Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a deliciously comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. With tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser for 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 evenly over the chicken mixture.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese 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 rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
• Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
• Try adding cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to enhance the dish.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting cooked chicken with cooked beans or diced vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on top. Microwaving is quicker but may result in less crispy tater tots.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

Yes, you can substitute fresh diced potatoes, but pre-cook them until tender before baking to ensure they cook through properly.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled bake before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 97 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 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. This hearty dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, combining the savory flavors of ranch and cheddar with the satisfying crunch of golden tater tots.

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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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature by the time you are ready to bake the casserole.
2. Combine Chicken and Seasoning: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder until well coated and evenly combined.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Then evenly spread the seasoned chicken mixture in the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform layer.
4. Add Tater Tot Layer: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface for a consistent topping.
5. Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the layer of tater tots to add a rich, melted cheese topping.
6. Bake the Casserole: Place the 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 the chopped green onions on top as a fresh garnish before serving warm.

Notes

• You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the chicken mixture.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• For a lower-calorie option, use reduced-fat ranch dressing and cheddar cheese.
• Make sure the tater tots are arranged evenly to ensure uniform crispiness.

• 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 bake, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, cheesy chicken bake