Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

The Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines savory shredded chicken with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, this casserole delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
4. Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the chicken mixture.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
• This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking to save time.
• Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or a plant-based protein for a different twist.

Storage

Store any 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 and the tater tots regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy tots.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While you can, frozen tater tots are preferred for their convenience and consistent texture. Fresh potatoes would require parboiling and frying to achieve a similar crispiness.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free ranch dressing and verify your tater tots contain no gluten ingredients. Always check product labels to be sure.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 99 reviews

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting casserole featuring shredded chicken mixed with creamy ranch dressing and savory spices, topped with crispy frozen tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. This easy oven-baked dish combines the richness of cheddar and ranch with the satisfying crunch of golden tater tots, finished with fresh green onions for a burst of flavor.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Prepare the 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 dressing and spices.
3. Assemble the casserole: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the chicken and ranch mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish to form a uniform layer.
4. Add the tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture to create a crispy topping when baked.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots to ensure it melts and creates a rich, golden crust.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, mild onion flavor before serving hot.

Notes

• For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture before assembling.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
• You can substitute cooked turkey or plant-based protein for chicken to suit dietary preferences or add variety.

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake, chicken casserole, tater tot casserole, ranch chicken bake, easy dinner casserole