Name: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and crispy tater tots. It’s a perfect comfort food for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.

A pile of golden-brown fried balls stacked on a white square plate, each ball crispy and textured with a crunchy coating. The balls are generously drizzled with a creamy, pale yellow sauce that pools slightly on the plate, and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs on top, adding a fresh contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures the tater tots will cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated.
Step 3: Grease a baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom.
Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture.
Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over 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 let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Substitute shredded cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavors.
Mix fresh herbs like parsley or dill into the chicken mixture for added brightness.
Add cooked bacon bits or crumbled sausage on top for extra richness.
Let the dish cool a few minutes before serving to avoid burns.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best texture, reheat in the oven until warmed through and the tater tots regain their crispiness. Microwaving works for a quick option but may soften the tater tots.

How to Serve

A white square plate holds a tall pile of golden brown, crispy fried balls with a rough texture. They are generously covered with a light cream-colored sauce that has a smooth and slightly runny consistency, pooling a bit at the base. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top and around the balls, adding contrast against the warm fried color and creamy sauce. The background shows a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge; it might need a few extra minutes to cook through.

What can I substitute for ranch dressing?

You can use blue cheese dressing for a bolder taste or a homemade yogurt-based dressing to keep it creamy and moist. Just make sure the substitute has a similar consistency.