Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is an easy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crispy tater tots, and melty cheddar cheese with a flavorful ranch twist. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole brings family-friendly flavors together in one delicious bake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 3 cups frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the chicken and ranch mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
4. Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the chicken mixture.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, stir in 1/2 cup sour cream with the ranch dressing.
• Try adding cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with cooked mushrooms or a plant-based chicken alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the tater tots regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

Frozen tater tots work best for this recipe because they provide a crispy topping without extra preparation. Using fresh potatoes would require parboiling and shredding to achieve similar texture.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 102 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a delicious and comforting casserole featuring shredded chicken tossed in creamy ranch dressing and spices, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 3 cups frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready when your dish is assembled.
2. Mix Chicken and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking, then spread the chicken and ranch mixture evenly across the bottom.
4. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture for an even crispiness.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the layer of tater tots.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve hot.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Substitute ranch dressing with a homemade or dairy-free alternative if desired.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheddar chicken casserole, tater tot bake, ranch chicken recipe, easy dinner bake, comfort food casserole