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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the casserole to a crispy finish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Tater Tot Layer: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface for that crispy topping.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the layer of tater tots to help create a cheesy, golden crust as it bakes.
- 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.
- 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
