This recipe is in my oven right now, and house is already smelling divine!
Creamy Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a delightful comfort food dish that combines the classic flavors of ranch dressing, tender chicken, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese. This hearty casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal that will please both kids and adults alike.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 lbs |
| Frozen tater tots | 1 (32 oz) package |
| Sour cream | 1 (16 oz) container |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can |
| Ranch dressing mix | 1 (1 oz) packet |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Crispy bacon (optional) | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Chopped fresh parsley | For garnish |
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Season 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes until they’re just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Mix Creamy Ranch Sauce: In a large bowl, combine 1 (16 oz) container of sour cream, 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup, and 1 (1 oz) packet of ranch dressing mix until smooth.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces on top of the tater tots.
- Add Creamy Ranch Sauce: Pour the prepared creamy ranch mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Sprinkle Cheese and Bacon (Optional): Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce layer. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add 1 cup of crispy bacon crumbles on top of the cheese.
- Top with Remaining Tater Tots: Place the remaining tater tots on top of the cheese and bacon layer, creating an even top layer for the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice into portions and serve hot. Creamy Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
