Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots, which will melt and create a deliciously cheesy crust during baking.
- 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.
- 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
