Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it into pieces.
3. Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, cook the chicken pieces until lightly browned, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

1. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. First Layer: Spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly on the bottom of the dish.
3. Add the Chicken and Bacon: Layer the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon over the tater tots.
4. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and bacon.
5. Top with Cheese and Tots: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the sauce layer. Add the remaining tater tots on top.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
2. Add Cheese: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and allow it to melt.
3. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions, if desired.