Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the crispy, golden goodness of tater tots with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken. This casserole is a perfect blend of savory and spicy, offering a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for game day, this casserole is a great choice. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s both comforting and fun to eat!
The History of Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
The history of Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole blends two beloved food trends: the classic buffalo chicken flavor and the ever-popular tater tot. The buffalo chicken flavor originates from Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s, when the famous Buffalo wings were created at the Anchor Bar. The dish quickly became a staple of American cuisine, particularly at bars and casual dining spots.
The tater tot, on the other hand, was invented in the 1950s by the Ore-Ida company, who created the crispy, bite-sized potato snack as a way to use up leftover potato scraps. Tater tots soon became a household favorite, especially in casseroles.
The combination of these two elements—buffalo chicken and tater tots—likely emerged as home cooks began experimenting with new ways to serve comfort food. Over time, the dish gained popularity as a simple, one-pan meal that could be made quickly for busy families or large gatherings. Today, Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a staple in many homes, offering a fun, flavorful twist on traditional comfort food.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie)
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce, ensuring the chicken is fully coated.
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and spread it out.
Add the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the chicken and sauce, covering the entire surface.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots, and return it to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Garnish: Optional: Sprinkle chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese over the top before serving.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, crispy Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole!
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the buffalo sauce for extra heat.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a melty, cheesy texture.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with buffalo-flavored cauliflower or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Creamy Twist: Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or a homemade white sauce for a different flavor profile.
Tater Tot Alternatives: Swap the tater tots with frozen hashbrowns or even potato wedges for a unique take on the dish.
Blue Cheese Lovers: Increase the amount of crumbled blue cheese or add a blue cheese dressing drizzle on top for an extra tangy flavor.
Bacon Addition: Add crispy crumbled bacon to the casserole for a smoky, savory boost.
Add Veggies: Toss in vegetables like corn, peas, or bell peppers for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
Nutritional Value
- Calories: 350-400 kcal (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
- Fiber: 2-3 g
- Sugars: 2-4 g
- Fat: 20-25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7-10 g
- Cholesterol: 50-70 mg
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg
- Calcium: 150-200 mg
- Iron: 1-2 mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used (e.g., type of dressing, cheese, and buffalo sauce).
Popular Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Celery and Carrot Sticks: A classic pairing with buffalo flavor, these crunchy vegetables help balance the richness of the casserole.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Serve alongside a dipping sauce for extra flavor and creaminess.
- Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy side that complements the spiciness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery side that pairs well with the bold, savory flavors of the casserole.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a zesty vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the dish.
- Pickles: The tanginess of pickles contrasts nicely with the spiciness and creaminess of the casserole.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn adds a delicious, slightly sweet contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken.
- French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: For an extra crispy treat, fries pair perfectly with the casserole’s flavors.
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole for Different Occasions
Game Day: This dish is a perfect crowd-pleaser for game day parties. Its bold flavors and easy-to-serve nature make it a hit with guests.
Family Dinner: A great option for a comforting family meal. It’s simple to prepare and provides a hearty, satisfying dish for everyone to enjoy.
Potlucks: Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is easy to transport and serves a large group, making it an ideal choice for potlucks or gatherings with friends and family.
Holiday Parties: The dish can be a fun twist for holiday parties, offering a casual and tasty alternative to traditional holiday fare.
Meal Prep: This casserole is great for meal prepping, as it can be made in advance, stored, and reheated for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner.
BBQ or Cookout: Serve it alongside grilled meats and salads for a flavorful, satisfying meal at your next BBQ or cookout.
Comfort Food Night: Perfect for a cozy, comforting dinner when you want something filling and easy to make without much effort.
Birthday Parties: With its fun, cheesy, and spicy flavor, this casserole is a great choice for a casual birthday celebration with friends and family.
Storing and Reheating
Storing:
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers into an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
- If freezing, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Label the container with the date for easy reference.
Reheating:
- From the Refrigerator:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes for a crispy top.
- Alternatively, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until hot.
- From the Freezer:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, covered, then uncover for 10 more minutes to crisp the top.
- Microwave individual servings for 4-6 minutes, or until heated through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Overcooking the Tater Tots: Ensure the tater tots are not overcooked, as they can become too crispy and dry. Follow the recommended baking time for the perfect crunch.
Using Too Much Sauce: Adding too much buffalo sauce or dressing can make the casserole too soggy. Stick to the recommended amounts to keep the dish balanced.
Not Shredding the Chicken Enough: Large chunks of chicken may not distribute well throughout the casserole. Shred the chicken finely for even distribution and better texture.
Skipping the Cheese Layer: Don’t forget to add the cheese on top at the right time. Adding it too early can cause it to burn, while adding it too late can prevent it from melting properly.
Not Seasoning Properly: Depending on the buffalo sauce you use, the casserole may need extra seasoning. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or more buffalo sauce if needed.
Not Allowing for Cooling: Cutting into the casserole too soon can cause it to fall apart. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to ensure the layers stay intact.
Using Frozen Tater Tots Straight from the Freezer: While it’s fine to use frozen tater tots, ensure they are spread evenly across the casserole. Avoid overlapping or crowding them, as they may not crisp up properly.
Skipping the Garnishes: Garnishing with green onions or crumbled blue cheese enhances the flavor and adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with shredded turkey, beef, or even vegetarian options like cauliflower or chickpeas for a different twist.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
3. Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it. After assembling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
4. What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?
It pairs well with celery and carrot sticks, a side salad, coleslaw, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
6. Can I use a different sauce instead of buffalo sauce?
Absolutely! You can use BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or any sauce of your choice for a unique flavor profile.
7. How can I make this recipe less spicy?
To reduce the spice, use mild buffalo sauce or mix the buffalo sauce with ranch or blue cheese dressing to tone it down.
8. Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
Frozen tater tots work best for the crispiness in this casserole, but you can use freshly cooked tater tots if preferred. Just ensure they are cooked before adding them to the casserole.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the crispy texture of tater tots, creating a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for game day, a family dinner, or a casual gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Its versatility allows you to experiment with different ingredients, from swapping the chicken for turkey or cauliflower to adjusting the level of spice with mild buffalo sauce or extra hot sauce.
This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It requires minimal ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry, making it an accessible option for both novice and experienced cooks alike. With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers.
In addition to its mouth-watering taste, Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole can be customized to suit a variety of dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options, by swapping out ingredients. You can also make it ahead of time for convenience, store leftovers, or even freeze it for later.
Whether you prefer it spicy, cheesy, or loaded with bacon, this casserole offers endless possibilities for creativity. It’s a dish that will bring everyone to the table and leave them asking for seconds. So, next time you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal, give Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole a try—it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.