Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a crowd-pleaser with its spicy, creamy, cheesy filling and irresistible crunchy topping. It’s incredibly simple to throw together using cooked or rotisserie chicken and frozen tater tots. You can make it ahead, freeze it, or customize it to fit your spice tolerance and cheese preferences. Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding a hungry family, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Buffalo wing sauce
- Cream cheese, softened
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Green onions, sliced (optional)
- Frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese (and mozzarella if using) over the tater tots.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions, parsley, or crumbled blue cheese if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and baking time is 35–40 minutes, for a total of approximately 45–50 minutes.
Variations
- Use blue cheese dressing for a sharper flavor or ranch for a milder, creamier version.
- Add cooked bacon bits for extra richness and crunch.
- Stir in diced celery or bell peppers to mimic classic buffalo wing flavors.
- Swap in sweet potato tots or cauliflower tots for a twist.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or extra hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot throughout. To keep tater tots crispy, reheating in the oven is best. This casserole can also be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Cooked, shredded chicken works best—rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Is it very spicy?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce used. Use mild or hot based on your preference.
Can I make it without cream cheese?
Yes, but the filling may be less creamy. You can substitute with sour cream or more ranch dressing.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but you can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend for different flavors.
Can I use homemade buffalo sauce?
Absolutely. Homemade buffalo sauce lets you control the spice and ingredients.
How do I keep the tater tots crispy?
Bake uncovered and make sure the tots are arranged in a single layer to allow even crisping.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken with plant-based meat or cooked cauliflower and use vegetarian-friendly sauces.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a green salad, celery sticks, or roasted veggies to balance the richness.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Casserole with Tater Tots is a bold, crave-worthy dish that’s sure to satisfy any comfort food craving. With spicy chicken, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tots, it’s a complete meal baked into one crowd-pleasing casserole. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a go-to recipe for game nights, family dinners, or potluck gatherings.
PrintBuffalo Chicken Casserole With Tater Tots
Buffalo Chicken Casserole with Tater Tots is a spicy, cheesy comfort food classic made easy. Shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and creamy dressing is baked under a layer of golden, crispy tater tots for a bold and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with a single layer of frozen tater tots.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese (if using) over the tater tots.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, parsley, or crumbled blue cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use ranch for a milder flavor or blue cheese dressing for a stronger tang.
- To make it ahead, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Oven reheating is best for maintaining crispy tater tots.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the buffalo sauce or adding hot sauce or jalapeños.
- Add bacon, bell peppers, or celery for texture and flavor boosts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
