tot Casserole

If you have your chicken already cooked, then it’s only going to take about 45-50 minutes to make (and bake!) your chicken tater tot casserole. If you have to cook your chicken first, then that will take a little time. Also, consider buying a rotisserie chicken, to speed things up. That would be the perfect plan if you decide you wan to make this recipe, but don’t have any cooked chicken hanging around.  Either way, it doesn’t take much time to whip up this casserole. Use that extra time to spend with your family, or to lock yourself in your room with a book. I won’t judge! Let’s be honest, we both know which I’d choose. 😉

Do You Have to Use a Casserole Dish?

You do not have to use a casserole dish at all. Instead, you can use an aluminum pan if you like. Especially if you’re going to be taking this dish to a family reunion, or some sort of party it makes for easy transport. I’ve learned the hard way not to take a good casserole dish.Things can get mixed up, or you may want to leave your leftovers behind. This will cut the hassle out of bringing a dish back home.You can even use one at home for super easy cleanup. I need to give my girl Mabel (the Maytag Dishwasher) a break once in awhile right? Does anyone else name things in their house? Or is it just me? Please tell me I’m not alone! 🙂

What Temperature Do You Cook Tater Tot Casserole At?

This crack chicken casserole is cooked at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.

What Is In Chicken Casserole?

A regular chicken casserole normally has chicken,chicken stock, onions, carrots, garlic, celery, bay leaf, thyme and parsley.  My version adds all my family’s favorites: bacon, ranch, and of course tons of cheese. I also like to mix in ,and top mine with tater tots for a  delicious crunch. This dish is a true crowdpleaser making it perfect for reunions, church suppers, or potlucks.

How Long Do You Bake Chicken In A Casserole?

To bake  chicken casserole takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. my Chicken tater tot casserole will only take you 45 to 50 minutes because my recipe is made with precooked chicken.

Can You Freeze Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?

You sure can! That’s another good reason to use the aluminum pan. It allows you to easily store the casserole in the freezer. It also makes a lovely dish to take to someone who has recently had surgery, a new baby, or a bereavement.  They can pop the frozen casserole into the oven and have a good hot meal ready in less than an hour.

What Can You Use in Place of Cream of Chicken Soup?

Tater tot casserole with cream of chicken soup is delicious, but you can can use other things as well. Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or my new favorite cream of onion would all work great.  If you don’t have any cream of chicken soup, you could even make your own.

How Do You Make Cream of Chicken Soup?

You’ll need flour, butter, chicken broth, milk and salt and pepper to taste. The process reminds me of making a rue or gravy. You melt the butter in a pan, add the flour and then whisk in the chicken broth and milk.  Then, bring it to a gentle boil ,and let it thicken. Make sure to keep stirring with the whisk. This can take the place of the canned cream of chicken soup in this or any other casserole recipe. My favorite recipe for this comes from Iowa Girl Eats.

As you get ready to dig into this bubbly deliciousness, be prepared for your taste buds to tingle. Consider ,making an extra to freeze, or to give to a friend. Your family will request this at least once a week!

Craving More?

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Chicken and Dumplings via Small Town Woman

Chicken Piccata via Cafe Delites

Chicken Cordon Bleu via Bread Booze Bacon

What do you think of this Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?