If you love bold flavors, this Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a must-try. It’s the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, creamy, spicy, and topped with golden crispy tater tots. With shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and plenty of cheese, this casserole is hearty, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for game day or weeknight dinners.
This dish is simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and bakes into a bubbling, satisfying meal that combines everything you love about buffalo chicken wings with the cozy comfort of a casserole.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to spice level)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix Chicken and Sauce
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until chicken is fully coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until tater tots are golden and crispy.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until melted. Garnish with green onions.
Variation
- Extra Spicy: Use hot buffalo sauce or add jalapeños.
- Mild Version: Use half buffalo sauce and half ranch.
- Blue Cheese Twist: Replace ranch with blue cheese dressing.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in corn, bell peppers, or spinach with the chicken mixture.
Cooking Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
- For extra crispy tots, bake them for 10 minutes before layering on top.
- Let casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving to set.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of celery and carrot sticks for a wing-inspired meal.
- Pair with a crisp garden salad to balance richness.
- Great for potlucks, game day parties, or family dinners.
Tips
- Adjust buffalo sauce to your spice preference.
- Use Colby Jack or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat in the oven for best results.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: ~55 minutes
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. 8 servings)
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 28g
- Sodium: 980mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 15–20 minutes.
Q3: Can I use frozen chicken?
- Yes, but thaw and shred it before mixing with buffalo sauce.
Q4: Can I make this with ground chicken instead of shredded?
- Yes, just cook and season the ground chicken before mixing with sauces.
Q5: What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
- Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend also works well.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is spicy, cheesy, and comforting—the perfect mix of classic buffalo chicken flavor and cozy baked casserole goodness. Easy to prepare and loved by everyone, it’s great for weeknight dinners, parties, or anytime you’re craving a bold, hearty dish.