Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of shredded chicken tossed in ranch dressing and spices are topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying family favorite.

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: Top the chicken mixture with the frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly 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 diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture before baking.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking for convenience.
• Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or a plant-based protein for a different twist.

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 and the tater tots regain their crispiness, about 15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

While fresh potatoes can be used, they will require par-cooking and extra time to crisp up. Frozen tater tots offer convenience and consistent texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free ranch dressing to make it suitable for a dairy-free diet.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 76 reviews

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and savory casserole featuring shredded chicken tossed in ranch dressing and spices, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make American classic is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner with a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• 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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly and to help the tater tots crisp up nicely.
2. Prepare the chicken mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, giving the chicken a flavorful, creamy coating.
3. Assemble the bake: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform layer for even cooking and flavor distribution.
4. Add the tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture. This layer will bake into a crispy, golden topping.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots, which will melt and create a deliciously cheesy crust during baking.
6. Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the bake from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top. Serve hot for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Notes

• For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a mild kick.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator before baking to save time on busy days.
• Feel free to substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or a plant-based protein to accommodate different dietary preferences.

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake, comfort food, chicken bake, tater tots