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Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe


  • Author: Marina
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole to perfection.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the layer of tater tots to add rich, melted flavor during baking.
  6. 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.
  7. 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