Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender shredded chicken with creamy ranch, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and easily.

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 evenly combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
4. Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots over the chicken mixture in a single layer.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of 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 flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
• You can substitute ranch dressing with a homemade or store-bought buttermilk ranch for a fresher taste.
• Try adding cooked bacon pieces or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier bake.
• Use sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots for a slightly sweet twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This helps keep the tater tots crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, but it’s best to cook and shred the chicken beforehand. Using pre-cooked chicken ensures the bake cooks evenly without drying out the chicken.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. You can assemble the bake, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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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 hot enough for baking the casserole and crisping the tater tots.
2. Mix Chicken with Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken with the flavorful mixture.
3. Assemble in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish, then spread the ranch-coated chicken mixture evenly at the bottom of the dish to create a uniform layer.
4. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture, covering it completely. This will form a crispy topping after baking.
5. Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots, ensuring good coverage to melt and create a golden cheesy crust.
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 casserole from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, colorful garnish before serving warm.

Notes

• You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or corn to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sprinkle with crushed red chili flakes.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake, chicken casserole, tater tot casserole, baked chicken dish, easy family dinner