Description

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and delicious casserole combining shredded chicken tossed in creamy ranch dressing and spices, layered with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make bake is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or family gathering, boasting a perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and crispy textures with a fresh hint of green onions on top.

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

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is at the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the flavorful ranch and spices.
Assemble Base Layer: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the ranch chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish to form a uniform base layer.
Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture, covering it completely for a crispy, golden topping once baked.
Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the tater tots to create a rich, melted cheesy crust.
Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted beautifully.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with the chopped green onions, adding a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Make sure to use frozen tater tots straight from the freezer for best texture.
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

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

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