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
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 (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
