Bursting with flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness, Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a great idea for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Have you heard the saying, “Everything’s better with ranch?” If you know, you know. That uniquely distinctive salad dressing favorite is also a go-to for dipping veggies, chicken wings, French fries, pizza crust, and more. So just imagine what the savory blend of herbs and spices in ranch seasoning can bring to a version of a popular weeknight dinner: the delicious and dependable chicken casserole. Or, instead of imagining, run to your kitchen and make chicken Tater Tot casserole right now!
That’s right: I said Tater Tots. I don’t know about you, but when I see that Tater Tots are an ingredient in a dish, I’m all in. Crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, Tater Tots might have to join ranch in the “Everything’s better with…” slogan, as they do in this recipe. We’ve also got sautéed onions and garlic that get mixed into a blend of tangy sour cream, rich cream of chicken soup, sharp cheddar cheese, and tender, shredded chicken.
Every bite brings the most satisfying and delicious combination of flavors and textures. Like all good chicken casseroles, this one is comforting and nostalgic in the best way, yet the addition of that unique blend of herbs and spices that is ranch seasoning and those crunchy tots on top turns chicken Tater Tot casserole into a new and unique dish, one that is certain to become a family favorite.
What is ranch seasoning?
One of the most popular salad dressings and dips around, ranch has a very distinctive flavor: but what, exactly, is ranch seasoning made of? While there are variations among recipes, pretty much all ranch seasoning is a blend of dried herbs and spices including garlic and onion powder, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper, with the addition of dry buttermilk powder, which gives ranch its characteristic tang. Some versions include other dried herbs, such as chives and tarragon, and other spices like mustard powder.
How do I store leftovers?
Cooled chicken Tater Tot casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; if the tots are soggy, reheat the casserole uncovered in the oven to crisp them back up. The casserole can also be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in the fridge before heating).
Serving suggestions
If you’re looking for some easy and delicious ways to prepare shredded chicken for chicken Tater Tot casserole, try one of these recipes: Homemade Rotisserie Chicken, Shredded Chicken in the Oven, or Crock-Pot Shredded Chicken. And if you’re looking for some simple but satisfying sides to go with this rich and creamy casserole, try Easy Sautéed Broccoli and some Baked Garlic Rolls. But chicken Tater Tot casserole is also great with a crisp Green Salad, and Breadsticks (or, if you’re like me and believe there’s no such thing as a meal with too much cheese, these Cheese Breadsticks).
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 10.5-ounce cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 1/3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 32-ounce package frozen Tater Tots
- Green onions chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and cook until softened, then add the garlic and cook 1 more minute. Remove from the heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded chicken, onion, and garlic.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared dish. Evenly top with the frozen Tater Tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions.
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