Loaded Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Loaded Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a perfect easy dinner that combines spicy buffalo chicken with crispy tater tots and melty cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s simple to prepare and full of bold flavor.

The image shows a clear glass baking dish filled with a layered baked dish. The bottom layer looks like an orange, creamy mixture, topped with a thick layer of small, round golden brown potato balls that appear crispy. Over this, there are white dollops of sauce spread unevenly, with some black pepper sprinkled on top. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Stir until well incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Spread the creamy chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the chicken mixture.
  5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle with ranch dressing and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños on top before baking.
  • Substitute cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken if preferred.
  • Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a classic buffalo flavor twist.
  • Try adding diced celery or carrots on the side for added crunch and freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the tater tots regain their crispiness, about 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

A clear glass square dish holds a baked casserole with two visible layers. The bottom layer is a thick, orange-colored mixture that looks creamy and smooth. On top, there is a layer of round, golden-brown tater tots, evenly spread to cover the entire dish. Small dollops of white sauce are scattered over the tater tots, with some black pepper sprinkled on top. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it uncovered for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?

If you prefer less spice, substitute buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce or a mild hot sauce to suit your taste.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake Recipe


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Loaded Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner recipe that combines shredded buffalo chicken with creamy cheeses and crispy tater tots, all baked together to perfection. Topped with ranch dressing and green onions, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar

Tater Tot Layer

  • 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the dish evenly.
  2. Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and shredded cheddar. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a creamy mixture.
  3. Spread Mixture: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the prepared chicken mixture evenly at the bottom of the dish, creating a sturdy and flavorful base layer.
  4. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly over the chicken mixture, covering the surface completely to create a crispy and golden topping once baked.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese mixture is bubbly around the edges.
  6. Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and immediately drizzle ranch dressing over the top. Sprinkle chopped green onions evenly for a fresh, zesty finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on your preferred spice level.
  • For a crispier topping, broil the tater tots for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • If you prefer a healthier option, use reduced-fat cheeses and bake tater tots labeled as lower fat or air-fried alternatives.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, tater tot bake, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy buffalo chicken, baked casserole

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating