Creamy Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken, a creamy ranch-infused sauce, crispy tater tots, and gooey melted cheese. This easy, family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a cozy meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Just mix, layer, and bake!
- Crowd-pleasing comfort food – Creamy, cheesy, and crispy all in one dish.
- Great for meal prep – Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready.
- Kid-friendly – A fun, delicious meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or rotisserie chicken, shredded)
- Frozen tater tots
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Bacon bits (optional)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread shredded chicken evenly in the baking dish, pour the creamy ranch sauce over it, and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon bits on top, then bake for another 5-10 minutes until melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Let cool slightly, then sprinkle with green onions and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Buffalo Ranch: Add a drizzle of buffalo sauce for extra spice.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Turkey or Ham: Swap chicken for leftover turkey or ham.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes! Cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs before using.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?
No, use them straight from the freezer for the best texture.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding the tater tots in the last hour.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.
How do I make it less creamy?
Reduce the sour cream or cream of chicken soup slightly.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! It adds protein and a slight tangy flavor.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack or Monterey Jack work great too.
Can I add more toppings?
Absolutely! Try diced tomatoes, crispy fried onions, or crushed crackers.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream soup and ensure tater tots are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Creamy Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is an easy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for the whole family. With its crispy tater tot topping, creamy ranch-flavored chicken, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is pure comfort food. Make it ahead, customize it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a delicious, stress-free dinner!
PrintCreamy Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This Creamy Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish loaded with tender chicken, creamy ranch sauce, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s great for busy weeknights or potlucks!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Mix the creamy ranch chicken:
- In a large bowl, stir together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Fold in the shredded chicken and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
-
Assemble the casserole:
- Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
-
Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy.
-
Add the final cheesy touch:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon (if using) over the top.
- Bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish & serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Healthier Option: Use low-fat sour cream and cheese, and swap tater tots for diced sweet potatoes.
- Slow Cooker Option: Mix everything (except tater tots) and cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding tater tots in the last hour.
- Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead, then bake when ready.