Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole: Bacon, Tater Tots, and Cheesy Deliciousness!

Craving comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole with Bacon, Tater Tots, and Cheese is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy bacon, golden tater tots, and a generous blanket of melted cheese. The best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your evening.

This recipe is perfect for busy families, potlucks, or anyone who loves a hearty and flavorful meal. The combination of savory chicken, smoky bacon, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your preferences. Add your favorite vegetables, swap out the cheese, or use a different type of protein – the possibilities are endless!

## Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole

* **Effortless:** Just dump the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. No need to spend hours in the kitchen.
* **Comforting:** This casserole is the epitome of comfort food. Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Assemble the casserole in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Leftovers can be easily frozen for a quick and easy meal later on.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
* **Bacon:** Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the chicken and cheese perfectly. Use your favorite type of bacon.
* **Tater Tots:** Frozen tater tots provide a crispy and satisfying topping. Choose your favorite brand.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** Provides a creamy base for the casserole. You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup.
* **Cream Cheese:** Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. Softened cream cheese is easier to work with.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** A classic cheese for casseroles. You can use a blend of cheddar and other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Colby.
* **Onion:** Adds flavor and depth to the sauce. Yellow or white onion works well.
* **Garlic:** Enhances the flavor of the sauce.
* **Chicken Broth:** Helps to create a flavorful and moist casserole.
* **Seasonings:** Salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder add flavor to the chicken and sauce. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Corn, peas, green beans, mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables.

## Equipment

* **Slow Cooker:** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
* **Large Skillet:** For cooking the bacon.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For prepping the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For combining the sauce ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Bacon**

* Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Chicken**

* If using large chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch cubes. This will help them cook more evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

**Step 3: Combine the Sauce Ingredients**

* In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sauce is smooth.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

* Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
* Place the cubed chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
* Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated.
* If using any optional vegetables, add them to the slow cooker at this time.

**Step 5: Cook the Casserole**

* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

**Step 6: Add the Toppings**

* During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
* Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese in a single layer.
* Cover the slow cooker and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the tater tots are heated through and slightly golden brown. If you want browner tater tots, you can broil the casserole in the oven for a few minutes after the slow cooker time is complete. However, watch it closely to prevent burning.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Once the cheese is melted and the tater tots are heated through, remove the slow cooker insert from the slow cooker. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
* Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole hot, and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the casserole, such as corn, peas, green beans, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
* **Use Different Protein:** Substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs, ground chicken, or even cooked ham.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Add Ranch Dressing Mix:** Stir in a packet of ranch dressing mix to the sauce for a zesty flavor.
* **Use Cream of Mushroom Soup:** Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
* **Add Green Onions:** Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh flavor and a pop of color.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free tater tots.
* **Crispy Tater Tots:** For extra crispy tater tots, bake them separately in the oven according to the package directions, then add them to the casserole during the last few minutes of cooking.

## Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole is a complete meal on its own. However, you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can assemble the casserole in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply pop the insert into the slow cooker and cook as directed. Add the tater tots and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** To freeze the casserole, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Slow Cooker:** Reheat the casserole in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: 500-600
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

## Recipe Card

**Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole with Bacon, Tater Tots, and Cheese**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
* 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 30 oz frozen tater tots
* 10.75 oz can cream of chicken soup
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 1/2 tsp paprika
* 1/4 tsp garlic powder
* Optional: 1 cup mixed vegetables (corn, peas, green beans, etc.)

**Instructions:**

1. Cook bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
2. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
4. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
5. Place the cubed chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
6. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Add vegetables, if using.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
8. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
9. Arrange frozen tater tots on top of the cheese.
10. Cover and continue cooking until cheese is melted and tater tots are heated through.
11. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole with Bacon, Tater Tots, and Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with friends and family, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!