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Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

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Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Ultimate Comfort: Cheesy Chicken & Bacon Tater Tot Bake

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 16 oz sour cream
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (1 oz) package ranch dressing mix
  • 1 cup chopped cooked bacon
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Mix the Ingredients:
    In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
  3. Add the Tater Tots:
    Gently fold in the frozen tater tots, making sure they are well-coated with the mixture.
  4. Prepare the Casserole:
    Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Bake:
    Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve:
    Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this ultimate comfort food!

FAQs & Tips for Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop it before adding it to the mixture.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if necessary.

3. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with foil or a lid. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can bake it from frozen, but you’ll need to add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend would work well, though cheddar is the classic choice.

See also  Appalachian Cornbread

5. Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It will add a tangy flavor while cutting down on calories.

6. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Sure! You can add vegetables like peas, broccoli, or green beans for a bit of extra nutrition. Just fold them into the mixture along with the tater tots.

Tips for Perfect Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

  1. Crispy Tater Tots:
    To ensure your tater tots turn out crispy on top, consider baking the tater tots by themselves for 10-15 minutes before folding them into the mixture. This step gives them a head start on crisping.
  2. Bacon:
    For best results, cook your bacon until it’s extra crispy before chopping it up and mixing it into the casserole. This will add a satisfying crunch and more flavor to the dish.
  3. Cheese Topping:
    For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle an additional half-cup of shredded cheese on top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. The cheese will melt and form a golden-brown layer.
  4. Ranch Flavor:
    If you want to intensify the ranch flavor, use both the ranch dressing mix and a drizzle of prepared ranch dressing in the mixture.
  5. Seasoning Adjustments:
    The ranch mix adds a good amount of seasoning, but if you prefer a bolder flavor, feel free to add a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the mixture before baking.
  6. Leftovers:
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple to Make: Minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients make this casserole a breeze to whip up.
  • Comfort Food: The creamy, cheesy texture combined with crispy tater tots makes it the ultimate comfort meal.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family dinners or potlucks, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!

Prep Time:

  • 5 minutes

Cook Time:

  • 40-45 minutes

Total Time:

  • 45-50 minutes

Servings:

  • 8 servings

This cheesy, bacon-loaded tater tot casserole is a perfect dish for a cozy family meal or a potluck!

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