Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. With tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese, this bake combines flavors everyone will love.

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 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 crunch, add panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
• Swap ranch dressing for a spicy chipotle ranch to add a kick to the dish.
• Add cooked bacon bits to the chicken mixture for smoky flavor.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a cheesier, spicier result.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking. Using raw chicken would require a different cooking method to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just add the tater tots and cheese just before baking to keep them crispy.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 589 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines tender shredded chicken mixed with tangy ranch dressing and spices, topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Finished with fresh green onions, this hearty bake is perfect for an easy weeknight 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your casserole is assembled.
2. Mix the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the flavorful sauce and spices.
3. Assemble the Bake: Grease a baking dish and then spread the ranch-coated chicken mixture evenly across the bottom. This forms a savory base layer for the casserole.
4. Add the Tater Tots: Evenly distribute the frozen tater tots on top of the chicken mixture, covering it completely to create a crispy topping once baked.
5. Cheese Layer: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the tater tots to create a rich, melty cheese crust during baking.
6. Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 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 sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, zesty finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• For extra crispiness, consider broiling the bake for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
• You can substitute rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added texture and nutrition.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the chicken mixture.
• This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated; just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if baking from cold.

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

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