Tired of the same old game day snacks? Craving something delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make? Then get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these incredible Buffalo Chicken Tots! This recipe combines the crispy goodness of tater tots with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken, creating a truly addictive and crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for parties, casual dinners, or a fun family night, these tots are guaranteed to be a hit. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen tater tots
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 2: Bake the Tots
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Step 3: Assemble the Buffalo Chicken Tots
Once the tater tots are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. In a small bowl, melt the butter. Using a spoon or spatula, gently spread the melted butter over the baked tater tots. Then, evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture over the tots, ensuring each tot gets a generous helping. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 4: Broil (Optional)
For extra melted cheese and a slightly crispier topping, you can broil the tater tots for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. These Buffalo Chicken Tots are best enjoyed hot and fresh!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Tots:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure the tater tots have enough space to crisp up properly. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, use less buffalo wing sauce or opt for a milder variety. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack. You can also add bacon bits, crumbled blue cheese, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Variations:
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tots: Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
- BBQ Chicken Tots: Replace buffalo wing sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky and sweet twist.
- Ranch Chicken Tots: Skip the buffalo sauce altogether and toss the chicken with just ranch dressing for a creamy and flavorful option.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This Buffalo Chicken Tots recipe is a delicious and easy way to create a memorable game day snack or a satisfying weeknight meal. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and toppings to find your perfect combination! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!