Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a fun, comforting dish that combines crispy tater tots, creamy chicken, and a flavorful blend of cheese and ranch. This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a cozy night in. The rich, cheesy sauce envelops tender chicken and crispy tater tots, making it a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner or a dish to impress at a potluck, this casserole is sure to satisfy. It’s an irresistible blend of savory, cheesy goodness that’s hard to beat.

The History of Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
The origin of the “Cracked Out” moniker isn’t entirely clear, but it likely refers to the inclusion of ranch seasoning, which has become a popular flavor profile in many casserole recipes. The “cracked” part is a playful reference to the addictive quality of the dish, which is often packed with bold flavors like ranch, cheese, and bacon. Tater tot casseroles themselves have been around since the mid-20th century, with variations cropping up in households across America, especially during the 1970s when tater tots were first widely available. Combining the iconic tater tot with seasoned chicken and creamy cheese created a winning dish that has become a favorite in many homes, and “cracked out” versions with ranch seasoning and bacon take it to the next level of indulgence.

Ingredients Breakdown

1. Tater Tots – The star of the dish, providing a crispy and comforting texture. Tater tots are a frozen favorite that hold up well when baked, making them perfect for casseroles.
2. Chicken – Shredded or cubed cooked chicken is the protein base of this dish. It can be pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, making the preparation quick and easy.
3. Cream of Chicken Soup – This provides a creamy base for the casserole, creating a rich sauce that binds everything together.
4. Ranch Seasoning – The key flavoring agent, bringing a zesty and savory depth to the dish. Ranch seasoning gives the casserole its “cracked out” flavor.
5. Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheddar adds creaminess and sharpness, balancing the richness of the soup and ranch seasoning.
6. Bacon – Crumbled bacon adds a salty, crispy texture that complements the creamy chicken and cheese. It’s optional, but it enhances the dish with a smoky flavor.
7. Sour Cream – Adds a bit of tanginess to balance the richness of the cream of chicken soup.
8. Green Onions – Optional, but chopped green onions provide a bit of fresh crunch and color to brighten the dish.
9. Butter – Used to enhance the flavor and richness of the casserole.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked bacon. Stir until well combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Layer the tater tots over the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface.
5. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots.
6. Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and top with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save you effort and add great flavor.
• Make it spicier: If you like some heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
• Crispier tater tots: For extra crispy tater tots, bake the casserole for an extra 5-10 minutes or broil it for a minute or two right before serving.
• Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Add vegetables: If you want to add some veggies to the dish, you can mix in frozen peas or corn with the chicken mixture.
• Double the recipe: This casserole can easily be doubled for a larger crowd. Just use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes and increase the baking time as necessary.

Variations and Customizations

• Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free tater tots and substitute the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free alternative.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with mushrooms or a combination of your favorite vegetables.
• Add Extra Protein: If you want to add more protein, throw in some cooked sausage or ground turkey.
• Spicy Version: Add diced green chilies, hot sauce, or jalapeños to give the casserole some spice.
• Make it Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free ranch seasoning, dairy-free cheese, and a dairy-free sour cream alternative.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a rich and indulgent dish that’s high in calories and fat, largely due to the cheese, bacon, and creamy soup base. While delicious, it’s important to keep portions in check, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. To make the dish a bit lighter, consider using reduced-fat cheese, low-fat sour cream, and baking the tater tots for extra crispiness instead of frying them. You can also try using a lighter version of the cream of chicken soup or replacing it with a homemade white sauce for a healthier option. Adding vegetables like spinach or peas can provide extra nutrients without adding too many extra calories.

FAQ

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?
   Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual.
3. Can I use a different type of potato?
   You can use hash browns or even fresh diced potatoes in place of tater tots, though the texture will be different. If using fresh potatoes, par-cook them before adding them to the casserole.
4. Can I make this recipe without bacon?
   Yes, you can skip the bacon if you prefer. For a similar smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
5. What can I serve with this casserole?
   This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed veggies, or even a side of garlic bread for a more indulgent meal.

Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a cheesy, comforting dish filled with chicken, ranch, and crispy tater tots. It’s easy to make and perfect for a crowd, delivering a hearty meal everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• ▢ 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
• ▢ 16 oz sour cream
• ▢ 1 10.5 oz can unsalted cream of chicken soup
• ▢ 1 1 oz package ranch dressing mix
• ▢ 1 cup chopped cooked bacon
• ▢ 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ▢ 1 30 to 32 oz bag frozen tater tots

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, sour cream, soup, ranch mix, bacon, and cheese. Gently fold in the frozen tater tots. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until bubbly.

Notes

You can use turkey bacon as a substitute.
Low-fat sour cream can be used in place of regular sour cream.
There’s no need to thaw the tater tots before adding them to the casserole, although you can thaw them if preferred.

I recommend using Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup in this recipe to better control the sodium levels.
You can purchase it by the case on Amazon: Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
If you need a gluten-free version of Cream of Chicken Soup, you can find it here: Gluten-free Cream of Chicken Soup
Here’s a recipe for Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
If you’re baking it immediately after refrigeration, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
For baking after freezing, make sure to thaw the casserole completely before baking as directed.
To reheat after freezing, allow it to thaw fully, then cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until heated through.