Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Cheesy Family Favorite

Name: Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup ranch dressing; 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup; 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 22 ounces frozen tater tots; Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

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If you love all things buffalo chicken, this easy casserole is about to become your new family favorite. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy golden tater tots, it is the ultimate comfort food for game nights or busy weeknight dinners. I remember the first time I made this recipe and my family could not stop raving about it. Within thirty minutes, the house smelled like a restaurant kitchen, and everyone was eager to dig in. The best part is that it comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Whether you are cooking for kids, friends, or just yourself, this buffalo chicken tater tot casserole is a guaranteed hit.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This buffalo chicken tater tot casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite. It is ready in under an hour and uses simple ingredients that are easy to find in any kitchen. The creamy buffalo sauce combined with melted cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots creates a flavor combination that is both comforting and satisfying. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste making it perfect for both kids and adults. It stands out from other casseroles because it balances bold flavors with a smooth, cheesy texture. This recipe is also ideal for make-ahead meals so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy a stress-free dinner. Every bite delivers warmth and comfort that will impress anyone at the table.

If you enjoy easy comfort food dinners like this buffalo chicken version, you’ll love my classic Tater Tot Casserole too. It’s a hearty and family-friendly meal made with creamy layers, melted cheese, and crispy tots that everyone will ask for again and again. Perfect for busy nights when you need something warm and satisfying on the table fast.

Ingredients Needed

All ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole arranged on a countertop — Fresh ingredients ready for a homemade Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

For the Base

2 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
1 cup sour cream
1 cup ranch dressing
10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce

For the Topping

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
22 ounces frozen tater tots

Optional Garnish

Chopped green onions for added freshness and color

Ingredient Tips

Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor
Sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold, rich taste
Adjust buffalo wing sauce to make the casserole mild or spicy
Ensure tater tots are evenly distributed for consistent crispiness

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2 – Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, sour cream, ranch dressing, cream of chicken soup, and buffalo wing sauce. Stir the mixture until it is fully blended and creamy. This mixture will form the flavorful base of your casserole.

Shredded chicken being mixed with buffalo sauce and creamy ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole — Mixing shredded chicken with creamy buffalo sauce for the casserole filling

Step 3 – Layer the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Make sure it covers the entire dish to ensure each bite has a balanced flavor.

Sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese over chicken mixture for Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole — Adding a rich layer of cheddar cheese over buffalo chicken mixture

Step 4 – Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture. The cheese will melt during baking, creating a rich, creamy layer that holds the casserole together.

Spreading buffalo chicken mixture into a casserole dish for Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole — Layering the creamy buffalo chicken mixture evenly in the casserole dish

Step 5 – Top with Tater Tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Make sure the tater tots are evenly spaced so they crisp up nicely in the oven.

Step 6 – Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until it is heated through and the tater tots are golden and crispy.

Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors in every bite.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole with crispy tater tots and melted cheese ready to serve — Crispy and cheesy Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole fresh from the oven

Pro Tips for the Best Casserole

Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for the best texture and flavor. Pre-cooked chicken blends more easily with the sauce and keeps the casserole moist.

For extra crispy tater tots, broil the top of the casserole for three to five minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot buffalo wing sauce according to your preference. This allows you to make the casserole suitable for kids or for those who enjoy a little heat.

Add vegetables such as corn or diced celery to the chicken mixture to increase flavor and add texture. These additions also boost the nutritional value without compromising taste.

Ensure that all layers are evenly spread in the casserole dish. This helps the casserole cook uniformly and ensures every bite has a balance of chicken, cheese, and tater tots.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this buffalo chicken tater tot casserole with a fresh side salad or crisp celery sticks with ranch dressing. The cool vegetables balance the creamy and spicy flavors of the casserole.

It is perfect for game nights, potlucks, or family dinners where you want a dish that is both comforting and crowd-pleasing.

For a heartier meal, pair the casserole with garlic bread or roasted vegetables. These sides complement the richness of the cheese and the bold flavors of the buffalo sauce.

Garnish with chopped green onions or a light drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for added color and flavor before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Proper storage helps maintain the casserole’s flavor and texture.

Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius for fifteen minutes until heated through.

Freeze: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and freeze it before baking for up to two months. Make sure it is tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for best results.

Conclusion

This buffalo chicken tater tot casserole is a winner for every occasion. It combines creamy buffalo sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots to create a dish that is comforting and full of flavor. The recipe is quick to prepare, family-friendly, and customizable to suit any spice preference.

If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating to let us know how it turned out. Share your experience and any creative variations on social media so others can enjoy this comforting casserole. We would love to hear which additions or tweaks you tried in your kitchen.

With every bite, this casserole delivers warmth, satisfaction, and a bold taste that will make it a favorite in your household.

Looking for another comforting weeknight dinner idea? Try my Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe next. It’s a quick, creamy pasta dish packed with cheesy flavor and perfectly seasoned ground beef. Just like this casserole, it’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you prevent tater tot casserole from being soggy?

To prevent soggy casserole, make sure the chicken mixture is not too watery and the tater tots are evenly spaced on top. You can also bake the tater tots partially before layering them for extra crispiness.

What can you use in tater tot casserole besides cream of mushroom?

You can use cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or a homemade white sauce as alternatives. Each option will provide a creamy texture and rich flavor while keeping the casserole moist.

What is a 5 ingredient chicken casserole?

A five ingredient chicken casserole typically includes cooked chicken, a creamy base such as sour cream or soup, cheese, a starch like tater tots or pasta, and a seasoning or sauce to enhance flavor. This simple combination creates a quick and satisfying meal.

What all goes in a tater tot casserole?

A tater tot casserole usually contains cooked protein such as chicken or ground beef, a creamy sauce or soup, shredded cheese, vegetables if desired, and a topping of tater tots. This mixture is baked until the tater tots are golden and the casserole is heated through.