Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Step 3: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
4. Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
• Swap shredded mozzarella for cheddar if you prefer a milder cheese.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives instead of green onions for a different garnish.
• To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your ranch dressing and tater tots are labeled gluten-free.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the tater tots regain their crispness, about 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred it before mixing with the ranch dressing and spices.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked dish featuring shredded chicken mixed with ranch dressing and aromatic spices, topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese, finished with fresh green onions for a deliciously satisfying meal.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
2. Mix Chicken and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing well to evenly coat the chicken with the flavorful ranch and spices.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the ranch chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
4. Add Tater Tots: Evenly layer the frozen tater tots on top of the chicken mixture, covering the surface completely.
5. Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots to create a cheesy topping.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh flavor contrast before serving.

Notes

• Use fully cooked chicken to speed up preparation time.
• You can substitute ranch dressing with a homemade or low-fat version for a healthier option.
• For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Feel free to add other toppings like bacon bits or chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken, Tater Tot Casserole, Easy Chicken Bake, Comfort Food, Cheesy Chicken Recipe