Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

If you love buffalo chicken wings and crispy tater tots, this Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a must-try! It’s spicy, cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor, all topped with a crispy golden layer of tater tots. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, game day, or a potluck, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• Easy to Make – Minimal prep and simple ingredients!
• Perfectly Spicy & Cheesy – Creamy ranch balances the heat for the ultimate comfort food.
• Crispy & Creamy Combo – Crunchy tater tots on top, melty cheese and creamy buffalo chicken underneath.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken – Use cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!) or diced cooked chicken breast.
• Buffalo Sauce – Frank’s RedHot is the go-to for classic buffalo flavor, but you can use any hot sauce you like.
• Cream Cheese – Helps create a rich, creamy sauce that balances the spice.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing – Adds a cool, tangy contrast to the heat.
• Cheese – A mix of cheddar and mozzarella makes it gooey and flavorful.
• Tater Tots – The crispy topping that makes this casserole irresistible!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Make the Buffalo Chicken Mixture

In a large bowl, mix:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 package (8 oz) softened cream cheese
• ½ cup buffalo sauce
• ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until fully combined.

3. Assemble the Casserole

• Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly in the baking dish.
• Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
• Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the mixture.

4. Bake Until Golden

Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.

5. Add Extra Cheese & Toppings

Remove from the oven, sprinkle ½ cup more shredded cheese, and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.

6. Cool & Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes, then drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Garnish with chopped green onions or blue cheese crumbles!

Expert Tips for the Best Casserole

• Use Rotisserie Chicken – Saves time and adds extra flavor.
• Bake Until Tots Are Extra Crispy – Don’t rush; the crispy topping makes all the difference!
• Adjust the Heat – Add more or less buffalo sauce depending on your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad – A simple ranch or Caesar salad balances the heat.
• Extra Dipping Sauces – Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Celery & Carrots – Classic buffalo wing sides work great here too!

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or air fryer for 5 minutes to keep the tater tots crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes! Dice and roast potatoes until crispy before layering.

What’s a good substitute for ranch dressing?
Try using sour cream with a dash of garlic powder and dried dill.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is spicy, creamy, cheesy, and crunchy—everything you love about buffalo wings in an easy-to-make dish! Whether for dinner, game night, or meal prep, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!

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