Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender shredded chicken with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

The image shows a white square plate filled with golden brown, crispy fried cauliflower pieces stacked in a heap. The cauliflower is covered in a creamy light beige sauce that drips down the sides and pools slightly at the bottom of the plate. Finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled evenly over the top of the cauliflower and sauce, adding a fresh pop of color. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a softly blurred background of kitchen elements. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 in a single layer on top of 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

  • Use homemade ranch dressing or add extra herbs like dill or chives for enhanced flavor.
  • Substitute tater tots with diced potatoes if you prefer a softer texture.
  • For added spice, mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce with the chicken mixture.
  • Leftover bake can be topped with fresh avocado or a dollop of sour cream when serving.

Storage

Store any 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 heated through, though it may be less crispy.

How to Serve

A white square plate holds a mound of golden brown, crispy fried cauliflower pieces layered with a creamy light beige sauce generously drizzled over the top and pooling slightly at the bottom. The cauliflower looks crunchy and textured with small green parsley pieces sprinkled evenly over the sauce, adding a touch of fresh color. The dish is set on a white marbled surface, with warm indoor lighting softly highlighting the crispy cauliflower and smooth sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds extra flavor, making the preparation even easier.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Print
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Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe


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

Description

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a delicious and comforting casserole featuring shredded chicken mixed with ranch dressing and seasonings, topped with crispy frozen tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make baked dish is finished with fresh green onions for a burst of flavor, perfect for a hearty family meal.


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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
  2. 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 flavors.
  3. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the chicken and ranch mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
  4. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the chicken mixture to cover it completely.
  5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the layer of tater tots, ensuring an even distribution.
  6. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, flavorful garnish. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • For extra crispy tater tots, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken casserole, tater tot bake, cheddar ranch chicken, easy dinner, comfort food

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