Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken is a comforting, flavorful casserole that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 3 cups frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
4. Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the chicken mixture.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the chicken mixture.
• Try swapping cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different twist.
• Use diced bell peppers or corn layered under the tater tots for added veggies and texture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, drizzle some hot sauce or add chopped jalapeños before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the tater tots regain their crispiness, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the topping crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use fresh chicken, but it will need to be cooked and shredded before mixing with the ranch dressing. Baking time may vary slightly if the chicken is not fully cooked beforehand.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the chicken mixture and assemble the dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 138 reviews

Cheddar Ranch Chicken is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole-style dish that combines shredded cooked chicken with creamy ranch dressing and savory spices, topped with crispy baked tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Finished with fresh green onions, this recipe offers a flavorful and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 3 cups frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped

Spices

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
2. Mix Chicken and Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly so all the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful ranch and spices.
3. Spread Chicken Mixture: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a smooth, even layer.
4. Add Tater Tots: Evenly layer the frozen tater tots on top of the chicken mixture, covering it completely for a crispy topping.
5. Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the tater tots. This will melt and create a rich, golden crust during baking.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Use any cooked chicken, including leftovers or rotisserie chicken, to save time.
• For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Adjust ranch seasoning according to your taste preference or use homemade ranch dressing for a fresher flavor.
• To make this dish lower in carbs, consider substituting tater tots with cauliflower tots if available.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken, baked chicken casserole, tater tot casserole, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, ranch chicken bake