Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe
Introduction
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole that quickly becomes a family favorite. Combining tender chicken, crispy tater tots, and flavorful ranch seasoning, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken
- 32-ounce bag frozen tater tots
- 2-3 cups shredded sharp or medium cheddar cheese
- 1 ounce packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetable blend
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: If your chicken isn’t already cooked and shredded or diced, cook it now. Aim for 2-3 cups of cooked chicken.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk. Whisk until smooth.
- Step 4: Add the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the creamy base. Stir well. Then fold in the cooked chicken and any optional frozen vegetables. Add about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until everything is coated.
- Step 5: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Step 6: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken mixture is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 9: Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, broil the bake for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- Mix in your favorite veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, healthier option.
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 some crispness. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bake a day before and keep it refrigerated. Bake it fresh when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
You can make a simple homemade sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk to replicate the creamy base if you prefer to avoid canned soup.
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Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole that combines tender chicken, crispy tater tots, creamy ranch-flavored sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, delivering a delicious blend of cheesy, savory, and crunchy textures all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2–3 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetable blend
Main Components
- 32-ounce bag frozen tater tots
- 2–3 cups shredded sharp or medium cheddar cheese, divided (about 1.5 cups and 0.5 to 1 cup)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 ounce packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
- Cook Chicken: If your chicken is not already cooked and shredded or diced, cook it now until you have 2-3 cups ready for the casserole.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and milk. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Seasonings and Mix: Add the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce base. Stir thoroughly to incorporate flavors. Then fold in the cooked chicken and any optional frozen vegetables. Add about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Base Layer: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to form the casserole base.
- Layer Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots to ensure a cheesy, crispy topping after baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken mixture is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to set before serving, allowing easier slicing and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- Using sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang to the sauce; choose based on preference or dietary needs.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
- If you want a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the sauce mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheddar ranch chicken, tater tot casserole, chicken casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, baked chicken dish
