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Cracked out Tater Tots Casserole

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Cracked out Tater Tot Casserole has crispy tater tots mixed with chicken, bacon, and ranch, all smothered in gooey melted cheese. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth! Trust me, even if you’re not a gourmet chef, you can totally nail this recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest, and you’ll be coming back for seconds, guaranteed.

Cracked-Out-Tater-Tot-Casserole

What you’ll love about this recipe:


  • KID FRIENDLY – Kids adore it! With crispy tater tots and cheesy goodness, it’s a guaranteed hit with the little ones.
  • Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings and potlucks! Whether it’s a family dinner or a party with friends, everyone will be asking for seconds.
  • INEXPENSIVE – It won’t break the bank! Made with simple, affordable ingredients like tater tots, chicken, bacon, and cheese, it’s a budget-friendly meal option.
crack-tater-tots

Ingredients for Cracked-out Tater Tots

  • 1 bag 32 oz of frozen tater tots
  • 1 Pound Chicken Breast
  • 16 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 6 Slices Cooked Chicken Breast
  • 1 packet of Ranch Seasonings or Homemade Ranch
Air Fryer Tater Tots

Cracked Out Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Cook the tater tots following the package instructions. Or Make Easy Air FryerTater Tots
  3. While the tater tots are baking, you can also bake the bacon in the oven.
  4. Meanwhile, place the chicken breast in your Instant Pot with one cup of water and add the ranch seasoning packet.
  5. Cook the chicken on manual high pressure for 12 minutes.
  6. Once done, do a quick release and carefully remove the chicken breast.
  7. Use two forks to shred the chicken.
  8. Place the shredded chicken over the top of the cooked tater tots.
  9. Spread cheese over the top, and add the cooked bacon.
  10. Bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is nice and melted.

Tips & Tricks

  • Crispy Tater Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them at a slightly higher temperature than what’s recommended on the package. This will help them get nice and crispy before adding them to the casserole.
  • Cook Bacon in the Oven: Baking bacon in the oven is not only easy, but it also yields crispy, evenly cooked bacon without the mess.
  • Instant Pot Chicken: Using the Instant Pot to cook the chicken is a time-saving method. Make sure to season the chicken well with the ranch seasoning packet for maximum flavor.
  • Shred Chicken Easily: Shredding chicken can be tedious, but it’s a breeze with the two-fork method. Simply hold a fork in each hand and pull them apart in opposite directions to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  • Cheese Selection: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses all work well in this casserole.
  • Customize Your Casserole: Get creative with add-ins! You can add diced onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, or even black beans to amp up the flavor and nutritional value of your casserole.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: After baking, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold casserole.

FAQs about Cracked Out Tater Tot Casserole

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken if you prefer. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken would work well in this recipe. Simply shred the pre-cooked chicken and mix it with the other ingredients before baking.

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven until warmed through.

cracked-out-tater-tot-casserole
Cracked-Out-Tater-Tot-Casserole

Cracked out Tater Tot Casserole

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Cracked out Tater Tot Casserole has crispy tater tots mixed with chicken, bacon, and ranch, all smothered in gooey melted cheese. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth! Trust me, even if you’re not a gourmet chef, you can totally nail this recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest, and you’ll be coming back for seconds, guaranteed.

Ingredients

  • 1 bag 32 oz of frozen tater tots
  • 1 Pound Chicken Breast
  • 16 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 6 Slices Cooked Chicken Breast
  • 1 packet of Ranch Seasonings or Homemade Ranch

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Cook the tater tots following the package instructions. Or Make Easy Air FryerTater Tots
  3. While the tater tots are baking, you can also bake the bacon in the oven.
  4. Meanwhile, place the chicken breast in your Instant Pot with one cup of water and add the ranch seasoning packet.
  5. Cook the chicken on manual high pressure for 12 minutes.
  6. Once done, do a quick release and carefully remove the chicken breast.
  7. Use two forks to shred the chicken.
  8. Place the shredded chicken over the top of the cooked tater tots.
  9. Spread cheese over the top, and add the cooked bacon.
  10. Bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is nice and melted.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 570Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 146mgSodium: 844mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 49g

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12 Comments

  1. I made this last night. My family really enjoyed it and this was super easy. I used a 32 oz bag of tater tots , which I thought was regular size. This recipe makes enough for 4 people, 5 if you have smaller portions, but I have 2 growing boys with big appetites. My daughter said this dish reminded her of loaded french fries.

  2. Pingback: 15 of the Best Instant Pot Recipes | LifeLoveCurtis

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