Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner option that combines comfort food with a kick, look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. With tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch and buffalo sauce, topped with crispy tater tots and gooey cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or simply when you want to indulge in something hearty and satisfying.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 pound bag frozen tater tots
8 ounces sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
⅓ cup buffalo sauce
¼ cup ranch dressing
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Enjoy this mouthwatering casserole as a comforting dinner option that brings excitement to your mealtime!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, sour cream, buffalo sauce, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. Mix until well incorporated.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Add Tater Tots
Top the chicken mixture with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
Step 5: Sprinkle Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 40-45 minutes, until hot and bubbly, and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Options
You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover cooked chicken.
Note 2: Spice Level
Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your heat preference.
Note 3: Cheese Variations
Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with other types like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
Note 4: Potato Tots Alternatives
If desired, you can replace tater tots with diced potatoes or frozen hash browns.
Note 5: Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served with additional ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling.
Cook techniques
Prepping the baking dish
Coating the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray prevents the contents from sticking and ensures easy serving.
Mixing ingredients
Combining the shredded chicken, sour cream, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing in a large bowl should be done until the mixture is uniformly blended.
Layering for even cooking
Transferring the chicken mixture to the baking dish and spreading it evenly allows for uniform cooking and ensures every portion is flavorful.
Arranging tater tots
Placing an even layer of frozen tater tots on top of the chicken mixture maximizes the crispy texture during baking.
Cheese topping
Sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots enhances flavor and creates a delicious cheesy crust.
Baking to perfection
Baking at 350°F for 40-45 minutes allows the dish to become hot and bubbly while also ensuring the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy.
Cooling before serving
Letting the dish cool for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven helps set the ingredients, making it easier to serve.
FAQ
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, using fresh chicken is possible, but you will need to cook it thoroughly and shred it before mixing.
What can I substitute for buffalo sauce?
You can use barbecue sauce or a mixture of hot sauce and butter for a different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with a meat substitute or vegetables, keeping the other ingredients the same.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t like ranch dressing?
You can omit the ranch dressing or replace it with another dressing of your choice, such as blue cheese or a creamy Italian dressing.
Conclusion
This buffalo chicken tater tot casserole is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, offering a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy, spicy chicken mixture pairs wonderfully with the crispy tater tots, making it a crowd-pleaser. Serve it at parties, game days, or even as a cozy family dinner.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese for a creamy, spicy dip perfect for chips or celery sticks.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Mix shredded chicken with cooked broccoli, a creamy cheese sauce, and top with breadcrumbs for a comforting casserole.
BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Substitute the buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce in the original recipe for a sweeter, tangy flavor profile.
Chicken Ranch Quesadillas
Use shredded chicken, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese in tortillas for quick and delicious quesadillas.
Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers
Stuff halved bell peppers with a mixture of shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and cheese, then bake until tender.
Sour Cream Chicken Pasta
Toss shredded chicken with cooked pasta, sour cream, and your choice of veggies for a creamy pasta dish.
Baked Chicken Taquitos
Fill tortillas with a mixture of shredded chicken, ranch dressing, and cheese, then bake until crispy for a tasty snack.
