Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Combining tender chicken, crispy tater tots, and flavorful ranch seasoning, this casserole is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

A golden-baked casserole in a large white ceramic dish sits on a white marbled surface. The top layer is bubbly, crispy tater tots with a golden-brown texture scattered evenly, peeking through a mixed layer of melted yellow and white cheese that shows a slightly creamy and stringy texture. Underneath, small chunks of browned bacon and bits of tender chicken pieces are visible, mixed into a smooth creamy sauce base, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs adding a touch of color. The edges of the dish show slight browning and crispiness, hinting at a well-cooked, hearty meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 16 ounces sour cream
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (1-ounce) package ranch dressing mix
  • 1 cup chopped cooked bacon
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (30 to 32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set it aside while you prepare the mixture.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, chopped cooked bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold in the frozen tater tots, making sure they are evenly coated with the mixture.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown on top.
  6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cozy casserole!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
  • Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make this dish gluten-free; links for purchasing are available in the introduction.
  • Add vegetables like chopped green onions or peas for added color and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked casserole consisting of three visible layers: the top layer has golden brown, crispy tater tots scattered unevenly across the surface; underneath is a melted cheese layer with mix of yellow and white cheeses lightly browned and bubbly; the bottom layer appears creamy with small bits of cooked bacon and some green herbs sprinkled over the top for garnish. The dish sits on a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?

Frozen tater tots are recommended because they hold their shape and texture during baking. Freshly made tater tots may become too soft and not crisp up as well in the casserole.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Print

Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish combining tender cooked chicken, crispy bacon, creamy soup and sour cream, tangy ranch seasoning, plenty of cheddar cheese, and crispy golden tater tots baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

  • 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 16 oz sour cream
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (1 oz) package ranch dressing mix
  • 1 cup chopped cooked bacon
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

  • 1 (30 to 32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside to prepare the mixture.
  2. Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, sour cream, unsalted cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, chopped cooked bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Add Tater Tots: Gently fold the frozen tater tots into the chicken mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it out smoothly.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the tater tots are golden and crispy on top.
  6. Serve: Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving to enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and crispy comfort dish.

Notes

  • Refer to FAQs and ingredient list for substitutions and commonly asked questions.
  • Using unsalted cream of chicken soup allows better control of sodium levels in the dish.
  • You can purchase unsalted cream of chicken soup in bulk on Amazon.
  • Gluten-free cream of chicken soup options are available if needed for dietary restrictions.
  • Homemade cream of chicken soup recipe can be used for a fresher alternative.

Keywords: Chicken casserole, tater tot casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, creamy chicken dish, cheesy casserole

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