Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines the irresistible flavors of buffalo chicken with crispy tater tots and gooey cheese. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a game day gathering. The creamy, spicy buffalo chicken mixture pairs perfectly with the crispy tater tots, creating a satisfying and crave-worthy casserole that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is packed with bold flavors and textures that make it incredibly satisfying. The creamy buffalo chicken mixture is full of tangy ranch dressing and hot sauce, while the tater tots add a crispy, golden finish on top. The combination of shredded cheddar jack cheese and fresh green onions provides the perfect finishing touches. This easy-to-make casserole requires minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for busy nights when you want something filling and delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 ounce) block of cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup Frank’s Red Hot original hot sauce
- 28 ounces frozen tater tots
- ½ cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the chicken mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined. Taste the mixture and add up to ¼ cup more hot sauce for extra spice, if desired.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over the top of the tater tots.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken mixture is hot and bubbling, and the tater tots are golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables: You can add vegetables such as diced bell peppers, corn, or green chilies to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and color.
- Spicy kick: For more heat, add extra hot sauce or mix in diced jalapeños with the chicken mixture.
- Cheese options: Swap the cheddar jack cheese with mozzarella, pepper jack, or your favorite cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Make it lighter: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and a lighter version of ranch dressing to cut down on calories.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked, shredded chicken from any source. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the tater tots and cheese, and bake as directed.
3. Can I use a different type of soup?
You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor, though it will slightly change the taste of the dish.
4. What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder hot sauce to adjust the spice level to your preference.
5. Can I use homemade ranch dressing?
Yes, feel free to use homemade ranch dressing if you prefer it over store-bought.
6. How do I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?
Make sure to spread the tater tots in a single layer without overlapping them. This allows them to crisp up during baking. Avoid adding them too early in the cooking process.
7. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, cook from frozen at 375°F for about 45-55 minutes.
8. Can I use a different kind of potato product?
Yes, you can use other frozen potato products like hashbrowns or frozen fries if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
9. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe by using a larger baking dish, like a 9×13-inch casserole dish. You may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
10. What should I serve with Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple salad, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines bold buffalo flavor with crispy tater tots and cheesy goodness. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing something tasty to a party, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheese. This hearty casserole is perfect for a quick dinner, game day, or family gatherings. Packed with bold flavors and textures, it’s sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings!
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 (10.5 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
1 (8 ounce) block of cream cheese, softened
¼ cup ranch dressing
½ cup Frank’s Red Hot original hot sauce
28 ounces frozen tater tots
½ cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Make the chicken mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. Stir until well combined. Taste and add more hot sauce for extra spice, if desired.
-
Assemble the casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Top with tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture.
-
Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over the tater tots.
-
Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
-
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Customize by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or green chilies to the chicken mixture.
Adjust the spiciness by adding more hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
