Description
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch-seasoned sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner, delivering a flavorful combination of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 2-3 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken
- 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
- 1 ounce packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetable blend
- 2-3 cups shredded sharp or medium cheddar cheese (divided)
Topping
- 32-ounce bag frozen tater tots
- Remaining 0.5 to 1 cup shredded sharp or medium cheddar cheese
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.
- Cook Chicken: If your chicken isn’t already cooked and shredded or diced, prepare it now ensuring you have 2-3 cups ready for the recipe.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and milk. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season and Mix: Add the dry ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the creamy base. Stir well to combine. Then fold in the cooked chicken and any optional frozen vegetables. Add about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until all ingredients are well coated with the sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for an even base layer.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture, covering it completely to form the crispy topping.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots for added cheesy crispness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the chicken mixture is bubbly, and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes to set before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier and healthier option.
- Feel free to add frozen vegetables such as peas, corn, or mixed veggies for more nutrition and color.
- Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor or medium cheddar for a milder taste.
- Ensure tater tots are arranged in a single layer for uniform crispiness.
- Allowing the dish to rest before serving helps the casserole set and makes it easier to cut.
- This recipe works well with leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
