Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. This easy casserole combines tender chicken, creamy ranch, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese for a delicious crowd-pleaser.

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 the shredded cheddar cheese 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 added flavor, try mixing a little cooked bacon or diced jalapeños into the chicken mixture.
• Use turkey or rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut.
• Swap out ranch dressing for a spicy chipotle ranch to add a smoky kick.
• Replace tater tots with frozen hash browns for a different texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness, or microwave until warmed through, though the topping may be less crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours or even a day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.

What can I use instead of ranch dressing?

You can substitute ranch dressing with sour cream mixed with a ranch seasoning packet or try a Greek yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole combining shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese topped with fresh green onions. This easy-to-make baked dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual family meal.

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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 prepare for baking the casserole.
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 ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Layer Chicken Mixture: Grease a baking dish and evenly spread the chicken and ranch mixture as the base layer.
4. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the chicken mixture to create a crispy topping once baked.
5. Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the layer of tater tots.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving warm.

Notes

• You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken if short on time.
• For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.

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

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake, Chicken casserole, Easy dinner, Comfort food, Baked tater tots, Ranch chicken bake