Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole – The Ultimate Spicy
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole layers shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots before baking until golden and bubbly. Finished with fresh green onions and optional blue cheese crumbles, this comforting casserole offers bold flavor, creamy texture, and irresistible crunch. It's an easy family dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, Buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Fold the shredded chicken into the sauce until evenly coated.
- Stir in 1½ cups of cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the casserole is bubbling.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish with green onions, blue cheese crumbles, parsley, and an additional drizzle of Buffalo sauce or ranch dressing before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Use your favorite Buffalo wing sauce to adjust the heat level.
- Frozen tater tots should be used directly from the freezer.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
- Garnish just before serving for the freshest flavor.