Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Zesty Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food meets spicy delight in this mouthwatering buffalo chicken tater tot casserole that promises to rock your dinner table.

Crispy golden tots nestle between layers of shredded chicken and zesty buffalo sauce.

Creamy cheese melts into every delectable bite, creating a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Packed with protein and topped with a crunchy potato crown, you won’t be able to resist seconds.

Easy to assemble and even easier to devour, this casserole brings game-day excitement straight to your kitchen.

Prepare to become the ultimate dinner hero with one simple recipe.

Casserole That Combines Tater Tots and Buffalo Chicken Heat

  • Conquer Quick Meal Prep: Whip up this casserole with minimal effort and maximum flavor, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines two beloved favorites – buffalo chicken and crispy tater tots – creating an irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for casual family nights, game day gatherings, or potluck parties, this hearty casserole adapts to any casual dining scenario with its crowd-pleasing ingredients.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit different tastes, making it a flexible recipe that works for picky eaters and spice lovers alike.

Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Ingredient List

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Shredded and coated with spicy buffalo sauce.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Provides signature tangy and spicy flavor.
Dairy Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded and melted for creamy topping.
  • Ranch Dressing: Optional drizzle for extra creaminess.
Potato Layer:
  • Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato base that creates a crunchy topping.
Additional Components:
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: For greasing the baking dish.

Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Comfort Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready and waiting for our delicious casserole.

Step 2: Spice the Chicken

Grab your shredded chicken and dive it into buffalo sauce, mixing until every single piece is coated with spicy, tangy goodness.

Step 3: Create the Base Layer

Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil. Spread out the saucy chicken across the bottom of the dish in an even, appetizing layer.

Step 4: Arrange the Crispy Tots

Take your frozen tater tots and create a beautiful blanket over the chicken, making sure every inch of the chicken is covered with these golden potato nuggets.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the tater tots, creating a melty, gooey topping that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown tater tots and cheese that’s bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 7: Final Drizzle

For an extra flavor punch, drizzle some cool ranch dressing over the top of your casserole just before serving.

Tater Tot Casserole Tips with Buffalo Chicken Flavor

  • Select Tender Chicken: Use rotisserie or freshly cooked shredded chicken for maximum flavor and easier preparation.
  • Balance Buffalo Heat: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on personal spice tolerance, mixing mild and hot sauces for customized flavor profile.
  • Layer Strategically: Ensure tater tots are arranged uniformly to create crispy, even coverage across the entire casserole surface.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Allow cheese to reach room temperature before sprinkling to help it melt more smoothly and create perfect golden texture.
  • Garnish Wisely: Add fresh chopped green onions or chives after baking to introduce a bright, fresh element that cuts through the rich, spicy flavors.

Storing Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole cool to maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
  • Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track freshness.
  • Preheat to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp tater tots.
  • Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Stop when thoroughly warm to prevent soggy tots.

Buffalo Tater Tot Casserole Matches

  • Pair with Zesty Blue Cheese Dip: Create a homemade blue cheese dip using crumbled blue cheese, sour cream, and a dash of hot sauce to complement the buffalo chicken's spicy kick.
  • Cool Down with Crisp Celery Salad: Prepare a light, refreshing celery salad with thin-sliced celery, chopped green onions, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, spicy casserole.
  • Quench with Craft Beer Delight: Select a hoppy IPA or a crisp wheat beer that cuts through the dish's richness and matches its bold buffalo flavor profile.
  • Toast with Sparkling Hard Cider: Pour a chilled hard apple cider that provides a sweet, bubbly contrast to the spicy and cheesy casserole, cleansing the palate between bites.

Buffalo Tater Casserole Serving Options

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace tater tots with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the same spicy, cheesy flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Buffalo Jackfruit Casserole: Substitute shredded chicken with pulled jackfruit seasoned in buffalo sauce for a plant-based alternative that delivers the same tangy kick and protein-rich texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tater tots and ensure buffalo sauce is certified gluten-free to create a safe meal for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Select dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds, and use dairy-free ranch dressing to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

  • Is buffalo sauce very spicy?

Buffalo sauce ranges from mild to hot. Choose a sauce brand or heat level that matches your spice tolerance. You can always adjust the amount of sauce to control the heat.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred the meat and mix it with buffalo sauce as the recipe suggests.

  • What if I don't have buffalo sauce?

You can make a quick buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with melted butter. The typical ratio is 2 parts hot sauce to 1 part butter for a classic buffalo flavor.

  • Are there any protein alternatives to chicken?

Yes, you can substitute shredded turkey or even pulled pork. The recipe is flexible and will taste delicious with different protein options.

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Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty buffalo chicken tater tot casserole delivers spicy comfort right to dinner tables, blending zesty wing flavors with crispy potato goodness. Creamy, cheesy layers promise a crowd-pleasing meal you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 bag (32 ounces / 907 grams) frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) cooked, shredded chicken
  • 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) buffalo sauce

Optional Topping:

  • 0.5 cup (118 milliliters) ranch dressing

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a scorching 400°F, creating the perfect environment for a crispy, bubbling casserole.
  2. Thoroughly blend shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with spicy, tangy goodness.
  3. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by lightly greasing the surface, then distribute the saucy chicken evenly across the bottom, creating a uniform layer.
  4. Arrange frozen tater tots in a tight, overlapping pattern to completely blanket the chicken mixture, promising maximum crispiness.
  5. Generously shower the surface with a lavish layer of shredded cheese, promising a melty, gooey finish.
  6. Transfer the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the tots turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese melts into a luxurious blanket.
  7. Once removed from the oven, enhance the dish’s decadence by drizzling a cooling ranch dressing over the top, balancing the buffalo’s fiery kick with creamy sophistication.

Notes

  • Swap traditional buffalo sauce for a milder version if you prefer less heat, ensuring everyone can enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish.
  • Prep chicken in advance by using rotisserie or slow-cooker methods to save time and simplify the cooking process.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free tater tots and checking buffalo sauce ingredients for potential wheat-based additives.
  • Add extra crunch by sprinkling crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for a delightful textural contrast.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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