I love experimenting with bold flavors. This Cheesy Chicken dish melds savory tender chicken, crisp bacon and hearty tater tots into a slow cooker masterpiece. I cannot wait for you to discover its irresistible fusion of flavors that transform every bite into an exciting culinary experience. Undeniably satisfying and memorable.
I’ve been experimenting with a new recipe and I’m excited to share my take on Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken, Bacon, & Tater Tot Bake. I start off with 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned well with salt and pepper then I mix in a can of cream of chicken soup, a 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup milk along with a packet of ranch dressing mix.
After I add roughly chopped bacon and a bag of frozen tater tots to the slow cooker its already looking like a winner. Later on I sprinkle in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese so that every bite is extra cheesy and satisfying.
Im always amazed at how simple crock pot cooking can be and this cheesy chicken dish shows just that. It’s one of those recipes youll want to make every time you crave a delicious and fuss free meal.
Enjoy every bite!
Why I Like this Recipe
I really like this recipe for a bunch of reasons:
1. I love how the chicken gets so tender and juicy after simmering in that creamy, ranchy sauce. It’s like every bite is packed with flavor and comforts me everytime I eat it.
2. The mix of bacon and melted cheddar cheese makes the whole dish feel extra special. The bacon gives a nice crunch that contrasts with the creamy sauce, and the cheese just ties it all together in the best way.
3. It’s super easy to make in my crock pot. I just toss in the ingredients and let it cook all day, which means I get a delicious dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
4. I really appreciate how the tater tots turn all crispy on top while still staying soft underneath, adding an unexpected but awesome twist to each bite.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts deliver lean protein and soak up seasonings for hearty, healthy flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup adds creaminess, flavor depth, and a bit of comforting fattiness.
- Bacon contributes smoky, salty taste and extra protein though it is a bit fatty.
- Tater tots add a crispy, carb-loaded texture that balances the savory ingredients perfectly.
- Cheddar cheese melts into gooey layers, delivering calcium and an indulgent, rich flavor.
- Ranch mix and sour cream provide tangy zest and enhance the overall creaminess.
- Milk supplies creaminess and balances the soup, adding light dairy notes to every bite.
- Salt and pepper are key seasonings to enliven flavors without extra calories.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 8 slices bacon, roughly chopped
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make this
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the bottom of your crock pot.
2. In a bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and ranch dressing mix until its well combined.
3. Pour that mixture over the chicken in the crock pot so that it covers the chicken evenly.
4. Sprinkle the roughly chopped bacon all over the soup mixture.
5. Evenly spread out the frozen tater tots on top of the bacon and chicken mixture.
6. Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
7. About 15 minutes before the cooking time is over, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top all over the tater tots.
8. Let the cheese melt and become bubbly before turning off the crock pot.
9. Once its done, gently stir a little if you like your cheese mixed in or serve it layered.
10. Scoop it out onto plates and enjoy your cheesy, bacon loaded dinner.
Equipment Needed
1. Crock pot with lid
2. Cutting board
3. Sharp knife
4. Medium sized mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Stirring utensil (spoon or whisk)
7. Serving spoon or spatula
8. Plates for serving
FAQ
Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken, Bacon, & Tater Tot Bake Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs or even turkey cutlets for a slightly different flavor
- Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or whip up a simple homemade white sauce
- Instead of sour cream, try using Greek yogurt which gives a similar tangy taste
- If bacon isnt your thing, turkey bacon or pancetta works just as well
- You could replace frozen tater tots with hash browns if you’re looking for a different crunch
Pro Tips
1. Try browning the bacon a bit in a skillet first so it keeps its crunch and doesn’t just get soggy in the crock pot.
2. If you can, season the chicken a little ahead of time with extra herbs like garlic powder or paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
3. About 10 minutes before you finish cooking on high, take off the lid and give the tater tots a quick broil in the oven to make them extra crispy.
4. When it comes to the cheese, stir half into the dish at the end so you get a nice mix of melted goodness through every bite, then sprinkle the rest on top before serving for that perfect cheesy finish.
Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken, Bacon, & Tater Tot Bake Recipe
My favorite Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken, Bacon, & Tater Tot Bake Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Crock pot with lid
2. Cutting board
3. Sharp knife
4. Medium sized mixing bowl
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Stirring utensil (spoon or whisk)
7. Serving spoon or spatula
8. Plates for serving
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 8 slices bacon, roughly chopped
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the bottom of your crock pot.
2. In a bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and ranch dressing mix until its well combined.
3. Pour that mixture over the chicken in the crock pot so that it covers the chicken evenly.
4. Sprinkle the roughly chopped bacon all over the soup mixture.
5. Evenly spread out the frozen tater tots on top of the bacon and chicken mixture.
6. Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
7. About 15 minutes before the cooking time is over, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top all over the tater tots.
8. Let the cheese melt and become bubbly before turning off the crock pot.
9. Once its done, gently stir a little if you like your cheese mixed in or serve it layered.
10. Scoop it out onto plates and enjoy your cheesy, bacon loaded dinner.