Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender shredded chicken, zesty ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family 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 on top of the chicken mixture in a single layer.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the 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 heat, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
• Use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor.
• For a lower-carb version, try layering roasted cauliflower florets instead of tater tots.

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 covered for 1-2 minutes if short on time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to ensure the tater tots stay crispy.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

Fresh potatoes can be used but will require parboiling and seasoning before layering to ensure they cook through and become crispy in the bake.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 105 reviews

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

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Description

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole combining shredded chicken tossed in creamy ranch dressing and spices, topped with crispy frozen tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. This savory dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual get-together.

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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 reaches the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the dish.
2. Mix Chicken and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and then spread the chicken and ranch mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish to form a solid base layer.
4. Add Tater Tot Layer: Place the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface. This layer will become crispy and golden as it bakes.
5. Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots to add a rich, melty topping that complements the dish beautifully.
6. Bake: Place the baking 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 on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• For extra crispiness, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Ranch dressing can be substituted with a homemade ranch mix and sour cream for a fresher taste.
• Add vegetables like corn or peas to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and texture.
• This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.

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

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake, casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, chicken recipe, tater tots, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese