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; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 3 cups frozen tater tots; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup green onions, chopped

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Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy ranch, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy bake that brings comfort food to your weeknight dinner table with minimal effort.

A white square plate holds a pyramid of crispy, golden brown fried cauliflower pieces, each with a crunchy texture. The cauliflower is layered generously with a creamy, light beige sauce that lightly drips down the sides. Small bits of bright green parsley are sprinkled over the cauliflower and sauce, adding a fresh color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled texture surface, enhancing the warm tones of the food. 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 the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly combined.
Step 3: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the chicken mixture.
Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly 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 garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture if you prefer a spicier dish.
This bake can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
Substitute cooked turkey or a plant-based protein for the chicken to suit your dietary needs.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain the tater tot crispiness.

How to Serve

A white square plate holds a pile of about twelve crispy, golden-brown fried balls that look crunchy with small textured bits on their surface. These balls are drizzled with a creamy white sauce that has a smooth, slightly thick texture, pooling at the base of the pile. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the balls and sauce, adding a fresh color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

Fresh potatoes can be used, but they require parboiling and extra seasoning to achieve the right texture and flavor. Frozen tater tots provide convenience and crispiness with less effort.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can assemble the bake and freeze it before baking. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed until heated through and crispy on top.