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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Tater Tots: Evenly distribute the frozen tater tots on top of the chicken mixture to cover it completely.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the layer of tater tots to add richness and flavor.
- 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.
- 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
