Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a cheesy and spicy recipe, which is made with shredded chicken and tater tots. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 50 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded chicken, ~1.5 lbs
- 2 cups frozen cauliflower florets, chopped and cooked
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning powder
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 20 oz frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
- green onions, for topping
How To Make Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Preheat and mix the base: Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, and ranch seasoning powder until smooth.
- Add chicken and cheese: To the same bowl, add the cooked cauliflower, shredded chicken, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
- Assemble and bake: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a large 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top, covering the filling completely. Bake for 30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add final cheese layer: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before topping with sliced green onions. Serve with a drizzle of ranch dressing or a dollop of sour cream.
Recipe Tips
- How to get extra crispy tater tots? For the crispiest topping, make sure the tater tots are in a single layer and not overlapping. The high initial baking temperature helps them get golden brown.
- Can I use a different vegetable? Yes, cooked and chopped broccoli is an excellent substitute for cauliflower in this recipe.
- How to control the spice level? The heat comes from the buffalo wing sauce. Use a mild buffalo sauce for less heat, or a hot version for an extra kick. You can also adjust the amount to your personal preference.
- Can I use leftover chicken? This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked, shredded chicken you have on hand. It’s a great time-saver.
What To Serve With Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This rich and spicy casserole pairs perfectly with cool and crisp sides.
- Celery and carrot sticks with blue cheese or ranch dip
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans
How To Store Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The tater tots will soften upon reheating.
- Freeze: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 444kcal
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 33g
- Fat: 20g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, spread it in the dish and top with the frozen tater tots just before it goes into the oven.
Why is my casserole watery?
This can happen if the cooked cauliflower retains too much water. Make sure to drain it very well after cooking. If you steam it, let it sit in a colander for a few minutes to release excess moisture.
Can I make this without the cauliflower?
Yes, you can omit the cauliflower if you prefer. The filling will be richer and more concentrated on the buffalo chicken flavor.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Italian Chicken Soup Recipe
Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Description
A creamy, spicy buffalo chicken filling is hidden under a crispy, cheesy layer of tater tots for the ultimate game-day comfort food casserole.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Whisk together cream cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, and ranch powder.
- Stir in the cooked cauliflower, shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese.
- Spread the mixture into an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
- Top evenly with a single layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake for 30 minutes until tots are golden brown.
- Sprinkle with Mexican blend cheese and bake for 3-5 more minutes until melted.
- Top with green onions and serve with a drizzle of ranch.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUsing a rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best texture, ensure the tater tots cover the filling in a single, even layer.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe Greek yogurt adds a tangy creaminess, but you can substitute it with sour cream if you prefer.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eLet the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving; this allows the filling to set and makes it easier to serve.u003c/liu003e
