Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food your whole family will crave. It’s packed with juicy shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy ranch sauce that brings everything together perfectly. The golden tater tots on top turn irresistibly crisp in the oven, while a layer of gooey melted cheddar ties it all together. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal, this chicken tater tot casserole is simple to throw together and always a hit at the table. It’s warm, hearty, and just the kind of dish that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Casseroles are already a go-to in my kitchen, but when you find one that’s as comforting as it is convenient—well, that’s a keeper. And this Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is exactly that. Whether I need a hearty dinner in a pinch or something cozy for a weekend brunch, this recipe always delivers.
What makes this casserole stand out isn’t just the ease of throwing it together—it’s the layers of rich, savory flavor packed into every bite. The base is a creamy blend of shredded chicken, tangy sour cream, a hint of ranch dressing, and salty, crispy bacon. Honestly, that combo alone could be a meal. But then it gets even better.
Tucked inside the filling are golden, crunchy tater tots, and just when you think it can’t get any more indulgent, the whole thing is topped with a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese. The result is a delightfully crisp, cheesy topping paired with a rich, creamy interior—true comfort food bliss.
It’s one of those dishes that makes everyone at the table go back for seconds—sometimes thirds. I’ve served this at casual dinners, brought it to potlucks, and even reheated leftovers for breakfast (yep, it’s that good the next day).
If you want to take it over the top, I highly recommend making a batch of cheddar bay biscuits on the side to soak up all that creamy, cheesy goodness. Trust me, you’ll be making this one on repeat.
Wondering What Makes This Special?
Effortless comfort food.
This is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Preparing this dish is effortless—just combine the ingredients, layer them in a baking dish, and let the oven handle the rest. No fancy steps, no fuss.
Minimal mess, maximum flavor.
It all comes together in one bowl, which means fewer dishes and more time to actually enjoy dinner. It’s the kind of low-maintenance meal I find myself going back to over and over again.
Crowd-pleaser status.
There’s something about the combination of juicy chicken, crispy tater tots, and that creamy, cheesy sauce that makes everyone at the table happy. It’s cozy, satisfying, and always disappears fast—my family can’t get enough of it.
What You’ll Need
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Sour cream
- Cream of chicken soup
- Ranch seasoning
- Crispy crumbled bacon
- Frozen tater tots
- Shredded cheddar cheese
How to Cook Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
1. Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little butter, then set it aside.
2. Mix the chicken base: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked, shredded chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir well until everything’s creamy and evenly blended.
3. Add the goodies: Now fold in the crumbled bacon, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the frozen tater tots. Gently mix until the tots are coated but still intact.
4. Bake and serve: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and distribute it evenly. Evenly distribute the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving—it’ll be hot! Relish it while it’s hot and enjoy each bite.
Tips for Success
- Rotisserie chicken: the ultimate time-saver for easy meals! I love picking one up from the store when I’m short on time. Simply shred it, and you’re all set. Of course, any pre-cooked or leftover chicken works just as well.
- Add a veggie boost – I usually toss in a bag of frozen mixed vegetables right into the mix. No need to thaw—just stir them in. It’s an easy way to sneak in some extra nutrition.
- Get creative with the cheese – let your imagination take over! I’ve used everything from sharp cheddar to Colby jack, and even a spicy pepper jack for a little kick. You really can’t go wrong.
- Switch up the soup – While cream of chicken is classic, I’ve swapped it for cream of mushroom or cream of celery depending on what I have in the pantry. Each one adds a slightly different flavor, and they all taste delicious.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 ¼ cups sour cream (roughly a 10 oz. container)
- 1 can (8 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy, then crumbled
- 1 (24 oz.) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 ½ cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together shredded cooked chicken, sour cream, a packet of ranch seasoning, and a can of cream of chicken soup until everything is well combined.
- Fold in crispy cooked bacon, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and a full bag of frozen tater tots. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even coating on all sides.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and evenly spread it out. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake it uncovered for approximately 45 minutes, or until it's heated through, bubbling, and the top is golden brown.
- Allow it to rest for a few minutes before enjoying your meal. Rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, it's an ideal choice for a warm, comforting family meal.
