Why make this recipe
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a fantastic dish that brings comfort food to a new level. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and loved by both kids and adults. This recipe combines delicious chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheddar cheese, creating a dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this bake is not just tasty but also simple to prepare.
How to make Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake
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
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Top the chicken mixture with frozen tater tots.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
How to serve Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake
This dish is best served hot straight from the oven. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a simple side salad for a balanced meal. It also works well as a party dish; just place it in the center of the table and let everyone dig in!
How to store Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake
If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before storing. You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to make Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake
- For extra crunch, consider adding some breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- You can use any leftover cooked chicken, or even rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add your favorite vegetables, like peas or corn, to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a nice twist to the flavor. You can also substitute the ranch dressing with buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs on the stovetop or bake them first, then shred them before mixing with the ranch dressing.
Is it necessary to use tater tots?
While tater tots give a nice texture, you can use other frozen potato products like hash browns or even make mashed potatoes if you prefer a different base!
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup ranch dressing Can substitute with buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
- 3 cups frozen tater tots Can substitute with hash browns or mashed potatoes.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack.
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped For garnish.
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
Assembly and Baking
- Top the chicken mixture with frozen tater tots.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
