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Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole makes a fast favorite for busy weeknights and potlucks alike. With its golden crisp tater tot topping and cheesy chicken bacon filling, it is comforting yet plays up those crave-worthy flavors that everyone adores.
I first put this together in a pinch for a last-minute family dinner. Now we all look forward to that toasty tater tot crunch every time casserole season rolls around.
Ingredients
- Cooked bacon: Choose thick-cut and crispy pieces for the best bite
- Shredded chicken breasts: Tender and juicy chicken soaks up the ranch sauce beautifully
- Frozen tater tots: Grab your favorite brand for reliable crunch every time
- Ranch dressing: Adds tang and creamy richness use a good quality brand or homemade if time allows
- Milk: Ensures a silky sauce whole or two percent works best
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to the right consistency
- Butter: For a luxurious savory sauce base
- Shredded mild cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly and brings a classic flavor try to get freshly shredded for better melt
- Salt and pepper: Enhances all the flavors use fresh cracked pepper if you can
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- Fry six slices until very crispy let cool and chop into bite-sized pieces. Extra crispy bacon ensures you get those salty pops in every bite.
- Prepare the Ranch Sauce:
- Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux then slowly stream in milk. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon about five to seven minutes. Stir in ranch dressing salt and a pinch of pepper then remove from heat.
- Mix the Chicken Filling:
- In a roomy bowl blend the shredded chicken chopped bacon and half the shredded cheddar. Pour the warm ranch sauce over and toss until everything gets evenly coated.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Lightly grease your nine by thirteen baking dish. Arrange frozen tater tots in an even layer covering the bottom. Pile the chicken and sauce mixture over the tots and spread gently to distribute. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top for a melty golden crust.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Place the casserole in your preheated oven at three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for thirty to thirty five minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the top is bronzed. Let it sit for a few minutes after baking so it slices clean and holds together.
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My favorite bite is always that corner piece where the cheese gets extra brown. My youngest declared this better than pizza the very first time we served it at the kitchen table.
Storage Tips
Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Slice and transfer into airtight containers then refrigerate for up to four days. For longer storage freeze individual portions and reheat straight from the freezer or thaw overnight. The tater tots will soften somewhat after freezing but it is still truly tasty.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap rotisserie chicken for homemade to save time. Turkey works beautifully as a leaner option. You can trade ranch for buffalo sauce for some spice or swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby. Try turkey bacon if you prefer a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a bright simple salad or steamed broccoli for a fresh contrast to the richness. For gatherings top with extra chopped green onions or a drizzle of ranch. Some folks even pile a scoop onto warm slider buns for a fun twist.
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A Bit of History
Casseroles like this started out as a way to stretch leftovers and make hearty meals with minimal effort. Growing up Midwest these bakes were always a big part of church suppers and family reunions with each family boasting their secret twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breasts?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Simply shred and combine with the other ingredients as directed.
- → Are fresh potatoes a good substitute for frozen tater tots?
You can use diced and par-cooked potatoes, but tater tots offer a crisp texture and hold up well during baking.
- → Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything except baking, cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
- → What cheese works best besides mild cheddar?
Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack are all flavorful options that melt nicely and pair well with the other ingredients.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend and check that your ranch dressing and tater tots are certified gluten-free.