Zesty Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe for Game Day

Crispy golden tater tots combine magnificently with zesty Buffalo chicken in a mouthwatering comfort dish that promises pure deliciousness.

Crunchy edges and spicy flavors await you in this crowd-pleasing meal.

Weeknight dinners just got an incredible upgrade with minimal prep work.

Melted cheese blankets tender chicken and creates a satisfying layer of goodness.

Creamy and bold seasonings dance through each hearty bite, making this casserole irresistible.

Simple ingredients come together seamlessly to create something spectacular.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving, so make plenty!

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this epic meal disappears from the plate.

Tater Tot Casserole with Buffalo Chicken Twist

• Vegetarian Tater Tot Bake: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, black beans, or cauliflower, seasoned with buffalo sauce and mixed with dairy-free cream cheese.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap tater tots with roasted cauliflower florets, use low-carb buffalo sauce, and replace regular cheese with full-fat cream cheese and aged cheddar.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure buffalo sauce is gluten-free, use gluten-free tater tots or sweet potato tots, and verify all cheese and dressing ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spice Level Variation: Adjust buffalo sauce intensity by using mild, medium, or extra-hot sauce, or create a custom blend by mixing different hot sauce brands for personalized heat.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Use mild sauce for less heat or add more for extra spiciness.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

• What if I don't have ranch dressing?

Blue cheese dressing is a great alternative. If you don’t have either, you can substitute with sour cream mixed with a bit of garlic powder and dried herbs.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole That’s Spicy and Cheesy

• Quick Weeknight Champion: Whips up a delicious dinner in under an hour with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy families craving comfort food fast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combines tangy buffalo chicken with crispy tater tots, creating an irresistible dish that satisfies both kids and adults with bold, zesty flavors.
• Customizable Comfort Classic: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like green onions or blue cheese crumbles, allowing everyone to personalize their plate and enjoy their own style of indulgence.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks of all skill levels who want a no-fuss, high-impact meal.

Tater Tot Casserole (Buffalo Chicken) Ingredients

• Shredded Chicken: Tender meat as the main protein foundation, best when using rotisserie or home-cooked chicken.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy element that helps bind the chicken mixture, room temperature for easier mixing.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich dairy components that add melty texture and sharp flavor, shredded varieties work best.

• Buffalo Sauce: Tangy and spicy sauce that gives the classic buffalo wing flavor, choose mild or hot based on preference.
• Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Dressing: Creamy additions that complement the buffalo sauce, can be used interchangeably.

• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato base that creates a satisfying crust, straight from the freezer.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb for garnish that adds color and light onion flavor.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: Optional tangy cheese topping for extra buffalo wing experience.

Tater Tot Casserole Comfort Method

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F (190°C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Spicy Chicken Blend

• Shredded chicken
• Softened cream cheese
• Zesty buffalo sauce
• Creamy ranch dressing
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Layer the Deliciousness

Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the top.

Carefully arrange frozen tater tots in a single, beautiful layer covering the entire surface.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Watch for the tater tots to turn crispy and achieve a gorgeous golden-brown color.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Pull the casserole out of the oven and immediately shower it with additional cheddar cheese.

Return to the oven for another 5 minutes to let the cheese melt into gooey goodness.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes.

Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.

For a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped green onions or crumbled blue cheese on top.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tater Tot Tips For Buffalo Chicken Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken or quickly shred chicken breasts in a stand mixer for faster, more consistent preparation.
• Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control spiciness, using mild sauce for kids or extra-hot sauce for spice lovers.
• Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer without overlapping to ensure maximum crispiness and even cooking.
• Substitute low-fat cream cheese and greek yogurt instead of ranch for a lighter version of this indulgent casserole.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Again

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months; label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through; remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up tater tots.
• For quick reheating, use medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent soggy tots.

Tater Tot Casserole Match-Ups

• Enhance Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Pairings
• Craft a Crisp Craft Beer Companion: Select a hoppy IPA or wheat beer to cut through the rich, spicy flavors and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Toss a Tangy Side Salad: Prepare a cool, refreshing green salad with blue cheese crumbles and light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's intense buffalo heat.
• Serve Cool Ranch Dipping Sauce: Whip up a homemade ranch or blue cheese dip with fresh herbs to provide a creamy, cooling counterpoint to the spicy chicken.
• Pick Pickled Vegetable Sides: Add quick-pickled cucumber or carrot sticks to introduce a bright, acidic element that complements the casserole's hearty profile.

Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole that brings zesty spice and cheesy goodness to your dinner table. Crispy tots, tender chicken, and bold buffalo flavors create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken breast)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 package (8 ounces/226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

Sauces and Toppings:

• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Franks RedHot)
• 1 bag (32 ounces/907 grams) frozen tater tots

Optional Toppings:

• Extra buffalo sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Chopped green onions
• Blue cheese crumbles

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create a flavorful buffalo chicken base by thoroughly blending shredded chicken with cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and a portion of cheddar cheese until the mixture reaches a uniform consistency.
3. Transfer the buffalo chicken blend into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
4. Enhance the initial layer by sprinkling mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken mixture.
5. Systematically arrange frozen tater tots in a precise single layer, covering the entire chicken and cheese surface.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the tater tots transform into a crispy, golden-brown landscape.
7. Once initial baking completes, carefully remove the dish and generously disperse additional cheddar cheese across the top.
8. Return the casserole to the oven for a final 5-minute melting session, allowing the cheese to become perfectly smooth and bubbly.
9. After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld.
10. Complete the dish by drizzling extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing over the top, and optionally garnish with chopped green onions or crumbled blue cheese for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that absorbs buffalo sauce perfectly.
• Opt for low-fat cream cheese and reduced-sodium buffalo sauce to create a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting buffalo sauce quantity, using mild for kids or extra-hot for spice lovers.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 526
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1290 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg