Description
Hearty chicken tater tot casserole brings comfort food magic to family dinners with layers of cheesy, creamy goodness. Crispy golden tots crown a savory mixture of tender chicken and vegetables that comfort and satisfy hungry appetites.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat:
- 3 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken
- 1 cup chopped cooked bacon
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings, Sauces, and Other Ingredients:
- 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of mushroom or chicken soup
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 (32 ounces / 907 grams) bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure smooth release.
- Mix shredded cooked chicken with creamy base ingredients, blending ranch seasoning, garlic, and onion powders for robust flavor profile.
- Transfer the seasoned chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even foundation layer.
- Distribute crispy bacon pieces across the chicken mixture, adding savory crunch and depth.
- Generously sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese over the bacon layer, creating a melty, golden surface.
- Carefully arrange frozen tater tots in a uniform pattern, covering the entire cheese landscape.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 45-50 minutes until tots turn golden brown and crispy, and edges become bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant, fresh finish before serving hot.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by using rotisserie chicken for a richer, more tender taste.
- Swap regular bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter, lower-fat version that still adds crunch.
- Make it gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of ranch seasoning mix and selecting gluten-free cream soup.
- Create a vegetarian alternative by replacing chicken with plant-based protein like cauliflower or tofu chunks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 458 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1030 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg