If you’re a fan of bold flavors and hearty meals, Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the dish you’ve been missing! This spicy, cheesy casserole combines crispy tater tots, shredded chicken tossed in Buffalo sauce, and gooey melted cheese into one oven-baked masterpiece. Perfect for game day gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potlucks, this casserole delivers big taste with minimal effort.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this popular dish—from its ingredients and preparation method to customization ideas, nutrition facts, and tips to make it even better. Let’s dig in!
Table of Contents
What Is Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a layered baked dish featuring the classic flavors of Buffalo wings, with the added comfort of a casserole. At its core, the recipe includes:
- Shredded or cubed chicken
- Buffalo wing sauce
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Shredded cheese
- Frozen tater tots
Once baked, the result is a crispy, gooey, spicy comfort food explosion that satisfies cravings and fills the belly.
Ingredient You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked shredded chicken | 3 cups | Rotisserie chicken recommended |
| Buffalo wing sauce | 1 cup | Adjust to taste (e.g., Frank’s RedHot) |
| Ranch or blue cheese dressing | 1 cup | Choose based on your flavor preference |
| Sour cream or cream cheese | 1 cup | Adds creaminess |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups (divided) | Use 1 cup in mix, 1 cup on top |
| Frozen tater tots | 1 bag (32 oz) | No need to thaw |
| Chopped green onions (optional) | ½ cup | For garnish |
| Cooked bacon bits (optional) | ½ cup | For extra flavor on top |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Base
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, sour cream (or cream cheese), and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the chicken mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly. Top it with a layer of frozen tater tots. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits if desired. Serve hot!
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Spice Level Control: Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to suit your spice tolerance. Add a tablespoon of honey for a milder, slightly sweet version.
- Cheese Matters: Cheddar melts well, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be used for variety.
- Veggie Add-ins: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or even jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Perfect for meal prep!
- Crispier Tots: Bake the tater tots on a separate baking sheet for 15 minutes first, then add them on top for an ultra-crispy crust.
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Variations
Keto-Friendly Version
Swap tater tots for cauliflower tots and use full-fat cheese and dressing.
Vegetarian Option
Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or meatless crumbles.
Extra Cheesy
Add a layer of cream cheese beneath the chicken layer and top with an additional cup of shredded cheese.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked shredded chicken | 3 cups | Rotisserie chicken recommended |
| Buffalo wing sauce | 1 cup | Adjust to taste (e.g., Frank’s RedHot) |
| Ranch or blue cheese dressing | 1 cup | Choose based on your flavor preference |
| Sour cream or cream cheese | 1 cup | Adds creaminess |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups (divided) | Use 1 cup in mix, 1 cup on top |
| Frozen tater tots | 1 bag (32 oz) | No need to thaw |
| Chopped green onions (optional) | ½ cup | For garnish |
| Cooked bacon bits (optional) | ½ cup | For extra flavor on top |
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
Pairing Ideas
Looking to serve this dish with the perfect sides or drinks?
- Sides: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, or a simple garden salad
- Drinks: Ice-cold beer, lemonade, or sparkling water
- Dips: Ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or spicy aioli
Final Thoughts anout Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect dish to spice up your dinner table. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and packed with the fiery flavor of Buffalo wings combined with the crunch of golden tater tots. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole hits all the right notes.
Try it out today and bring the bold to your next mealtime!
