Loaded Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Loaded Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake is the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with spicy buffalo flavor, it’s comfort food that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and ready in under an hour.
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 rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing for a tangier topping.
- Add some diced celery or carrots to the chicken mixture for extra crunch and nutrition.
- For a less spicy version, reduce the buffalo sauce or substitute with BBQ sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep the tater tots crispy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bake a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
Fresh potatoes could be used, but they will require parboiling and careful seasoning to get the right texture and flavor. Frozen tater tots are recommended for convenience and consistent results.
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Loaded Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Loaded Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines tender shredded chicken with spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheeses, and crispy tater tots baked to perfection. Drizzled with ranch dressing and topped with fresh green onions, this hearty casserole delivers bold flavors and comforting textures in one simple dish.
Ingredients
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
Garnish
- 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 ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix Chicken and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and shredded cheddar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated, creating a creamy and flavorful base.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly, then spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish for an even layer of flavor.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the chicken mixture, covering the surface completely to ensure crispy coverage after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy, and the cheeses are bubbly.
- Add Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle ranch dressing over the top. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a different tangy flavor that complements buffalo sauce well.
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time on shredding and cooking chicken from scratch.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo chicken casserole, tater tot bake, buffalo chicken recipe, easy dinner casserole, loaded tater tots, buffalo chicken bake
