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Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole - recipe card
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A crowd-pleasing casserole that layers crispy tater tots with shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy buffalo sauce, all topped with melted cheddar and a cool drizzle of ranch. The tots stay crispy on top while soaking up the bold flavors underneath, creating a comforting, weeknight-friendly dish with a kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 medium)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing, plus more for drizzling
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lb frozen tater tots (about 4 cups)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (4 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Place chicken breasts in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 12-15 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C. Remove chicken, let cool slightly, then shred with two forks. (Alternatively, use rotisserie chicken for convenience.)
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, 1/2 cup ranch dressing, sour cream, chicken broth, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. This mixture will create a creamy, spicy sauce that clings to the chicken.
  4. Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir until fully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired—more buffalo sauce for extra heat, salt if needed.
  5. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture, covering the surface completely. Do not press down; leaving space between tots helps them crisp up in the oven.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the tots are starting to turn golden.
  8. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tots are deeply golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
  10. Drizzle with additional ranch dressing and garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F / 175°C oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through; avoid microwaving as it will make the tots soggy. The casserole can be assembled (without the final cheese and broiling step) and refrigerated overnight; add 10 minutes to the initial baking time. Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the total cook time.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken casserole, tater tot casserole, pioneer woman recipe, chicken casserole, spicy chicken bake, weeknight dinner, comfort food, baked casserole, shredded chicken, ranch topping

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-buffalo-chicken-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/