Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
If you’re a fan of buffalo chicken and tater tots, then this Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a must-try! This delicious dish is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a game day gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of buffalo chicken and crispy tater tots creates a flavor explosion that you won’t be able to resist.
- With minimal prep time, this casserole is a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- The creamy ranch and tangy buffalo sauce add a unique twist to a classic comfort food dish.
Ingredient Notes:
- cooking spray: used to prevent sticking.
- cream of chicken soup: adds creaminess to the dish.
- ranch dressing: provides a tangy flavor.
- sour cream: adds richness and creaminess.
- buffalo-style hot sauce: gives the dish a spicy kick.
- garlic powder and black pepper: for added flavor.
- shredded rotisserie chicken: convenient and flavorful protein option.
- sharp Cheddar cheese: adds a gooey, cheesy layer to the casserole.
- frozen potato tots: the star ingredient of the dish.
- chopped scallions: for a fresh garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven and spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing, sour cream, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Add shredded chicken and half of the Cheddar cheese to the mixture.
- Layer potato tots in the baking dish, top with chicken mixture, and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake until bubbly and golden brown, then garnish with chopped scallions.
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add more buffalo sauce to the mixture.
- Swap out the Cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For a crunchy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
This Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole pairs perfectly with a side salad, coleslaw, or cornbread. Serve with a cold beer or a refreshing glass of lemonade for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use homemade buffalo sauce instead of store-bought? Yes, feel free to use your favorite homemade buffalo sauce recipe.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and bake when ready.
- Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken? Yes, simply cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs for the recipe.
- Can I freeze this casserole? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a spicy and comforting dish that combines creamy ranch dressing, tangy buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, and crispy tater tots, all baked together with melted cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- cooking spray
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buffalo-style hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 1/2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 cups frozen potato tots
- chopped scallions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing, sour cream, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Assemble Casserole: Add shredded chicken, 1 cup of Cheddar cheese, and frozen tater tots to the sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, top with remaining 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese, and bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less buffalo sauce to suit your taste.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with additional ingredients like crispy bacon or blue cheese crumbles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg