Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion with this mouthwatering Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken & Tater Tot Skillet! This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots, all smothered in a rich, creamy ranch and maple syrup sauce. It’s a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and satisfying that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this irresistible skillet, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony:
- Chicken: 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Seasoning: 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, and 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
- Bacon: 4 slices of chopped bacon
- Tater Tots: 1 cup of frozen tater tots
- Sauce: 1/2 cup of ranch dressing and 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- Garnish: 2 tbsp of chopped green onions
The combination of savory bacon, sweet maple syrup, and creamy ranch dressing creates a flavor profile that’s out of this world. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add your own twist with additional spices or veggies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken in a bowl to ensure even coating, then set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the delicious bacon drippings in the pan.
Sauté the Chicken
In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the seasoned chicken pieces and sauté them over medium-high heat until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
Add the Tater Tots
Now it’s time to add the frozen tater tots to the skillet. Stir them in and continue cooking until they’re crispy and heated through, approximately 10-15 minutes.
Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and maple syrup. Pour this delectable sauce over the chicken and tater tots, gently stirring to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet and cover it for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and create a cheesy, gooey layer.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the cooked bacon and chopped green onions over the top. Serve this irresistible Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken & Tater Tot Skillet warm and enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
This indulgent skillet dish packs a punch of flavor, but it’s also important to be mindful of its nutritional value. One serving (approximately 1 cup) of the Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken & Tater Tot Skillet contains approximately 570 calories, 35g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, and 35g of protein.
To make this dish a bit healthier, you can opt for low-fat or reduced-sodium ranch dressing, use turkey bacon instead of pork, and serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables on the side. Remember, moderation is key when enjoying this delicious comfort food.
Flavor Profile and Pairing Suggestions
The Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken & Tater Tot Skillet is a flavor explosion that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and creamy notes. The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that complements the salty, smoky bacon and the tangy ranch dressing. The crispy tater tots provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken.
This dish pairs excellently with a variety of side dishes, such as a simple green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a side of steamed broccoli. For beverages, try pairing it with a refreshing craft beer, a crisp white wine, or a classic soda.
When serving this skillet, consider setting up a fun, family-style presentation. Serve it directly from the pan, allowing everyone to dig in and customize their portions with additional toppings like extra bacon, green onions, or a drizzle of extra ranch dressing.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of this Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken & Tater Tot Skillet is that it’s highly customizable to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Protein Swaps: Instead of chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even swap in shrimp or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
- Flavor Profiles: Change up the flavor profile by using a spicy ranch dressing or a buffalo-style sauce in place of the maple syrup.
- Seasonal Variations: Incorporate seasonal vegetables, such as roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions, to make the dish more versatile.
- Cooking Methods: For a hands-off approach, you can transfer the skillet to the oven and bake it at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can prepare the dish in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
No matter how you choose to customize this Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken & Tater Tot Skillet, it’s sure to become a new family favorite that’s both comforting and satisfying.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need to make Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Skillet?
To prepare Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Skillet, you will typically need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, bacon, ranch seasoning, maple syrup, and vegetables such as bell peppers and onions. Optional ingredients may include garlic, cheese, and green onions for garnish.
How long does it take to cook Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Skillet?
The total cooking time for Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Skillet is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. This includes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 to 30 minutes for cooking, depending on the thickness of the chicken and the heat of your stove.
Can I make Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Skillet ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Skillet ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and bacon, then store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What can I serve with Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Skillet?
Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Skillet pairs well with a variety of sides. Popular options include rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken & Tater Tot Skillet, be sure to check out these other delicious and comforting dishes:
- Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
- Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups
- Irish Pub Burger
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these delectable recipes. Enjoy your meal!
Print
Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken & Tater Tot Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion with this mouthwatering Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken & Tater Tot Skillet! This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots, all smothered in a rich, creamy ranch and maple syrup sauce. It’s a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and satisfying that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Seasoning: 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, and 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
- Bacon: 4 slices of chopped bacon
- Tater Tots: 1 cup of frozen tater tots
- Sauce: 1/2 cup of ranch dressing and 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- Garnish: 2 tbsp of chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken in a bowl to ensure even coating, then set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the delicious bacon drippings in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the seasoned chicken pieces and sauté them over medium-high heat until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Tater Tots
Now it’s time to add the frozen tater tots to the skillet. Stir them in and continue cooking until they’re crispy and heated through, approximately 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and maple syrup. Pour this delectable sauce over the chicken and tater tots, gently stirring to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet and cover it for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and create a cheesy, gooey layer.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the cooked bacon and chopped green onions over the top. Serve this irresistible Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken & Tater Tot Skillet warm and enjoy every bite!
Notes
This indulgent skillet dish packs a punch of flavor, but it’s also important to be mindful of its nutritional value. Consider using low-fat ranch dressing, turkey bacon, or serving it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken, Tater Tot Skillet, One-Pan Meal