Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Name: Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup ranch dressing; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 bag frozen tater tots (about 32 oz); 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Old-Fashioned Comfort Eats

I absolutely love this Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole! It strikes the perfect balance between creamy, spicy, and crunchy, making it a weekly favorite in my kitchen. Every bite features tender chicken enveloped in a zesty buffalo sauce, all blanketed under a crispy layer of tater tots. Whenever I make this dish for friends or family, they quickly ask for seconds. Plus, it's so easy to prepare and feeds a crowd, making it perfect for game days or casual gatherings.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-23T21:58:28.116Z

When I first tried making Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, I wasn't sure how well it would go over with my friends. However, the combination of spicy buffalo chicken and crunchy tater tots created an irresistible dish that exceeded all my expectations. I discovered that using shredded rotisserie chicken really cuts down prep time, keeping it quick without compromising flavor.

As I perfected this recipe, I learned that baking the casserole until the tater tots are golden brown is key to achieving that wonderful crunch. I always sprinkle some green onions on top just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor. Trust me, you won't be able to stop at one helping!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Spicy buffalo sauce adds a kick to your meal
Crispy tater tots provide a delicious crunch
Easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner

Understanding the Key Ingredients

The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing in this casserole not only delivers a bold flavor but also creates a creamy texture that complements the shredded chicken. I recommend using a high-quality buffalo sauce as its spices and heat significantly enhance the dish's overall impact. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a ranch dressing with a hint of spice, which will help you achieve the right balance between heat and creaminess.

Tater tots bring an irresistible crunch that provides a textural contrast to the creamy filling. When shopping for frozen tater tots, look for those made with real potatoes rather than processed alternatives. This ensures a more authentic flavor and texture. Also, consider adding seasoned tater tots for an extra kick of flavor, or even homemade tots if you want to make this dish from scratch.

Assembly Tips for Success

When assembling your casserole, it's essential to spread the chicken mixture evenly within the greased baking dish. This ensures consistent cooking and prevents sogginess in some areas while leaving others undercooked. I like to use a spatula to level the mixture out. The key is to have a nice, even layer so that every bite has a good ratio of chicken to tots.

Baking is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy tater tot topping. Keep an eye on the casserole during the final baking stage—around 5 to 10 minutes after adding the cheese. Once the cheese is bubbly and golden brown with slightly crispy edges, you’ll know it’s ready to come out of the oven. This not only secures the perfect texture but also ensures the flavors meld beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this flavorful casserole:

Ingredients

3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup ranch dressing
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag frozen tater tots (about 32 oz)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Make sure all ingredients are prepared before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your casserole:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Mix the Chicken and Sauces

In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until well combined.

Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the frozen tater tots in an even layer.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, then return to the oven to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and tater tots are golden brown.

Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding diced jalapeños or using spicy ranch dressing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the great things about Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is its ability to be made ahead of time. You can prepare the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if you're putting the casserole in the oven straight from the fridge, usually about 10 to 15 minutes.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 25 to 30 minutes, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. The tater tots may lose some of their crispiness in the microwave, but a brief time in the oven afterward can help restore it.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This casserole is fantastic on its own, but a few simple sides can elevate your meal. Consider serving it with a fresh garden salad or some crunchy celery sticks paired with additional ranch or blue cheese dressing. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the casserole and adds a lighter element to the meal.

For those looking to explore variations, try adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the chicken mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. Alternatively, swap out the chicken for pulled pork or shredded beef for different tastes. For a lower-carb option, you could replace tater tots with a layer of riced cauliflower or zucchini slices, providing a unique twist without sacrificing satisfaction.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different proteins?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with shredded turkey or cooked beef.

→ How long does it take to bake?

The casserole typically takes about 30-35 minutes to bake at 400°F.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few more minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with a side salad or some celery sticks with ranch dressing.