Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

This hearty casserole brings together the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Crispy potato tots form the golden top layer of this dish, while shredded rotisserie chicken, a savory ranch-infused cream sauce, sharp Cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon create a rich and satisfying base. It's baked to perfection until bubbly and finished with a sprinkle of scallions and extra bacon for garnish. Whether you're making this for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this dish is a surefire hit that combines comfort and flavor in every bite.

Fatiha
Updated on Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:05:41 GMT
A bowl of food with bacon and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of food with bacon and cheese. | zestplate.com

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole combines all the comfort food elements your family craves into one spectacularly satisfying dish. The crispy potato tots create the perfect foundation for tender rotisserie chicken, smoky bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

I first made this casserole for my neighborhood block party last summer and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now my teenagers request it almost weekly and I've started keeping the ingredients on hand for those hectic evenings when cooking from scratch feels impossible.

Ingredients

  • Frozen potato tots: Add the perfect crispy texture and save significant prep time
  • Cream of chicken soup: Creates a silky base for the sauce without complicated techniques
  • Sour cream: Provides tanginess that balances the richness of the other ingredients
  • Ranch dressing plus a ranch packet: Delivers that unmistakable herby flavor everyone loves
  • Rotisserie chicken: Makes this recipe weeknight friendly with tender precooked meat
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Creates those irresistible stretchy bites throughout the casserole
  • Bacon: Brings smoky flavor and wonderful texture contrast
  • Scallions: Add fresh color and a mild onion flavor to brighten the dish

How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Crisp the tater tots:
Begin by spreading the frozen tots in an even layer on a large baking sheet. Bake at 450°F for about 35 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This step ensures your tots remain crispy even after being baked in the casserole. The contrast between crispy tots and creamy filling makes this dish exceptional.
Create the creamy ranch base:
While the tots bake, whisk together the soup, sour cream, ranch dressing, ranch seasoning packet, pepper, and garlic in a large bowl. Make sure to blend thoroughly until no streaks remain. This mixture forms the luxurious sauce that will coat every bite with ranch goodness.
Combine the filling:
Gently fold the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and most of the bacon into the ranch mixture. Use a spatula to ensure everything gets evenly coated. The warm chicken will slightly melt the cheese, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout the casserole.
Assemble and bake:
Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Arrange the crispy tots on top, covering the entire surface. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until you see those delicious bubbles forming around the edges.
Add the finishing touches:
Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the hot casserole and garnish with fresh scallions. This final touch adds color, texture, and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
A bowl of food with bacon and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of food with bacon and cheese. | zestplate.com

The bacon is truly the secret star of this recipe. I tried making it once without the bacon when I was in a hurry, and while still good, it lacked that special something. The smokiness and crispy texture it adds creates dimension in every bite that makes people come back for seconds and thirds.

Make It Your Own

This casserole welcomes adaptations based on your family's preferences. Try adding vegetables like broccoli florets or corn kernels to introduce some color and nutrition. Pepper jack cheese can replace the cheddar for a spicy kick, while a sprinkle of French fried onions adds another layer of crunch on top. The recipe is incredibly forgiving and perfect for using whatever you have in your refrigerator.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results when reheating, use an oven or toaster oven set to 350°F rather than the microwave. This helps maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots. Individual portions can be reheated in about 15 minutes, while a larger amount may need 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil for the first half of reheating to prevent over-browning.

A bowl of food with bacon and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of food with bacon and cheese. | zestplate.com

Feeding a Crowd

This casserole easily scales up for larger gatherings. Simply double the ingredients and divide between two 9x13 baking dishes. You can vary the toppings on each to accommodate different preferences. For potlucks, prepare the casserole at home up through assembly, then bake at your destination. The casserole holds its heat well, making it ideal for buffet-style serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked and shredded fresh chicken if you prefer. Simply cook your chicken breasts or thighs, shred them, and substitute an equal amount for the rotisserie chicken.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the potato tots. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

→ What can I use as a substitute for sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy and slightly lighter alternative.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with cooked plant-based protein, such as sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, or a meat substitute. Use vegetarian cream soup and omit the bacon or replace it with veggie bacon crumbles.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella if you prefer. Be aware that the flavor profile will vary slightly.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Savory chicken, crispy bacon, ranch, cheese, and golden tots in a warming casserole.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
70 Minutes
Total Time
85 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (One 9x13-inch casserole dish)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 32 ounces frozen potato tots
02 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
03 1 cup sour cream
04 2/3 cup ranch dressing
05 1 packet ranch dressing mix
06 1/8 teaspoon cracked black pepper
07 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
08 5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
09 4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
10 1 1/4 cups cooked and crumbled bacon
11 Sliced scallions, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 02

Spread the potato tots onto a large baking sheet in an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven until golden and crispy, about 35 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.

Step 03

While the potato tots cook, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch dressing, ranch dressing mix, black pepper, and granulated garlic in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Fold in the rotisserie chicken, Cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of the cooked bacon until fully coated in the mixture.

Step 04

Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Top evenly with the cooked potato tots.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F until bubbling around the edges, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Step 06

Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/4 cup of cooked bacon and garnish with sliced scallions. Serve hot.

Notes

  1. For extra crispiness, bake potato tots directly on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large baking sheet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (Cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing).
  • Contains gluten (cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 33 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22.5 g
  • Protein: 29 g