Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Combining tender shredded chicken, zesty ranch, crispy tater tots, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.

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 mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
4. Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on 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 crispiness, broil the bake for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Swap out cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Add cooked bacon or diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a smoky or spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred it before mixing with the other ingredients.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the bake in the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 214 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and delicious casserole combining shredded chicken tossed in creamy ranch dressing and spices, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Garnished with fresh green onions, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.

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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

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the casserole to a crispy finish.
2. Mix Chicken and Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the flavorful mixture.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a suitable baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish to create a uniform base layer.
4. Add Tater Tot Layer: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface for that crispy topping.
5. Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the layer of tater tots to help create a cheesy, golden crust as it bakes.
6. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake 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. Garnish with the chopped green onions to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Serve warm.

Notes

• You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
• For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.
• Make sure the tater tots are spread in a single layer for an evenly crispy topping.
• This dish can be prepared ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• For a gluten-free version, confirm that the ranch dressing and tater tots are certified gluten-free.

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

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake, Chicken Casserole, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Tater Tot Casserole