Buffalo Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy Weeknight Dinner: Everything comes together in one bowl before going into the baking dish.
• Big Buffalo Flavor: Buffalo sauce, ranch, and BBQ seasoning give this casserole plenty of flavor.
• Family-Friendly: You can easily adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to make it as mild or spicy as you like.
• Creamy and Cheesy: Cream cheese and shredded cheese make the chicken mixture rich and comforting.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Cooked and shredded!
• Sharp Cheddar and Jack Cheese: This combination gives you plenty of cheesy flavor while still melting beautifully.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the filling rich and creamy.
• Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite sauce and adjust the amount to your preferred heat.
• BBQ Rub: I used my Prime Rib Seasoning.
• Ranch Dressing: The perfect flavor combination and helps make it creamy.
• Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots go straight on top for an easy, crispy topping.

Tim's Tip: Don't overcrowd the tater tots to get the crispiest topping. Arrange them in a single even layer.

How to Make a Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Make the buffalo mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, BBQ rub, and softened cream cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.

3. Add the chicken and cheese: Stir in the cooked chicken and half of the shredded cheddar and Jack cheese. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.

4. Add to the baking dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.

5. Layer the tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the cheese. Try not to overlap them too much so they have plenty of room to get crispy.

6. Bake: Bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

7. Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Add an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce or ranch if desired.

expert tips

• Soften the cream cheese first. Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing. This will help with smoother blending of ingredients.
• Shred your own cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese!
• Don't thaw your tater tots. Add the frozen tater tots directly to the top of the casserole. They will crisp up perfectly in the oven.
• Don't cover the casserole. Leaving it uncovered allows the tater tots to brown and crisp instead of steam.

Substitutions and variations

• Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy, or leftover grilled chicken works great too.
• Cheese: You can try all cheddar or pepper Jack for a little extra heat.
• Spice level: Use mild buffalo sauce for less heat or your favorite hot buffalo sauce if you like things spicy.
• Add some bacon: Crispy cooked bacon makes a delicious addition to the chicken mixture.
• Add vegetables: Diced celery, green onions, or cooked broccoli can easily be added.

STorage

Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Casserole with tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

For the best texture when reheating, warm individual portions in the oven or air fryer so the tater tots have a chance to crisp back up. The microwave can work, but the tots won't be as crispy.

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Casserole

This casserole is perfect when served alongside a simple side to finish it out.

• A simple salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
• Coleslaw
• Cucumber Dill Salad

More Tater Tot Recipes

• Totchos
• Taco Tater Tot Casserole
• Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole