Description
Comfort meets convenience in this creamy ranch chicken tater tot casserole, featuring layers of crispy potatoes, tender chicken, and zesty ranch seasoning. Hearty and satisfying, this dish promises to become a family favorite that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (32 ounces/907 grams) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Craft the flavor base by whisking cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper into a smooth, harmonious mixture in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Incorporate the shredded chicken and one portion of cheddar cheese into the creamy seasoned sauce, gently folding to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into a uniform layer that covers the entire bottom surface of the dish.
- Meticulously arrange frozen tater tots in a precise, single layer across the creamy chicken foundation, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 35-40 minutes, allowing the tater tots to transform into golden, crispy morsels.
- Enhance the dish by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the surface, returning to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Watch for the cheese to melt completely and develop a tempting bubbly texture, signaling the casserole is ready.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately while warm, inviting everyone to enjoy this comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping chicken with ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
- Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and choosing reduced-fat cheese to make the dish more heart-healthy.
- Boost vegetable intake by mixing in frozen mixed vegetables or finely chopped spinach into the creamy chicken mixture for added nutrition without changing the overall texture.
- Create a gluten-free version by selecting gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensuring the ranch seasoning packet is certified gluten-free for those with sensitivity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 542
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1123 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg