Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe
Introduction
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a deliciously comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Step 3: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Swap out ranch dressing for a spicy ranch or a creamy Caesar dressing for a twist.
- Add cooked bacon bits or diced bell peppers for added texture and taste.
- If you prefer, use fresh potatoes cut into small wedges instead of tater tots, but increase baking time accordingly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness, or microwave for a quicker option, though the tots may lose some crunch.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great and adds convenient, flavorful cooked chicken to the dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready, adding extra baking time if baking straight from cold.
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Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a hearty and flavorful casserole dish combining shredded chicken tossed in creamy ranch dressing and savory spices, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, this savory bake is finished with fresh green onions for added freshness and crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Toppings
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole to perfection.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken with the flavorful seasoning.
- Assemble Casserole Base: Grease a baking dish, then spread the prepared chicken mixture evenly across the bottom, creating an even layer as the base of your bake.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture, covering it completely for a crispy topping.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the layer of tater tots to add rich, melted flavor during baking.
- Bake: Place the assembled baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots turn golden brown and have a crispy texture, and the cheese is fully melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time and ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute ranch dressing with a homemade mix of mayonnaise and ranch seasoning packets for a fresher flavor.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced bell peppers or corn for added nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheddar ranch chicken casserole, tater tot bake, easy chicken bake, comfort food, weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken casserole
