This Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With just six simple ingredients, it comes together easily for a tasty and satisfying meal.
The creamy buffalo chicken filling has just the right amount of spicy kick, and the crispy tater tot topping makes it a hearty and filling casserole that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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I love making this Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole because it satisfies my family's cravings for a creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy, all-in-one dish. It's also easy to make which is what I need on busy weeknights.
The steps are so simple - just mix up the buffalo chicken filling, top with tater tots and extra cheese, and bake until bubbling. It's hard to beat the convenience of throwing just a few ingredients together.
You can completely customize the spice level based on your family’s preferences, and the kids will love having a side of ranch to dip their bites in.
Ingredient Notes
See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

- Chicken - Shredded chicken forms the protein-packed base of this casserole. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook and shred your own.
- Tater Tots - These crispy, golden tots create an irresistible crunchy topping when baked. Using frozen tater tots keeps things easy.
- Sour Cream - Adds a tangy, creamy richness to the cheesy buffalo chicken filling.
- Cheddar Cheese - Freshly shredded sharp cheddar gives you pockets of gooey melted cheese in every bite. Be sure to save some to sprinkle on top!
- Buffalo Sauce - The star ingredient! This adds just the right amount of spicy, vinegary kick. Use your favorite buffalo sauce that has the perfect amount of spice for your family.
- Ranch Dressing - Cools down the heat a bit and makes the chicken filling even more creamy.
How To Make Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and coating a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.


In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, sour cream, buffalo sauce, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. Mix everything together until well incorporated.



Transfer the creamy buffalo chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer. Top the chicken mixture with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the tater tots.
Bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving warm. For an extra crunch, you can place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after baking, but be sure to keep an eye on it!

How spicy is this casserole?
It has a moderately spicy kick from the buffalo sauce. To make it milder, use less buffalo sauce or substitute some of it with extra ranch dressing. For more heat, use a spicier hot sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add veggies. Mix in sautéed vegetables like diced celery, carrots, onions or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
- Change up the cheese. Instead of cheddar, try a cheese blend with pepper jack or blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor.
- Spice it up. Amp up the heat by using a spicier buffalo sauce, adding diced jalapeños, or sprinkling with cayenne pepper.
- Go loaded. Make it a fully loaded buffalo chicken casserole by mixing in crumbled bacon, sliced green onions and blue cheese dressing.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Freezing
Make Ahead - The great thing about this recipe is you can assemble most of the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Follow the instructions through arranging the tater tots and cheese on top - We’ll do that just before baking. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge to the oven. Let it bake until hot and bubbly.
Store - Leftovers of this casserole will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer portions to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Freeze - This casserole also freezes beautifully! Again, allow it to cool completely. Cut into portions and freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Here are a few more buffalo chicken recipes to try.
- Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
This Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is sure to become a new family favorite! With its easy prep and crowd-pleasing flavors, you'll find yourself making this casserole again and again.

Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 pound bag tater tots (frozen)
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- ⅓ cup Buffalo sauce
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, sour cream, buffalo sauce, 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. Stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into the 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with tater tots. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly and tots start to brown. Serve warm.