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Easy Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Easy Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Creamy Buffalo chicken, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and crisp frozen tater tots come together in this easy baked dinner casserole. It is spicy, tangy, cheesy, and perfect for sharing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups Cooked, shredded chicken
  • 8 ounces Softened cream cheese
  • 1 cup Buffalo wing sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup Ranch dressing
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 32-ounce bag Frozen tater tots
Optional Garnishes
  • 2 green onions Green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup Crumbled blue cheese
For Serving
  • As desired Additional Buffalo sauce or ranch dressing

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. If using raw chicken, cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, then shred it; rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken can be used directly.
  2. In a large bowl, stir the softened cream cheese, Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar until smooth and well combined. Mixing the creamy ingredients before adding the chicken helps prevent cream cheese lumps.
  3. Fold the shredded chicken into the Buffalo cream cheese mixture until every piece is evenly coated. Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken layer. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top, leaving a little space between pieces when possible.
  5. Bake the casserole uncovered for 40–50 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbling and the tater tots are crisp and golden. For more browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end while watching closely.
  6. Let the casserole rest briefly before garnishing with sliced green onions and crumbled blue cheese. Serve hot with extra ranch dressing or Buffalo sauce on the side.

Notes

Keep the tater tots frozen until they go into the casserole so the topping becomes crisp. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.