Buffalo Chicken Totchos combine the crispy comfort of tater tots with the spicy, creamy indulgence of buffalo chicken dip. I love how this dish transforms a few simple ingredients into a bold, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course. Whether I’m hosting a game day gathering or just craving something hearty and flavorful, these totchos always hit the spot.

Why I Love This Recipe

I appreciate the simplicity and versatility of this recipe. It starts with frozen tater tots, which I season and bake until golden and crispy. Then, I top them with a creamy buffalo chicken mixture, bake until bubbly, and finish with a drizzle of ranch dressing and a sprinkle of green onions. The result is a dish that’s crispy, spicy, creamy, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon green goddess seasoning (or your favorite seasoning blend)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2-pound bag frozen tater tots
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup buffalo sauce (I prefer Frank’s RedHot)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 packet ranch seasoning
1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup diced celery
½ cup diced carrots
¼ cup sliced green onions

Toppings:

½ cup shredded white cheddar or mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
2 tablespoons ranch dressing
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (or according to the tater tots’ package instructions).
In a large mixing bowl, toss the tater tots with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, green goddess seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them on a greased baking sheet and bake according to package instructions, usually about 35 minutes, until golden and crispy.
While the tots are baking, prepare the buffalo chicken mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, buffalo sauce, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth.
Fold the shredded chicken, Colby Jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, diced celery, and diced carrots into the buffalo sauce mixture until well combined.
Once the tater tots are baked, remove them from the oven. In a greased cast-iron skillet or baking dish, arrange half of the tater tots in an even layer.
Spread half of the buffalo chicken mixture over the tater tots. Add the remaining tater tots on top, followed by the rest of the buffalo chicken mixture.
Sprinkle the top with the additional shredded cheese and sliced green onions.
Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and drizzle with ranch dressing. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and additional green onions before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: Instead of rotisserie chicken, I sometimes use cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs.
Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for varying flavors.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the heat. For a milder version, I use less sauce or mix in some honey.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for a meatless option.

Storage and Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer using the oven or a toaster oven at 300°F for about 8 minutes to maintain the crispiness of the tater tots. I avoid using the microwave, as it tends to make the tots soggy.

FAQs

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

I prepare the buffalo chicken mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When I’m ready to serve, I bake the tater tots, assemble the layers, and bake as directed.

Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Totchos?

I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the tater tots may become soggy upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Totchos?

I often serve them with a side of celery and carrot sticks, and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. A simple green salad also pairs well to balance the richness.

Can I use a different type of hot sauce?

Absolutely! While I prefer Frank’s RedHot for its classic buffalo flavor, feel free to use your favorite hot sauce to suit your taste.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, I sometimes include diced jalapeños in the buffalo chicken mixture or sprinkle cayenne pepper on top before baking.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Totchos are a delightful fusion of two comfort food favorites. I love how the crispy tater tots provide the perfect base for the creamy, spicy buffalo chicken topping. This dish is always a hit at gatherings and is sure to satisfy any craving for something hearty and flavorful.