Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender shredded chicken, tangy ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and melty cheddar cheese, this bake is sure to satisfy the whole family.

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 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 crispiness, broil the bake for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
• Add a handful of cooked bacon bits or diced bell peppers to the chicken mixture for added texture and taste.
• If you prefer a lower-carb option, substitute tater tots with cauliflower tots or roasted cauliflower florets.

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 or until heated through to maintain crispiness. Microwaving is faster but may result in softer tater tots.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, but you will need to cook and shred the chicken before assembling the bake. Cooking the chicken in advance ensures even baking and prevents dryness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the bake and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 77 reviews

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

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Description

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a delicious and comforting casserole featuring shredded chicken mixed with creamy ranch dressing and spices, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese, then baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a hearty family meal or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

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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 Dressing: 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 mixture.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the chicken and ranch mixture evenly in the dish as the base layer.
4. Add Tater Tots: Evenly distribute the frozen tater tots on top of the chicken mixture to cover it completely.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the layer of tater tots to add richness and flavor.
6. Bake: 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 casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, zesty finish before serving.

Notes

• Use freshly cooked chicken for best flavor, or leftover roasted chicken works well too.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the chicken mixture.
• To make it gluten-free, ensure ranch dressing and tater tots are labeled gluten-free.
• You can substitute cheddar cheese with a cheese blend or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set for easier serving.

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

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