Description
This Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make slow cooker meal that layers crispy tater tots, tender chicken breast, savory bacon, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese with flavorful ranch seasoning. Perfect for busy days, this dish brings together creamy, cheesy, and hearty elements in one pot, making it an all-in-one casserole the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 32 ounce (907 g) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 ½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (thick cut preferred)
- 8 ounce (227 g) block of cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups (226 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup (79 ml) milk
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- ¼ cup (25 g) green onion, diced
Instructions
- PREP: Cook your bacon in the oven or a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble or cut it into small pieces. Cut chicken into cubes and coat the inside of a 6-quart crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- START LAYERING TATER TOTS, BACON, & CHEESE: Place half of the frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon and one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- MAKE CHICKEN, RANCH, & CREAM CHEESE LAYER: Add the cubed uncooked chicken on top of the tater tot layer. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried dill, salt, and black pepper over the chicken to season. Distribute the cream cheese cut into pieces over the chicken. Top with the remaining half of bacon pieces and another one-third of the shredded cheese.
- TOP WITH ANOTHER LAYER OF TOTS AND CHEESE: Spread the remaining frozen tater tots evenly over the chicken and bacon layer. Sprinkle the last one-third of cheddar cheese on top. Pour the milk over the entire contents in the crock pot to add moisture and help meld flavors.
- COOK: Cover the crock pot with a paper towel and then place the lid on top. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve warm, garnished with diced green onions or extra bacon if desired.
Notes
- Ranch Seasoning: To make your own healthier ranch seasoning, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought ranch dressing mix packet.
- Slow Cooker Size: This recipe is designed for a 6-quart slow cooker and yields about 8 servings.
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the bacon, cube the chicken, combine ranch spices, and shred cheese a day ahead to save time. Assemble and cook when ready.
- Storing & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat in an oven-safe casserole dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes.
Keywords: chicken casserole, crock pot recipe, tater tot casserole, bacon ranch casserole, slow cooker dinner, easy family meal