Description
This Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a deliciously creamy and cheesy casserole that combines shredded chicken, crispy tater tots, and savory ranch flavors to create a comforting family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make dish is packed with layers of flavor and satisfying 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: 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: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Cook the Chicken: If your chicken isn’t already cooked and shredded or diced, cook it now until you have 2-3 cups ready for the casserole.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk until smooth to create the creamy base for the casserole.
- Add Seasonings and Combine: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Then fold in the cooked chicken and any optional frozen vegetables along with about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, making sure everything is well coated.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer directly on top of the chicken mixture.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute for sour cream to reduce fat content.
- Add vegetables like peas, corn, or a mixed blend to increase the nutritional value and add color.
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- If preferred, substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
