Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe
Introduction
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar, it’s sure to please the whole family 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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Step 3: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots over the chicken mixture in a single layer.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the tater tots.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for homemade shredded chicken to save time.
- Add a handful of cooked vegetables like peas or corn to the chicken mixture for added color and nutrition.
- Use spicy ranch dressing or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispness, or microwave covered for 1-2 minutes, though the tater tots may lose some crunch.
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 use fresh diced potatoes, tater tots provide a convenient, crispy topping that saves preparation time. If using fresh potatoes, parboil and season them well before baking.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
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Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy ranch dressing, seasoned with garlic and onion powders, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this easy one-dish meal delivers delicious flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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 (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature before baking.
- Mix the chicken and seasoning: In a large bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Spread the chicken and ranch mixture evenly across the dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Add the tater tot layer: Arrange the frozen tater tots over the chicken mixture in a single layer to cover the surface completely.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots for a melty, golden topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, flavorful finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Substitute ranch dressing with a homemade ranch or a low-fat version for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add other veggies like diced bell pepper or corn for added texture and flavor.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead of time, assembled in the baking dish, covered, and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Evening Meals
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken, Tater Tot Bake, Comfort Food, Casserole, Easy Dinner, Chicken Casserole
