Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake 4 Servings Easy Delicious

Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering masterpiece – the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake! This irresistible dish combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting texture of crispy tater tots, all baked to perfection and smothered in melted cheese. Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this bake is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave your taste buds dancing.

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Ingredients for Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake

To bring this delightful dish to life, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Let’s break down the star players:

• Cooked Shredded Chicken: The foundation of this bake, you can use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled or baked chicken, or even shredded chicken breasts. The key is to have the chicken cooked and ready to go.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is where the signature buffalo flavor comes from. You can use your favorite store-bought brand or make a homemade version with a blend of hot sauce, butter, and seasonings.
• Ranch Dressing: The cool, creamy ranch dressing balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Frozen Tater Tots: These crispy golden nuggets provide the perfect base for the bake, adding a satisfying crunch.
• Shredded Cheese: A combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses melts beautifully over the top, tying all the flavors together.
• Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions add a fresh, oniony kick and a touch of color to the finished dish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake

Ready to bring this delectable creation to life? Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) to ensure the tater tots get perfectly crispy.
2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Layer the Tater Tots: Spread the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top it off with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
4. Sprinkle the Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the tater tots, ensuring every bite is ooey-gooey delicious.
5. Bake to Perfection: Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top. Serve the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfecting Your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake

To take your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake to the next level, consider these helpful tips:

• Baking Dish Choice: Use a shallow, wide baking dish to ensure the tater tots are in a single layer, allowing for maximum crispiness.
• Buffalo Sauce Adjustment: Tweak the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your desired level of spice. Start with 1 cup and add more if you want an extra kick.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Ingredients: While convenient, using fresh ingredients like shredded rotisserie chicken and homemade ranch dressing can elevate the flavors even further.
• Meal Prep Potential: This bake can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, making it a great option for easy weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake (approximately 1/6 of the recipe) contains:

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 33g

To make this dish a bit lighter, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cheese, opt for grilled or baked chicken instead of fried, and serve it with a fresh green salad on the side.

Pairing Suggestions

The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a hearty and satisfying main dish, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. Consider serving it with:

• A crunchy side salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness
• Crisp celery sticks or carrot sticks for dipping
• An ice-cold beer or a refreshing soda to cool the palate

FAQs

1. What ingredients do I need to make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake?

To prepare Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake, you will typically need the following ingredients:

• Shredded cooked chicken (preferably rotisserie)
• Buffalo sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Tater tots
• Shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
• Optional toppings like green onions or blue cheese

2. How long does it take to cook Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake?

The total cooking time for Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is usually around 30 to 40 minutes. This includes the time to preheat your oven (typically to 400°F or 200°C) and bake the dish until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Can I make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake ahead of time! You can assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

4. What can I substitute for chicken in the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake?

If you’re looking for a substitute for chicken, you can use shredded cooked turkey or even vegetarian options like shredded tofu or jackfruit. Additionally, you could use a meat alternative such as plant-based chicken to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly, while still enjoying the Buffalo and ranch flavors.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Loaded Nacho Tater Tot Casserole
• Cheesy Taco Stuffed Tater Tot Cups
• Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Totchos

Conclusion

The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tater Tot Bake is a true comfort food masterpiece, blending the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the irresistible texture of crispy tater tots. Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, looking for a family-friendly weeknight meal, or simply craving a delicious and indulgent dish, this bake is sure to satisfy. So grab your baking dish, gather your ingredients, and get ready to dive into a cheesy, saucy, and utterly crave-worthy creation!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.