Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Looking for a dinner that will satisfy your whole family and become an instant favorite? Try making Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole—a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken, crispy tater tots, savory bacon, and the rich flavors of cheese and ranch seasoning. This recipe is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or cozy dinners at home. Here’s everything you need to know to create this mouthwatering casserole.

What Is Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?

Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a layered dish that combines classic comfort food elements into a single dish. It gets its name from the blend of flavors that are so addictive, people might say they’re “cracked out” on it! This casserole is made with seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and crunchy tater tots, all baked together with a creamy ranch-infused base. The combination of flavors is perfect for those who love hearty, rich, and cheesy meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• Frozen tater tots – these will be the topping that adds crunch to the casserole.
• Bacon – cooked and crumbled to add a smoky, savory flavor.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – for that perfect melt and gooey texture.
• Cream of chicken soup – creates the base of the casserole for a creamy consistency.
• Ranch seasoning mix – adds the signature ranch flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
• Sour cream – adds a touch of tang and creaminess.
• Green onions – chopped, for garnish and added flavor.
• Optional: Extra cheese for the top – for those who can’t get enough cheese!

How to Make Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

this recipe

Follow these simple steps to create your new favorite casserole:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish and set it aside.
2. Cook and prep the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook it until fully done (either by pan-frying, baking, or grilling). Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3. Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
4. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, and sour cream. Stir in the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon until everything is evenly coated.
5. Assemble the casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture.
6. Add the tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the chicken mixture. This will create the crispy, golden layer that everyone loves.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Add the finishing touches: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top before serving for an added burst of flavor and color.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

• Chicken options: For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or shredded leftover chicken. It will cut down on prep time and add even more flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the mixture for a spicy twist.
• Add vegetables: Mix in some frozen mixed vegetables or chopped spinach for a nutritional boost without sacrificing flavor.
• Cheese variety: Use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a more complex flavor profile.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly: It’s perfect for picky eaters and is sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Add your own twist with vegetables, different types of cheese, or seasonings to suit your taste.

Nutritional Information

While this casserole is a hearty and comforting dish, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. With protein from the chicken and bacon, carbs from the tater tots, and a good dose of dairy, it’s an all-in-one meal that’s as filling as it is delicious.

A typical serving size (about 1 cup) will provide roughly:

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a little comfort and indulgence to your dinner table, Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is your go-to recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for family gatherings or when you need a stress-free, satisfying meal. Try it tonight, and watch it become a staple in your weekly meal rotation!

Serving and Storage Tips for Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Serving Tips:

1. Serve with a side salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well, adding freshness and texture.
2. Top with extras: Before serving, sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits, additional shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream on top for added flavor.
3. Add a garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the dish and provide a nice color contrast against the golden tater tots.
4. Portion control: Use a spatula to cut the casserole into even portions for serving to make sure each plate has a good balance of chicken, bacon, and tater tots.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, this casserole can be frozen. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, and store for up to 2-3 months. Note that the texture of the tater tots may change slightly after freezing and reheating.
3. Reheating: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier top, uncover during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
4. Microwave option: If you’re in a hurry, individual servings can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes on high, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Pro Tip: If you want to maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots, it’s best to reheat in the oven instead of the microwave. This will help keep the top layer golden and crunchy.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole for multiple meals, ensuring it stays delicious and satisfying every time.

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time! Assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

2. Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe? Absolutely! Here are some swaps you can try:

• Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or shredded leftover cooked chicken for quicker prep.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Swap for cream of mushroom soup or a homemade creamy base for a different flavor.
• Bacon: Use turkey bacon or omit it for a lighter version.
• Cheese: Mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• Ranch Seasoning: If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix, you can use Italian seasoning or a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.

3. How do I make this dish healthier? To make Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole a bit healthier, you can:

• Use low-fat or fat-free sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
• Add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra nutrients.
• Opt for sweet potato tater tots as a healthier alternative to regular tater tots.

4. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, this casserole freezes well! After it has cooled, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.

Print