Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

This easy Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious, quick meal perfect for any weeknight dinner. It features creamy, spicy chicken topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. Use common ingredients you already have on hand to create a comforting dish that the whole family will love!

Ingredients Needed:

For the Casserole:

• 1 pound (16 oz) frozen potato tots
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into bite-size pieces
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 ribs celery, sliced thin (leaves reserved)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced thin
• 1 1/2 cups (12 oz) cayenne hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 1/2 cups (6 oz) shredded pepper jack cheese

For the Blue Cheese Ranch:

• 2 cups ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Cook Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Prepare the Tater Tots: Toss the frozen tater tots with chili powder and cumin in a large mixing bowl until evenly coated. Arrange the seasoned tots on a baking sheet and bake for about 35 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter in the skillet, then add the chicken pieces. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced celery, minced garlic, and half of the green onions. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through, about 2 more minutes.
5. Add Sauce: Pour in the cayenne hot sauce and let it simmer for about 1 minute until slightly thickened.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Once the tater tots are crispy, switch the oven to broil. Top the tater tots with half of the shredded cheese, spoon the chicken mixture over the tots, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
7. Broil: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and begins to brown.
8. Finish and Serve: Carefully remove the pan from the broiler. Drizzle the Blue Cheese Ranch over the top, along with any remaining sauce from the skillet. Garnish with reserved celery leaves and the remaining green onions. Serve hot, straight from the baking sheet.

Recipe Tips

• Use Frozen Tots: Stick with frozen tater tots for the best texture. They crisp up nicely in the oven and save you time.
• Season the Chicken Well: Don’t skip the salt and pepper when cooking the chicken. Proper seasoning enhances the flavor of the dish.
• Mix the Sauces: For extra flavor, mix a bit of ranch dressing into the hot sauce before adding it to the chicken. It adds creaminess and balances the heat.
• Broil Carefully: Keep a close eye on the casserole when broiling. It can go from perfectly browned to burnt very quickly!
• Add Toppings: After broiling, top with fresh ingredients like sliced avocados or diced tomatoes for a pop of color and extra flavor.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Let leftover Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole cool to room temperature. After that, put it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: To freeze, let leftover Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole cool all the way down, then move it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before heating it in the oven until hot.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 12 servings total)

• Calories: 401 kcal
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 98 mg
• Sodium: 885 mg
• Potassium: 399 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipe:

• Pioneer Woman Oven Barbecue Chicken
• Pioneer Woman Roasted Chicken And Vegetables
• Pioneer Woman Skillet Chicken Lasagna
• Pioneer Woman Pineapple Chicken Tacos
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Lasagna Roll-ups