🥓 Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole 🧀🔥
This Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole is a weeknight winner that brings together creamy ranch chicken, crispy bacon, golden tater tots, and melty cheddar for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures—creamy, crispy, savory, and cheesy—all baked to perfection!
📝 Ingredients (Serves 8):
32 oz frozen tater tots 🍟
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded 🍗
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 🥓
1 cup ranch dressing 🌱
1 cup sour cream 🧴
1/2 cup milk 🥛
1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
1 tsp onion powder 🧅
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
Chopped green onions (for garnish, optional) 🌿
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, ranch dressing, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the chicken is well coated and everything is combined.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
Spread the ranch chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Top with frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture. Press them down gently so they fit snugly.
Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the tater tots.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the bacon, ensuring it covers the entire casserole.
3. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you want the top extra crispy, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
4. Serve & Garnish:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor, if desired.
Serve this hearty, comforting dish with a side of salad or vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
✨ Pro Tips:
Chicken Variations: You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option or swap chicken for shredded turkey for a festive twist.
Bacon Substitute: For a lighter option, you can use turkey bacon or skip the bacon for a vegetarian version.
Tater Tots Alternatives: If you prefer, you can swap tater tots with frozen hashbrowns or crispy potato cubes for a different texture.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven for a stress-free meal.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
Side Dishes: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for some freshness and color on the plate.
Dips: A side of ranch dressing or sour cream will complement the casserole nicely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving (depending on the amount of cheese and bacon used)
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole:
This Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—packed with creamy ranch chicken, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots, all topped with melty cheddar cheese. It’s incredibly easy to make, can be customized with your favorite ingredients, and is always a hit with family and friends. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting, satisfying meal that comes together in less than an hour!
Enjoy this Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole—your new go-to comfort food for any occasion! 🍗🥓🧀