Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

There’s nothing quite like walking through your door after a long day and needing something hearty, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. That’s exactly where this Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole comes to the rescue. Combining the beloved flavors of spicy buffalo chicken with crispy tater tots and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole is the definition of crowd-pleasing comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for the perfect potluck dish that’ll have everyone asking for your recipe, this Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole delivers every time. The tangy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and crispy potato topping create a combination that’s simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• ✅ This creamy buffalo chicken tater tot casserole comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time
• ✅ Perfect kid-friendly buffalo chicken tater tot casserole that the whole family will devour
• ✅ Easily adaptable gluten-free buffalo chicken tater tot casserole with simple ingredient swaps
• ✅ The buffalo chicken tater tot casserole with ranch dressing creates an amazing flavor combination
• ✅ Makes excellent leftovers – this baked buffalo chicken tater tot casserole tastes even better the next day!
• ✅ The perfect buffalo chicken tater tot casserole for potluck gatherings and game days

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

To make this mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, you’ll need:

• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
• 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 (like Frank’s RedHot®)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (from 1 3-pound chicken)
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
• 6 cups frozen potato tots
• Chopped scallions for garnish

Ingredient Substitutions and Options

• For a lighter Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt
• Make a spicy buffalo chicken tater tot casserole by increasing the hot sauce or adding diced jalapeños
• Create a buffalo chicken tater tot casserole with veggies by adding diced bell peppers, celery, or carrots
• For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream soup and plant-based cheese alternatives
• Try blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a different flavor profile

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures your baked buffalo chicken tater tot casserole comes out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Buffalo Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing, sour cream, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended. This creates the signature tangy base for your creamy buffalo chicken tater tot casserole.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Cheese

Fold the shredded rotisserie chicken into the buffalo mixture until evenly coated. Then stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for topping. The combination creates the perfect buffalo chicken tater tot casserole with cheese that’s both creamy and flavorful.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top, covering the entire surface. This layering technique is key for the best easy buffalo chicken tater tot casserole meal.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top and return to the oven until melted.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped scallions for a fresh finish to your buffalo chicken tater tot casserole with ranch dressing.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• For extra crispy tater tots, arrange them in neat rows rather than scattering them randomly
• Let your rotisserie chicken cool slightly before shredding for easier handling
• Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your heat preference for a perfectly spicy buffalo chicken tater tot casserole
• Line your baking dish with parchment paper for even easier cleanup
• For make-ahead convenience, prepare everything except the tater tots, refrigerate, then add the tots just before baking
• Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving

Best Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

This versatile dish works well in so many settings. For a complete meal, serve your Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole with:

• A crisp side salad with blue cheese dressing
• Celery and carrot sticks (the traditional buffalo wing accompaniments)
• Extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side
• Additional hot sauce for those who like intense heat
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to balance the spiciness

For a game day spread, pair it with other finger foods like mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, or spinach artichoke dip. This buffalo chicken tater tot casserole for potluck gatherings is guaranteed to disappear quickly!

Nutritional Information for Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 1280mg

Storage & Leftovers

Your Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole will keep well when stored properly:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! After cooling completely, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots better than microwave reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes! If using raw chicken, dice it into small pieces and cook it thoroughly before adding to your Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Sauté with a little oil, salt, and pepper until fully cooked, then continue with the recipe as written.

How do I make this Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free buffalo chicken tater tot casserole, simply verify that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free (or make your own), and check that your tater tots and hot sauce don’t contain gluten ingredients.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything except the tater tots up to 24 hours in advance. Keep refrigerated, then add the tater tots just before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?

If you’re not a fan of buffalo sauce, you could substitute BBQ sauce, a milder hot sauce, or even a combination of ketchup and hot sauce for a different flavor profile in your casserole.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole brings together the best of comfort food with the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, game days, or anytime you need an easy, satisfying meal that will please a crowd. The combination of crispy tater tots, tangy buffalo sauce, and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s simply irresistible.

From the kid-friendly buffalo chicken tater tot casserole qualities to the possibility of making a buffalo chicken tater tot casserole with veggies for added nutrition, this recipe is adaptable to your family’s preferences. Plus, with its make-ahead friendliness and excellent leftover potential, it’s a practical addition to your regular meal rotation.

Give this Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole a try, and it might just become your new favorite way to satisfy comfort food cravings with a spicy twist!

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