Description
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a comforting, family-friendly casserole combining tender chicken, creamy ranch-flavored sauce, crispy tater tots, and sharp cheddar cheese. This easy oven-baked dish comes together quickly and makes a perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
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 for topping
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 and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: If your chicken isn’t already cooked, cook and shred or dice it to make about 2-3 cups of cooked chicken for the recipe.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt), and milk. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Season and Mix: Add the dry ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the creamy mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate. Next, fold in the cooked chicken and any optional frozen vegetables you’d like to add. Add about 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the chicken and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Top with Cheese: 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 bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bake to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the casserole set for easier slicing.
Notes
- You can swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option without compromising creaminess.
- Add frozen peas, corn, or any mixed vegetables to boost nutrition and add color.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences, especially salt and pepper.
- Make sure to arrange tater tots in a single layer for the crispiest texture.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
