Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
