Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, flavorful ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser the whole family will love.

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, combine the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken.
3. Step 3: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
4. Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of 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

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
• Try adding cooked bacon bits for extra smoky flavor.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a spicy kick.
• Mix in some frozen corn or peas for added texture and color.

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 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness, or microwave if short on time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baked directly from chilled.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While fresh potatoes can be used, they will require par-cooking (boiling or roasting) beforehand and may alter the dish’s texture and cooking time.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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A comforting and hearty Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake featuring shredded chicken mixed with ranch dressing and spices, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh green onions.

• Author: Maya
• 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

Chicken Mixture

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Topping

• 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 ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Mix Chicken and Seasonings: 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 flavors.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Spread the ranch chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
4. Layer Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the chicken mixture, covering the surface completely.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the layer of tater tots for a rich and melty topping.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

• You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
• Feel free to swap cheddar cheese with pepper jack or mozzarella for variation.
• For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: Cheddar ranch chicken, tater tot bake, chicken casserole, comfort food, easy dinner