Description

Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish that blends layers of tender chicken, savory turkey, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch seasoning, all topped with golden, crunchy tater tots. This casserole is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with the smokiness of bacon and the satisfying crispness of the tots. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this dish is both easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd favorite. With the flexibility to add in extra ingredients or make dietary adjustments, this casserole can be customized to suit various preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked through. Once cooled, shred the chicken using a mixer or two forks.
In a small saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over low heat.
Whisk in 2 tbsp flour, cooking until smooth and slightly thickened.
Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk, then add salt and pepper to taste. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
Stir in 1/2 cup ranch dressing until fully combined.
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Spread the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Pour the ranch sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Layer the frozen tater tots over the cheese, covering the entire dish.
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the tater tots start to crisp up.
While the casserole is baking, cook the bacon slices (if not already cooked), crumble them, and set aside.
Once the tater tots are crispy, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into portions and serve hot.

Notes

Make It Ahead:
Prepare the casserole the day before you need it by assembling all the layers (except baking), then store it in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready, simply bake it fresh for a convenient, ready-to-go meal.
Freezing Option:
This casserole freezes well! Assemble it and freeze it before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Meat Options:
If you don’t have both chicken and turkey, you can use just one or substitute with ground versions of either. Ground meats will cook faster and provide a slightly different texture.
Ranch Flavor:
Be mindful of the amount of ranch seasoning used. While ranch is a key flavor, too much can overpower the other ingredients, so stick to the recommended amount for balance.
Add Veggies:
Feel free to sneak in extra vegetables like sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. These can be mixed in with the meat layer before assembling.
Tater Tot Texture:
For maximum crispiness, ensure your tater tots are fully frozen before layering and bake them in an even, single layer on top of the casserole.
Dietary Modifications:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ranch seasoning and soups.
- Low-Carb: Swap the tater tots for cauliflower tots or roasted cauliflower florets.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based meats or tofu, and swap cream-based sauces for dairy-free alternatives.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this rich casserole with fresh sides like a green salad or steamed veggies to balance the flavors and textures. For drinks, a crisp Chardonnay or lemonade complements the dish nicely.