Loaded Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Loaded Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake is the perfect easy dinner for busy nights or game days. It’s a creamy, spicy, and cheesy casserole layered with tender chicken, crispy tater tots, and topped with cool ranch dressing and fresh green onions.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Stir until well incorporated.
- Step 3: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 6: Drizzle with ranch dressing and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a stronger flavor that pairs well with buffalo sauce.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture before baking.
- Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken if you want to save time.
- Mix in some cooked bacon bits for added texture and flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to regain the crispy texture of the tater tots, or microwave until warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bake a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
While fresh potatoes can be used, the texture and convenience differ. You would need to parboil and partially cook them before arranging on the dish, and adjust baking time accordingly.
PrintLoaded Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe
This Loaded Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake is an easy and delicious dinner recipe featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheeses, and crispy tater tots baked to perfection. Topped with ranch dressing and green onions, it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s perfect for weeknight meals or game day gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole evenly and crisping the tater tots.
- Mix Chicken and Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and shredded cheddar. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into a creamy, flavorful mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the buffalo chicken and cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating an even layer.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the chicken mixture in a single layer to ensure they cook and crisp properly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle ranch dressing over the top. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for freshness and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the buffalo sauce with your favorite hot sauce for a different flavor profile.
- For an extra cheesy layer, add more shredded cheese on top of the tater tots before baking.
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time; rotisserie chicken works well.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild wing sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
Keywords: buffalo chicken, tater tots, casserole, baked, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy, buffalo sauce
