Are you ready to indulge in a comforting dish that brings together the irresistible flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch in one delightful casserole? Introducing the Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole—a meal that is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also promises to be a hit at your dinner table! With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set this delicious dish to cook and let your slow cooker work its magic while you enjoy your day. Imagine coming home to a warm, cheesy, and savory casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a mouthwatering meal that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and set aside. If you haven't done so already, ensure your chicken breasts are thawed and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- In a slow cooker, place the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom. Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Add the chopped bacon on top of the seasoned chicken, distributing it evenly across the surface.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. You can microwave the cream cheese for 20-30 seconds to soften it, making it easier to mix.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and bacon in the slow cooker, ensuring it covers as much of the chicken as possible.
- Next, layer the frozen tater tots on top of the cream cheese mixture. Spread them out evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 hours. This will allow the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- After 4 hours, check to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If needed, you can cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the tater tots. Cover again and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- When the cheese is melted, carefully serve the casserole hot. Use a large spoon to scoop out portions, ensuring each serving gets a bit of chicken, bacon, tater tots, and melted cheese.
- Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole with your family or friends!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, consider prepping your ingredients the night before. Chop the bacon and chicken, and mix the cream cheese with half of the shredded cheese so everything is ready to go in the morning.
- Thaw Chicken: Ensure your chicken breasts are fully thawed before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and reach the desired tenderness.
- Layering Matters: When layering your ingredients in the slow cooker, make sure to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken and bacon. This will help keep the chicken moist and infuse it with flavor.
- Cheese Lovers: For an extra cheesy casserole, feel free to add more shredded cheese on top before the final cooking phase. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties for a unique twist!
- Check for Doneness: Always check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. If you have a meat thermometer, it's a handy tool to ensure perfect cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider adding a drizzle of ranch dressing on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
