Description
There’s something so special about a casserole that brings people together, whether it’s a holiday potluck, a comforting family dinner, or even a cozy weekend brunch. This “Cracked-Out” Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is one of those magical dishes that has everyone asking for seconds. The combination of tender chicken, crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, and creamy ranch-flavored sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With its playful name and crave-worthy ingredients, this dish is sure to make any meal memorable. It’s an easy recipe that brings classic flavors together in a way that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (1 oz) package ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup diced turkey ham
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the casserole to cook evenly and develop that golden, bubbly topping we all love.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the flavorful base of your casserole.
- Add the Chicken and Cheese: Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the cheddar cheese. The chicken adds a hearty, comforting texture, while the cheese makes the casserole wonderfully creamy and flavorful.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture. This layer will get nice and crispy as it bakes, adding a delicious crunch to every bite.
- Add the Remaining Cheese and Turkey Ham: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots, followed by the diced turkey ham. The turkey ham adds a savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesy, creamy filling.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve the casserole hot, and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite.
Notes
- This recipe is highly versatile. Feel free to swap in different cheeses, add cooked vegetables, or try it with diced turkey for a lighter option.
- You can also prepare this casserole in advance and freeze it. Simply thaw and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if necessary.