Description
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for busy weeknights. This easy-to-make dish layers tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy ranch-seasoned sauce and cheddar cheese, topped with crispy baked tater tots. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, savory flavors with crispy textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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 Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetable blend (optional)
Seasonings
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Chicken: If your chicken isn’t already cooked, cook and shred or dice enough to measure 2-3 cups for the recipe.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk until smooth and well combined.
- Add Seasonings and Chicken: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Fold in the cooked chicken along with any optional frozen vegetables. Then, add about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form a uniform layer.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture, covering the surface completely.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the layer of tater tots.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken mixture is bubbling and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and for easier slicing.
Notes
- Using plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream adds protein and reduces fat content.
- Feel free to add vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or mixed veggies for added nutrition and color.
- For extra crispy tater tots, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before assembling the casserole for food safety.
