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Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Bacon Ranch Crock Pot Casserole

ByAnna Luther
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This easy chicken, bacon, ranch tater tot casserole is a family favorite. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights that the whole family will love. 

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Crockpot Casserole topped with green onions and parsley

Crispy tater tots, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, cheese and chicken, it doesn’t get much better than this! 

Looking for more delicious casserole recipes? I have you covered!

Check out our favorite freezer casserole recipes here.

You’ll especially love this one.

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Ingredients

Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Tatertot Casserole - chicken, ranch seasoning, milk, cheddar cheese, Tater Tots, Bacon.
  • Ranch dressing seasoning packet
  • Milk
  • Frozen tater tots
  • Bacon
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list in the printable recipe card below.

Instructions

CHEESY CHICKEN TATER TOT BACON RANCH CROCK POT CASSEROLE Step 1 - cook the bacon

Step 1: Do your prep. Cook your slices of bacon, drain the bacon grease and chop or crumble cooked bacon into bacon bits. Cut the raw chicken into large cubes. Shred the cheese. Mix the ranch dressing packet with the cup of milk and set aside.

Step 2: Layer the casserole ingredients in the crockpot in this order (starting at the bottom): Tater tots, Bacon, cheese, chicken. The final layer should be cheese with bacon on top.

CHEESY CHICKEN TATER TOT BACON RANCH CROCK POT CASSEROLE Step 3 - pour milk and ranch dressing over the casserole layers

Step 3: Pour the milk/ranch dressing on top.

Step 4: CHEESY CHICKEN TATER TOT BACON RANCH CROCK POT CASSEROLE - pour the milk and ranch mix over the casserole layers

Step 4: Cover with the lid and cook.

Handy tip: Prepare Ahead!

All of your prep work from Step 1 could be done in advance!

Variations and Substitutions

  • USE PRE-COOKED CHICKEN – Swap out the chicken breasts for rotisserie chicken. Simply pull it off the bone, chop it and dump it in. You can decrease your cooking time by one hour.
  • MAKE IT GLUTEN FREE – Be sure you’re using certified gluten free tater tots (we like the Ore Ida brand), and this is gluten free!

MAKE IT DAIRY FREE

Looking to make a dairy-free version of this Crockpot, Chicken, Bacon, Ranch, Tater tot casserole? I have you covered!

  1. Swap the milk for the dairy-free milk of your choice. Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk or even canned coconut milk.
  2. Swap the cheese for the dairy-free cheese shreds of your choice.
  3. Make your own dairy-free ranch seasoning using our easy and quick recipe!

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Cover and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and heat at 350°F until heated through.

Make it a Freezer Casserole!

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot casserole made as a freezer casserole in a green square casserole dish

Want to turn this into a Freezer Casserole? Easy Peasy!

  1. Pre-cook the chicken and bacon. 
  2. Follow all other steps in the recipe and layer all ingredients in a casserole dish.
  3. Cover and freeze for up to three months.
  4. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and cook in a 350°F oven uncovered until heated through (40 – 45 minutes).

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Crockpot Casserole topped with green onions and parsley

FAQ

How can I make this creamier?

If you want a creamier version of this recipe, (called “Crack Chicken Bacon Ranch Tatertot Casserole”), omit the milk and add 16 oz sour cream and one can of cream of chicken soup. (Here’s a recipe for our homemade cream sauce.) Yum!

Can I make this chicken tater tot casserole in the oven instead of the crockpot?

Absolutely! Cook your chicken in advance and layer your ingredients in a casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes in a 350°F oven.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots in advance?

Nope – you can use them straight out of the freezer!

Can I substitute another cheese for the cheddar? Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses. Mozzarella, Colby jack cheese, or a Mexican blend could work well. We always recommend shredding your own cheese to avoid the anti-caking agents on pre-shredded cheese, and you won’t receive the melty, gooey cheese. BUT – you can absolutely use pre-shredded cheese. The taste will be the same!

What sides go well with this easy tater tot casserole recipe? 

This casserole goes well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables (like green beans), or even a side of fresh fruit. Choose your favorite sides to complement the meal.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick and delicious meal the next day.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Certainly! You can substitute cooked ground beef, turkey, or even vegetarian options like tofu, depending on your dietary preferences.

Can I make this crock pot tater tot casserole gluten free?

Yup – just make sure your tater tots are certified gluten free. (Most tater tots are gluten free, but they may not be certified. This means that they might be cross-contaminated in the manufacturing process.)

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Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Crockpot Casserole topped with green onions and parsley

Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Bacon Ranch Crock Pot Casserole

Print Recipe

This easy chicken, bacon, ranch tater tot casserole is a family favorite. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights that the whole family will love. 

  • Total Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix (or you can use our homemade ranch dressing recipe)
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 32 ounces Frozen Tater Tots (one bag)
  • 8 slices Bacon
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded) (One, 8oz block of cheese)
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces )
  • Optional Garnish: green onions, parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon. Drain the grease and crumble into small pieces.
  2. Shred the cheese and set aside.
  3. Add the seasoning mix to one cup of milk and stir well. Set aside.
  4. Spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Spread tater tots in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker.
  5. Add a layer of cheese (1/3 of the cheese)
  6. Add a layer of bacon pieces (1/3 of the bacon)
  7. Add all of the chicken.
  8. Add a layer of cheese (1/3 of the cheese)
  9. Add a layer of bacon pieces  (1/3 of the bacon)
  10. Add a layer of tater tots (use all remaining)
  11. Top with the remaining cheese and bacon.
  12. Pour the ranch dressing mixture on top.
  13. Put the lid on the crockpot and cook on LOW 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH 3 to 4 hours until chicken is cooked through. 

Notes

  • If using pre-cooked chicken, decrease cooking time by one hour.
  • For a gluten free version, make sure the tater tots are certified gluten free (Ore Ida)
  • If cooking in the oven, pre-cook the chicken and bacon. Follow layering instructions in a casserole dish. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 40-45 minutes or until brown and bubbly.
  • Author: Anna Luther
  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 4 hours

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