Irresistible Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Comfort food meets indulgent cracked out chicken tater tot casserole in a dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of crispy potatoes mingle with tender, seasoned chicken for an irresistible combination.

Creamy cheese and savory bacon create a mouthwatering blend that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious and effortless.

Hearty ingredients come together in a magical culinary embrace that screams pure comfort.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and bold flavors.

Storage Tips for Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp tater tots.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated thoroughly.

FAQs for Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have Ranch mix?

You can use a homemade Ranch seasoning blend using dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and dried parsley, which creates a similar flavor profile.

• Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for advance preparation.

• Can I use different types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, ground beef or shredded turkey work great as alternative protein options in this casserole, maintaining the same delicious taste and texture.

Reasons to Try Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with beloved ingredients like bacon, cheese, and tater tots, this casserole guarantees smiles and clean plates from everyone at the table.
• Quick Prep Magic: Combine ingredients in one bowl, transfer to a baking dish, and let the oven do the work – minimal effort for maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Family Dinner Champion: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, filling meal that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum deliciousness.
• Flexible Crowd-Feeder: Easily scales up for potlucks, game day gatherings, or feeding a hungry family with its simple, satisfying combination of proteins and crispy potato goodness.

Ingredients Needed for Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Chicken: A hearty protein that forms the base of this casserole and provides substantial nutrition.

• Sour Cream, Cheese: These ingredients add rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor to the casserole.

• Ranch Mix, Bacon: These ingredients bring bold, savory flavor and a classic comfort food taste to the dish.

• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato bites that create a satisfying and crunchy topping for the casserole.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking pan.

• Soup: Serves as a creamy binder that helps hold the casserole ingredients together.

How to Prepare Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350 degrees. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Shredded chicken
• Creamy sour cream
• Condensed cream soup
• Zesty Ranch seasoning mix
• Crispy crumbled bacon
• Shredded cheese

Mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 3: Add the Potato Goodness

Gently fold in the frozen tater tots, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure maximum deliciousness in every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and the edges are bubbling with cheesy, crispy goodness.

Pro Tips for Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Prep Smartly: Thaw tater tots slightly before mixing to help them distribute evenly throughout the casserole.
• Boost Flavor: Use thick-cut bacon and crumble it finely for maximum taste and crispy texture in every bite.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover with foil for the first 25 minutes of baking to keep the chicken moist and prevent over-browning.
• Dietary Swap: Replace regular sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
• Cheese Selection: Choose sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses to enhance the overall richness and depth of flavor in the dish.

Variation Suggestions for Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or black beans. Use dairy-free cheese and vegan sour cream for a completely meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crunch: Swap tater tots with riced cauliflower or cauliflower tots. Reduce Ranch mix and add extra herbs for flavor boost.
• Gluten-Free Protein Powerhouse: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and Ranch mix. Substitute regular tots with sweet potato tots or gluten-free potato rounds.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap Ranch mix for taco seasoning. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with salsa for extra kick.

Pairing Ideas for Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Craft Bold Beer Pairing: Select a crisp lager or amber ale to cut through the rich, creamy casserole and complement its savory bacon and cheese flavors.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Prepare a light, tangy green salad with vinaigrette to balance the heavy, indulgent casserole and add refreshing contrast.
• Match with Zesty Slaw: Whip up a crunchy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to provide a bright, acidic side that cleaves through the dish's richness.
• Pour Crisp White Wine: Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with high acidity to refresh the palate and slice through the casserole's creamy, decadent texture.

Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, a hearty dish blending crispy potatoes with savory chicken and melted cheese. Rich flavors and creamy textures promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups (720 grams) chopped cooked chicken
• 1 cup (120 grams) chopped cooked bacon
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Soup:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) sour cream
• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can unsalted cream of chicken soup

Seasoning and Base:

• 1 (1 ounce / 28 grams) package ranch dressing mix
• 1 (30 to 32 ounces / 850 to 907 grams) bag frozen tater tots

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Create a creamy mixture by combining shredded chicken, tangy sour cream, condensed soup, zesty Ranch seasoning, crispy crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese in a large mixing bowl.
3. Gently incorporate frozen tater tots into the creamy chicken blend, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
4. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
5. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbly surface that indicates the casserole is thoroughly heated and the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to set slightly.

Notes

• Swap frozen tater tots with fresh diced potatoes for a homemade twist and crispy texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation and enhanced flavor profile.
• Consider low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt and reduced-sodium soup for a healthier version.
• Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top right before serving for added crunch and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 607
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg