Description

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a cozy and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender chicken, crispy tater tots, melty cheddar cheese, and tangy ranch seasoning. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this versatile bake delivers a comforting blend of textures and tastes, with easy prep and adaptable ingredient options.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, diced

Vegetables

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

Dairy

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Seasonings and Mixes

1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare it for layering your ingredients.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced chicken breasts or thighs until no longer pink, seasoning with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. This step ensures your protein is flavorful and tender.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, ranch dressing mix, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to evenly distribute the creamy, tangy ranch flavor throughout.
Assemble the Bake: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the tater tots in a single layer, covering the filling entirely. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy, the cheese is bubbly, and the filling is heated through. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

Even Layering: Make sure to spread the chicken mixture evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Use Fresh Tater Tots: Choose crispy, not frozen solid, tater tots to ensure even browning.
Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the bake rest before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Season Generously: Ranch seasoning can vary in intensity, so taste and adjust before baking.
Make Ahead Friendly: Assemble the dish the night before and bake fresh for a time-saving weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of recipe)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, tater tots, ranch seasoning, baked chicken casserole