Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender shredded chicken with flavorful ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s sure to please the whole family.

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 combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the chicken 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 over the top of 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 flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
• Use different cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist.
• Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky crunch.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the tater tots crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

Yes, but you will need to par-cook the fresh potatoes to ensure they bake through and get crispy. Consider shredding and parboiling or frying them before layering.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time and covering with foil if the cheese browns too quickly.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 113 reviews

A comforting and easy-to-make Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy ranch dressing and spices, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese, then baked to golden perfection and finished with fresh green onions.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Topping

• 3 cups frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Mix Chicken and Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring well to evenly coat the chicken with the flavors.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom to form the base layer.
4. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the chicken mixture to create a crispy topping when baked.
5. Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the layer of tater tots to add a creamy, melty finish.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with the chopped green onions for a fresh, colorful finish before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Feel free to add chopped bacon or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor.
• Ensure the tater tots are spread evenly for uniform baking and crispiness.
• Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.
• Use reduced-fat ranch dressing and cheese to lower calories if desired.

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake, chicken casserole, tater tot bake, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, baked chicken casserole