Description
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting and delicious casserole that combines tender cooked chicken, creamy ranch-infused sauce, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make baked dish is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become your new family favorite.
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: 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
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken: If your chicken is not already cooked and shredded or diced, cook it now to yield 2-3 cups of cooked chicken.
- Make creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk until smooth.
- Add seasonings and mix: Stir in ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Fold in the cooked chicken and optional frozen vegetables. Add 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and mix until everything is well coated.
- Spread chicken mixture: Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture for a crispy topping.
- Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the chicken mixture is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Rest and serve: Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier and slightly healthier option.
- Adding frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables increases the fiber and adds color to the dish.
- Ensure tater tots are spread in a single layer for even crisping.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps it firm up for easier portions.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor or medium cheddar for milder taste.
