Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines tender shredded chicken with zesty ranch dressing and crispy tater tots. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious.

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, combine the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
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 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

• Use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
• For extra crunch, add crushed tortilla chips or fried onions on top before baking.
• Substitute ranch dressing with a spicy chipotle ranch for a smoky twist.
• Add vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn to the chicken mixture for added color and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the tater tots from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While you can use fresh diced potatoes, tater tots provide a convenient crispy texture that is hard to replicate. If using fresh potatoes, parboil them first and expect a different texture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this bake reheats well and makes great leftovers, making it a good option for meal prep. Just keep the garnishes separate until serving for best freshness.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 149 reviews

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

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Description

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

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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 right temperature for baking.
2. Mix Chicken and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing and spices.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
4. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the chicken mixture, covering the surface completely.
5. Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the layer of tater tots, ensuring good coverage for a cheesy top.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown, crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top as garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty and delicious casserole.

Notes

• Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• You can substitute ranch dressing with a homemade or low-fat version for a lighter option.
• Ensure the tater tots are spread evenly for uniform crispiness.
• Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn in the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Evening Meals
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake, casserole, tater tots, shredded chicken, comfort food, easy dinner