– **Title**: Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb cooked shredded chicken
– 1 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
– 1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
4. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture.
5. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives.
9. Serve warm and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: These are the star of the dish! Use frozen tater tots for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might try homemade tater tots or sweet potato versions for a twist.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here! It’s easy and adds flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, grilled chicken breast can be used too. You could even go meatless with shredded jackfruit for a veggie version.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: The sauce gives this dish its zing! Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it. If you’re avoiding spice, you might like to use a mild BBQ sauce instead.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch brings a nice creamy balance to the heat. If you’re a blue cheese fan, go for blue cheese dressing instead. You could also make a homemade dressing if you prefer that!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in some Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor. A blend of cheeses could also make it extra cheesy!
Green Onions: They add a fresh touch at the end. If you don’t have them, chopped parsley or chives can work as well.
How Do I Get the Tater Tots Perfectly Crispy?
Making sure your tater tots are crispy is key to a great casserole experience. Follow these simple tips for the best results:
- Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the cheese. This ensures even cooking and crunchy bits all around.
- Don’t overcrowd the dish. If necessary, work in batches or use a larger baking dish to allow for airflow around the tater tots.
- Bake first before adding cheese. This allows the tots to get that lovely golden color without becoming soggy from the cheese.
- Check occasionally, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them just right—crispy and golden!
After the initial bake, top with cheese and bake just until melted for a delicious, gooey finish.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (24 oz) package frozen tater tots
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (more or less to taste)
- 1 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-40 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes from start to finish before you can dive into this delicious casserole!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start off by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is essential to get those tater tots nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated in the sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on how spicy you like it!
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Now, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken mixture, letting it add a cheesy layer of goodness.
4. Add the Tater Tots:
Layer the frozen tater tots evenly over the cheese. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible for a delicious, crunchy top!
5. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want the tater tots to be golden brown and crunchy. The aroma will be irresistible!
6. Add More Cheese:
Once the tater tots are ready, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Pop it back in the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve it hot and enjoy your flavorful Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or even leftover grilled or baked chicken. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded before mixing it with the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing.
Can I Make This Casserole Spicier?
Yes! If you love extra heat, you can increase the amount of buffalo wing sauce or add chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture. For a milder version, consider using a mild wing sauce or a mix of ranch dressing with a little hot sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to keep the tater tots from getting too hard.
Can I Use a Different Type of Dressing?
Yes, you can swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing if you prefer that flavor! You can also use a homemade version of either dressing to suit your taste, just remember to adjust the seasoning as needed for your preferred flavor profile.
