This Tater Tot Buffalo Chicken Casserole combines all the best parts of a hearty, satisfying meal in one dish. It’s got a spicy buffalo kick, juicy chicken, and the golden, crispy tater tots we all crave in a traditional tater tot casserole. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights or game-day get-togethers!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This casserole checks all the boxes. It's easy, cheesy, and perfectly spicy! Packed with shredded chicken in creamy buffalo sauce, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots for a fantastic mix of textures. Plus, this buffalo and chicken tater tot casserole is perfect for sharing with friends or just indulging on your own.
And if you're a fan of make-ahead meals, this one's a dream—prep it, bake it, and dig in!
If you're looking for other great Casseroles, check out this Chicken Spaghetti Recipe!
Ingredients
Cream of Chicken Soup – A can of this holds everything together in this comforting creamy casserole.
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing – Provides a tangy contrast to the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Sour Cream – Adds extra creamy richness to this casserole plus tames the heat a bit for the family members who may not love spiciness quite yet.
Buffalo-Style Hot Sauce – Just half a cup of buffalo sauce brings the heat and flavor!
Onion Powder & Garlic Powder – A little of each adds flavor depth without overpowering the buffalo sauce flavor.
Celery Salt – A hint of celery salt for that classic buffalo-wing vibe.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Brings a bit of bite to the mixture.
Rotisserie Chicken – Shredded rotisserie chicken keeps this casserole quick and easy while bringing that savory, seasoned goodness.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Shredded Cheddar cheese makes this casserole gooey, melty, and irresistible. I think the cheese really ties the whole casserole together.
Frozen Tater Tots – Top it all off with that classic crispy crunch.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and shred your chicken.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, buttermilk ranch dressing, sour cream, buffalo hot sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything until smooth and fully combined.
Step 2: Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated with the creamy buffalo sauce mixture.
Step 3: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the entire casserole.
Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer, covering the entire dish.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, then broil on low, on the middle rack, until the cheese is bubbly and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Dish up and enjoy that creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness!
Expert Tips
- Make it Extra Crispy: For an extra-crispy topping, bake the tater tots for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This gives them a head start on crisping up.
- Different types of Chicken: If you’re short on time or already have chicken at home, you can use canned chicken, about 3 cups, boneless chicken breasts, or boneless chicken thighs. Just cook them ahead of time and shred them.
- Buffalo Sauce Choice: Different brands of buffalo sauce vary in spice level and flavor, so pick your favorite or experiment with a new one to make the casserole your own.
- Add a Veggie Layer: To sneak in some extra nutrition, add a layer of veggies under the tater tots. Diced bell peppers, green onions, or broccoli would be delicious additions.
- Perfect for Freezing: You can make this casserole ahead, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can! While cream of chicken soup works great for a rich base, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup could also be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
Definitely. Assemble everything up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time.
Use a milder buffalo sauce for less heat. Want more heat? Add a dash of cayenne and extra spicy buffalo sauce or a layer of sliced jalapeños between the cheese and tater tots.
Sharp cheddar is a classic, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or a blend would work well, or try adding a little blue cheese for that true buffalo wing experience.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, put a serving in the microwave or cover the whole dish and heat it in the oven at 350°F.
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📖 Recipe
Tater Tot Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- 1 9x13 Casserole Dish
Ingredients
- 1 Rotisserie Chicken Shredded
- 10.5 oz Can Cream of Chicken Soup
- ¾ Cup Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- ½ Cup Buffalo Sauce
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Celery Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Cups Sharp Chedder Cheese Shredded
- 32 Oz Bag of Frozen Tater Tots
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and shred your chicken.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, buttermilk ranch dressing, sour cream, buffalo hot sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything until smooth and fully combined.
- Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated with the creamy buffalo sauce mixture.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the entire casserole.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer, covering the entire dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, then broil on low, on the middle rack, until the cheese is bubbly and the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Dish up and enjoy that creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness!
Video
Notes
- Make it Extra Crispy: For an extra-crispy topping, bake the tater tots for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This gives them a head start on crisping up.
- Different types of Chicken: If you’re short on time or already have chicken at home, you can used canned chicken, about 3 cups, boneless chicken breasts, or boneless chicken thighs. Just cook them ahead of time and shred them up.
- Buffalo Sauce Choice: Different brands of buffalo sauce vary in spice level and flavor, so pick your favorite or experiment with a new one to make the casserole your own.
- Add a Veggie Layer: If you’d like to sneak in some extra nutrition, try adding a layer of veggies under the tater tots. Diced bell peppers, green onions, or even spinach would be delicious additions.
- Perfect for Freezing: You can make this casserole ahead, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
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