Description
Cracked out chicken tater tot casserole delivers a mouthwatering fusion of crispy potatoes, tender chicken, and bold flavors. Hearty comfort food blends creamy textures and zesty seasonings, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup bacon, crumbled
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Layer half of the frozen tater tots across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base.
- Spread the seasoned chicken mixture evenly over the tater tot layer, using a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon pieces across the chicken layer, distributing them for consistent flavor.
- Top the chicken and bacon with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Arrange the remaining tater tots on top of the cheese layer, creating a crispy, golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and the cheese melts completely.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
- Slice and serve hot, enjoying the crispy tater tots, creamy chicken, and melted cheese in every bite.
Notes
- Customize chicken texture by using rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for enhanced flavor depth.
- Swap regular bacon with turkey bacon or tempeh bacon for lower-fat or vegetarian alternatives.
- Gluten-sensitive individuals can replace cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce using gluten-free flour.
- Add chopped green onions or chives as final garnish for fresh herbal brightness and color contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg