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Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake

The Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is an easy, crowd-pleasing casserole that combines tender cooked chicken, zesty ranch seasoning, crispy tater tots, and melty sharp cheddar cheese. This one-pan comfort food dish delivers a deliciously savory flavor and satisfying textures, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals for busy families.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk or sour cream
  • 1 cup frozen vegetables (optional, such as corn or peas)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for greasing the dish or coating vegetables)

Topping

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, condensed soup, milk or sour cream, and any frozen vegetables. Mix thoroughly until the creamy sauce is evenly blended with the chicken and veggies.
  2. Assemble the Bake: Grease a baking dish with butter or oil. Spread the prepared chicken mixture into an even layer in the dish, creating a creamy and flavorful base.
  3. Add Cheese and Tater Tots: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture. Then cover the cheese layer with a single layer of frozen tater tots, spacing them slightly if desired for extra crispiness.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Let It Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This step helps the layers set, making the bake easier to cut and serve.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melt and flavor rather than pre-shredded.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking dish to allow tater tots to crisp properly instead of steaming.
  • Add texture and extra flavor by mixing in crispy bacon bits or fried onions if desired.
  • Prepare this dish ahead by assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating until ready to bake.
  • Monitor baking time carefully as oven temperatures vary—avoid burning the tater tots.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheddar ranch chicken, tater tot bake, casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, one-pan dish