Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Name: Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup ranch dressing; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz)

Highlighted under: Easy Cooking Recipes

I love creating dishes that bring comfort and excitement to the table, and this Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole does just that. Every time I make it, I’m amazed at how the spicy buffalo sauce pairs perfectly with the crunchy tater tots and creamy layers of cheese. It’s a fun twist on a classic casserole that never fails to impress my friends and family. This dish is not only quick to assemble, but it also makes for a hearty meal that’s perfect for watching the game or satisfying a crowd.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T21:30:29.126Z

I discovered this recipe during a weekend gathering where I wanted to try something new and exciting. The combination of buffalo sauce and melted cheese caught everyone's attention, and it quickly became the star of the dish. I noticed adding the tater tots on top not only gave it a beautiful golden crust but also provided that satisfying crunch. As I served it, everyone was delighted, which motivated me to add this to my regular dinner rotation.

One of my favorite tips is to really embrace the buffalo sauce—feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice level. I also love to make extra and freeze half of it for another busy night. Just pop it in the oven when needed, and you have a hot dinner ready in no time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A perfect blend of savory buffalo chicken and crispy tater tots.
Easy to make and requires just one dish for minimal cleanup.
Great for game day or family gatherings, sure to please everyone.

The Perfect Chicken for Your Casserole

For this casserole, shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice due to its juicy texture and flavor. The pre-cooked chicken saves you time and eliminates the need for marinating or cooking from scratch. If you want to make your casserole even heartier, feel free to mix in some cooked bacon bits or diced celery for crunch. Just be sure to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce slightly to maintain the right flavor balance if you're adding more ingredients.

Alternatively, if you're looking to make this dish with raw chicken, you can poach or grill it beforehand. Just season it with salt, pepper, and some garlic powder to enhance the flavor. After cooking, shred it once it's cool enough to handle. This method will ensure that your chicken is tender and flavorful, making it a delicious base for all the other rich ingredients.

Cheese Matters

Cheddar cheese is a star ingredient in this dish, contributing a creamy and rich texture that complements the spicy buffalo sauce. For a deeper flavor, consider using a combination of sharp and mild cheddar. Additionally, if you're a fan of blue cheese, crumbling some on top before baking can add a savory tang that pairs beautifully with the buffalo sauce, giving your casserole a classic Buffalo wing taste.

Make sure to use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese, as the latter often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting quality. Freshly shredded cheese not only melts better but also enhances the overall texture of the casserole, ensuring that each bite is deliciously cheesy.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers—or if you want to make this casserole ahead of time—store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. If you're short on time, you can microwave individual portions, but I recommend checking every minute to ensure the tater tots don't become soggy.

This recipe can also be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out. When you're ready to bake it, remove the foil and bake it as your recipe states, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to the cook time since it will be going into the oven chilled.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

For the Casserole

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup ranch dressing
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz)

Make sure to have these ingredients ready for a delicious casserole!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your casserole:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream of chicken soup, and ranch dressing. Stir until well mixed.

Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a large casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Add the Tater Tots

Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture. Add the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole!

This casserole is best served warm and can be topped with additional ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can sprinkle green onions or celery on top before serving. Additionally, if you prefer a milder dish, you can use a mild buffalo sauce.

Variations on the Theme

Experimenting with the flavor profile is a fun way to make this casserole your own. For a different kick, try incorporating barbecue sauce instead of buffalo sauce, or mix in some diced jalapeños for added heat. You can also replace the ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing or even a homemade yogurt-based dressing to cut some calories while still enjoying that creamy goodness.

If you're looking for a vegetarian version, you can swap the shredded chicken for roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. This not only maintains the integrity of the casserole but also provides a colorful and nutritious alternative that everyone can enjoy without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but serving it with a side salad can add a refreshing contrast. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will brighten up the meal. For a more casual approach, consider serving it with some celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce—ideal for game day gatherings!

Also, feel free to sprinkle some chopped green onions or cilantro on top just before serving for added freshness. Not only does this provide a pop of color, but it also elevates the flavor profile by adding herbaceous notes that can cut through the richness of the cheese and buffalo sauce.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your tater tots aren't crisping up as desired, it may be due to overcrowding. Ensure that you lay them out in a single layer; this allows for hot air to circulate and gives the tots that perfect golden crunch. Additionally, oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on them and consider adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Another common issue could be a soggy casserole. To remedy this, be cautious about the liquid content in your chicken mixture. If using a particularly watery buffalo sauce or ranch dressing, reduce the quantity slightly to avoid making the dish too wet. A perfect balance of moisture will ensure that you get all the flavors without compromising on texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes, you can cook and shred fresh chicken for this recipe for an even fresher option.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze it before baking and then cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with a green salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.

→ Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables and use vegetable broth in place of cream of chicken soup.