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This Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy ranch chicken, crispy tater tots, melty cheese, and bacon all cooked to perfection in the slow cooker.

 

If there’s one dinner that I know will get zero complaints from anyone at my table, it’s this Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole. I swear, every time I make it, I can hear the tater tots sizzling away and smell that cheesy, ranchy goodness filling the whole house, and I just know dinner’s going to be a hit.

This is one of those recipes that’s pure comfort. It’s creamy, cheesy, a little salty from the bacon, and just so cozy. It reminds me of the casseroles my mom used to make when I was growing up, the kind that came out of the oven bubbling and golden, and everyone rushed to grab a plate. Only this time, the slow cooker does all the work while I’m busy wrangling the kids, folding laundry, or just trying to sit for five minutes.

I love dinners like this because they feel homemade and nostalgic, but they don’t require standing over a stove. You just stir everything together, toss it in the slow cooker, and let it do its thing. A few hours later, you’ve got a warm, creamy casserole topped with crispy tater tots and melty cheese, the kind of meal that makes everyone happy.

It’s perfect for those chilly fall evenings when you want something hearty and filling, or even just a Monday when you need dinner to basically cook itself. Everyone loves it, the kids, my husband, even my picky eater who usually side-eyes anything with green onions. This is the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that never goes out of style.

What Is Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole?

It’s basically everything you love about comfort food, in one slow cooker! Tender chunks of chicken are mixed with creamy ranch sauce, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and scallions, then topped with tater tots that turn golden and perfectly crisp as it cooks.

Traditionally, this kind of casserole is baked in the oven, but using the slow cooker makes it even easier. You don’t have to babysit it, and it stays warm and bubbly until you’re ready to serve. It’s the ultimate family dinner for busy days or cozy weekends.

Why You’ll Love It

• Easy dump-and-go meal – minimal prep, maximum flavor.

• Family favorite – even picky eaters can’t resist cheesy tater tots.

• Perfect comfort food – warm, creamy, and cozy.

• Budget-friendly – made with pantry staples and leftover chicken.

• Crowd-pleasing – great for potlucks, game nights, or busy weeknights.

• Customizable – use any cheese or add-ins you like.

When to Serve It

This recipe is perfect for just about any time you need an easy, comforting meal.

• Busy weeknights when you want dinner ready without fuss.

• Sunday dinners for something cozy and family-style.

• Potlucks or parties — everyone loves a casserole.

• Cool-weather comfort meals — it’s hearty and satisfying.

• Leftover chicken days — the best way to use up extra rotisserie or baked chicken.

Ingredients

• 3–4 cups cooked, chopped chicken – rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.

• 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup – makes that creamy base.

• 16-ounce container sour cream – adds tang and richness.

• 1-ounce envelope ranch seasoning – that signature flavor everyone loves.

• 12 slices cooked bacon, crumbled, divided – smoky, crispy, and irresistible.

• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided – melty and flavorful.

• ½ cup scallions, chopped, divided – adds a fresh pop.

• 16 ounces frozen tater tots – the crispy, golden topping that makes it perfect.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

1. Mix the base:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning, half of the bacon, 1 cup of cheese, and ¼ cup of the scallions. Stir until everything is well coated.

2. Add to the slow cooker:
   Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker.

3. Add the tater tots:
   Layer the frozen tater tots on top, you may not need them all, but I like to arrange them in neat circles for even cooking.

4. Top it off:
   Sprinkle with the remaining cheese, bacon, and scallions.

5. Cook:
   Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours, until everything is hot and bubbly and the tater tots are golden.

6. Serve:
   Spoon into bowls and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own or with a side salad for balance.

Substitutions

• Use turkey bacon for a lighter option.

• Swap the cheese – try cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for extra kick.

• Use leftover turkey after the holidays.

• Make it spicy with jalapeños or green chiles.

• Cream of mushroom soup works too if you’re out of chicken soup.

Variations

• Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Add buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture and top with blue cheese crumbles.

• BBQ Ranch Version: Add a drizzle of BBQ sauce to the chicken for a smoky twist.

• Loaded Potato Style: Add diced green peppers, onions, and a sprinkle of extra cheese on top.

• Breakfast Version: Swap chicken for scrambled eggs and sausage, it’s amazing for brunch!

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t thaw the tater tots first, they’ll crisp up better from frozen.

• Arrange them evenly so they cook uniformly.

• Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.

• If your slow cooker has a browning setting, use it to crisp the top layer a bit more at the end.

• This casserole reheats great, perfect for lunch leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken?
It’s best to use cooked chicken in this recipe to avoid excess liquid and ensure even cooking.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Mix everything except the tater tots and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add tots and cook when ready.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just use a larger slow cooker or two smaller ones.

How can I make it extra crispy?
Remove the slow cooker insert and place under the oven broiler for 2–3 minutes to crisp up the tots.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a simple side salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.

• Add a drizzle of ranch dressing over the top before serving.

• Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls for a full comfort meal.

• Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of scallions.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

You can also freeze this casserole for up to 2 months, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F.

If easy slow cooker chicken dinners are your love language, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is just the beginning! From creamy casseroles to saucy, cheesy favorites, these crockpot chicken meals are perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. Try one of these next:

• Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Casserole – All the cozy pot pie flavors with biscuits or crust baked right on top.

• Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu – Tender chicken with ham, Swiss, and creamy sauce made effortlessly in the crockpot.

• Slow Cooker Chicken Cobbler – Savory chicken and veggies topped with a buttery biscuit-style crust.

• Slow Cooker Monterey Chicken – BBQ chicken topped with bacon, melted cheese, and green onions.

• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken – Sweet, savory, sticky chicken cooked low and slow with minimal prep.

This Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is everything comfort food should be, warm, cheesy, hearty, and so easy. It’s one of those no-fail dinners that brings everyone running to the table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a slow Sunday, this casserole delivers all the cozy vibes and full bellies you could ask for.