Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This easy, crowd-pleasing casserole combines shredded rotisserie chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner, it’s hearty, flavorful, and simple enough for any weeknight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about 1 whole chicken)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2–3 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: diced celery
- Optional: crumbled cooked bacon
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Set out cream cheese to soften (microwave for 20 seconds if needed).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, ranch seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar if desired for extra cheesiness.
- Mix with a hand mixer on low or a sturdy spoon until just combined and creamy. Do not overmix.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until tater tots are golden and crisp and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, extra ranch drizzle, or blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tater tots and check ranch seasoning labels. You can assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate before baking; add 5-10 minutes to bake time if cold. For extra veggies, stir in diced celery or bell pepper. For crispier tots, broil briefly at the end. Let the casserole rest before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 950
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: buffalo chicken, tater tot casserole, ranch, comfort food, easy dinner, game day, chicken casserole, family meal, potluck, spicy casserole