Crack Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This easy, cheesy crack chicken tater tot casserole is a family favorite loaded with creamy ranch chicken, crispy tater tots, gooey cheddar cheese, and smoky bacon. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices), divided
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow at least 10 minutes for the oven to fully heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with ranch seasoning until smooth. Add sour cream and milk, mixing until creamy.
- Stir in shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Fold in half of the crumbled bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture (no need to thaw).
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and remaining crumbled bacon over the tater tots. Add green onions if using.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
Notes
For extra crispy tater tots, arrange them standing up. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and flavor. Let the casserole rest before serving for neat slices. Swap in cauliflower tots for a low-carb version or use dairy-free alternatives as needed. Add steamed veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 21
Keywords: crack chicken, tater tot casserole, cheesy casserole, family dinner, comfort food, easy casserole, ranch chicken, bacon, potluck, kid friendly