Go Back
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A cheesy, spicy, and easy Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole perfect for any weeknight. A true comfort food classic!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie chicken works well
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup buffalo wing sauce like Frank's RedHot
  • 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives, plus more for garnish
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots 32 oz

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy. Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the chopped green onions.
  • Assemble the Casserole: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Add the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the chicken mixture. For best results, do not thaw the tater tots first; placing them on top while frozen helps them get extra crispy during baking and prevents the casserole from becoming soggy.
  • Bake and Add Cheese: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are starting to turn golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
  • Final Bake and Rest: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly and the tots are golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional green onions and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.

Notes

  • Avoid a Soggy Casserole: To ensure your tater tots get super crispy, don't thaw them before baking. You can also bake the tots separately for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the casserole for an extra-crispy top layer.
  • Soften Cream Cheese Quickly: If you forgot to take your cream cheese out, unwrap it and microwave it on a plate for 15-20 seconds until it's soft enough to mix easily.
  • Make it Ahead: You can fully assemble the casserole (without the tots) up to a day in advance. When ready to bake, just top with the frozen tots and add about 10 minutes to the initial baking time.