Creamy Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake

Servings: 8-10

INGREDIENTS:

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 (32 oz) package of frozen tater tots
– 1 (16 oz) container sour cream
– 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
– 1 (1 oz) packet ranch dressing mix
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup crispy bacon, crumbled (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.

2. Season the cut chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and brown the chicken pieces until they’re just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and ranch seasoning mix until smooth.

4. Layer half of the frozen tater tots at the base of the greased baking dish, followed by the cooked chicken pieces.

5. Pour and spread the creamy ranch mixture over the chicken, ensuring an even distribution.

6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce, then top with the remaining tater tots. For a smoky twist, sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top if using …