Main Dishes

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

ByLeo Foster January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

Introduction

This Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, it delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.

The image shows a close-up of a baked casserole in a dark blue dish, filled with golden, crispy tater tots that are slightly browned on the edges, creating a crunchy texture on the top layer. Melted cheese covers the entire dish, bubbling and mixed with scattered pieces of crispy bacon that add reddish-brown spots throughout. Small green bits of chopped herbs or green onions are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh color contrast. The casserole looks soft and creamy underneath, with the cheese forming a gooey layer binding the tater tots and bacon together. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with the edges of the baking dish visible around the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 in a single layer 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

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Try adding cooked bacon or jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or a cheese blend for a different twist.
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir a little sour cream into the chicken mixture before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots. Microwaving may cause them to soften.

How to Serve

A white square plate holds a pile of about twelve small, round golden-brown fried cauliflower pieces, each showing a crispy texture with darker browned spots. The cauliflower pieces are generously covered with a light beige creamy sauce that pools slightly around the base of the pile. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top and on the sauce, adding a fresh contrast. The plate sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and the background is softly blurred, creating a warm, inviting feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While you can use fresh potatoes, the texture and cooking time will differ. If using fresh potatoes, slice them thinly and parboil before layering to ensure they cook fully and crisp up in the oven.

Is this dish suitable for freezer storage?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 52 reviews

This Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that combines shredded chicken tossed in creamy ranch dressing with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, offering a delicious blend of cheesy, savory flavors and irresistible crunch.

Author: Leo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly and getting the tater tots crispy.
Prepare the chicken mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is well coated with the dressing and spices.
Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease a baking dish, then spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom. Make sure to create a smooth, even layer to support the toppings.
Add the tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture, covering it completely to ensure every bite has a crispy potato layer.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots to provide a rich, melted topping that binds everything together.
Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Garnish and serve: Remove the bake from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, slightly pungent finish before serving warm.

Notes

You can swap ranch dressing for a homemade ranch mix and sour cream for a fresher taste.
Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking.
Add some cooked bacon bits for additional flavor.
Serve with a side salad to balance the richness of the casserole.

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken, Tater Tot Bake, Casserole, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Cheesy Chicken Bake

Leo Foster

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