Description
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a hearty, comforting casserole combining shredded chicken, creamy ranch-flavored sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick family dinner and pleases all ages with its rich flavors 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 dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook chicken: If chicken is not already cooked, cook and shred or dice enough to yield 2-3 cups.
- Mix creamy base: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and milk until smooth.
- Season and combine: Add the dry ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the creamy mixture. Stir well, then fold in the cooked chicken and optional frozen vegetables. Stir in approximately 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and to cool slightly.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a healthier option without sacrificing creaminess.
- Frozen mixed vegetables such as peas or corn add color and nutrition but can be omitted or replaced as preferred.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of the condensed soup and ranch seasoning.
- For extra crispiness, briefly broil the tater tots at the end for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake directly from cold but may require additional baking time.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
