Fiery Frontier: Pioneer Woman’s Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Recipe

Buffalo chicken tater tot casserole erupts with a flavor tornado that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Crispy potato tots mingle with blazing chicken in a comfort food symphony that screams pure deliciousness.

Molten cheese blankets succulent meat, creating a decadent landscape of culinary magic.

Zesty buffalo sauce weaves through each bite, igniting a spicy celebration on your plate.

Crunchy tots provide a textural playground that contrasts perfectly with tender chicken chunks.

Ranch dressing drizzled on top adds a cool, creamy counterpoint to the fiery buffalo kick.

This dish transforms weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent in just one sizzling pan.

Devour a plate of pure, unapologetic deliciousness that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Get These Ready for Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Frozen Potato Tots: Choose crispy, golden-edged tots that promise a satisfying crunch.
• Chili Powder: Select a vibrant, fresh blend for a warm, zesty kick.
• Cumin: Opt for whole-ground cumin for deeper, more robust flavor.

• Chicken Breast: Pick fresh, firm chicken with minimal moisture for perfect searing.
• Butter: Select high-quality unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.
• Celery: Look for crisp, bright green stalks with no wilting.
• Garlic: Choose firm, plump cloves without green sprouts.
• Green Onions: Select bright, perky stalks with white and green parts intact.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides maximum flavor punch.
• Hot Sauce: Select your favorite tangy brand for personalized heat level.

• Cheese: Pick melty, sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: Choose creamy, tangy variety.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: Select fresh, authentic crumbles with pronounced tang.
• Celery Leaves: Use tender, bright green leaves for garnish.

Helpful Gear for Making Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing potato tots with spices.
• Baking sheet: Essential for spreading tots and creating casserole layers.
• Cast-iron skillet: Ideal for cooking chicken with rich, even heat.
• Small bowl: Great for mixing blue cheese ranch sauce.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for adding precise spice amounts.
• Oven: Necessary for baking tots and broiling casserole.
• Spatula: Useful for stirring chicken and spreading ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Needed for chopping green onions and celery.

Cooking Directions for Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Fire Up the Potato Tots

Transform frozen potato tots into crispy, zesty bites by tossing them with spicy seasonings. Spread them across a baking sheet and roast until golden and crunchy.

• Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a skillet to medium-high and melt butter, creating a perfect cooking surface. Drop in seasoned chicken chunks with minced celery, garlic, and fragrant green onions. Cook until the meat is perfectly done, then splash in hot sauce for an extra kick.

• Create the Cheesy Layer

Pull the tots from the oven and switch to broil. Build a mouthwatering layered masterpiece with melty cheese and the saucy chicken mixture. Let the broiler work its magic, creating a golden, bubbling top.

• Whip Up Creamy Sauce

Mix ranch dressing with tangy blue cheese crumbles, seasoning to create a bold, creamy drizzle that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Serve and Celebrate

Pull your creation from the oven and finish with a drizzle of zesty sauce. Scatter fresh green onions and celery leaves on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while everything is hot and irresistible.

Helpful Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Swap hot sauce with sriracha or chipotle sauce for a different flavor kick. Adjust quantity based on personal heat tolerance.

Replace chicken with pulled pork, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles for diverse protein options.

Experiment with pepper jack, smoked gouda, or sharp cheddar instead of standard cheese to create unique flavor profiles.

Use rotisserie chicken to cut down cooking time and add extra moisture to the casserole.

Pairing Ideas for Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Elevate Dinner with Buffalo Flair: Sprinkle extra green onions and celery leaves for a fresh, zesty garnish that adds color and crunch.
• Dip and Delight: Serve Blue Cheese Ranch on the side for guests to customize their spice level and enjoy extra creamy dipping.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Transfer casserole to a large serving platter for a stunning centerpiece that encourages shared dining and conversation.
• Customize Heat Levels: Keep hot sauce bottle nearby so everyone can adjust spiciness according to their personal taste preferences.

Make-Ahead Tips for Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Preserve Peak Flavor: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum taste and texture retention.
• Reheat with Care: Warm casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy tots and prevent soggy texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and tots separately ahead of time, storing in separate containers to maintain individual ingredient crispness and freshness.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Assemble casserole without final broiling, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month for convenient future meals.

Sizzling Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole promises spicy comfort from Pioneer Woman’s kitchen. Creamy cheese, crispy tots, and zesty buffalo sauce create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) frozen potato tots
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, bite-size pieces
• 1 ½ cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
• ¾ cup cayenne hot sauce
• 2 cups ranch dressing
• 2 tbsps salted butter
• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
• 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Celery leaves (for garnish)
• Green onions (half reserved for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 450°F (232°C). Lavishly coat frozen potato tots with chili powder and cumin across a baking sheet, ensuring uniform seasoning distribution.
2. Roasting Tots: Bake potato tots for 35 minutes until achieving a golden, crispy texture. Simultaneously, activate a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for chicken preparation.
3. Chicken Sauté: Melt butter and introduce seasoned chicken pieces. Incorporate chopped celery, minced garlic, and half the green onions. Cook until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), developing rich, complex flavors.
4. Sauce Integration: Infuse hot sauce into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and create a glossy, concentrated coating on the chicken. Remove from heat once sauce reduces and thickens.
5. Layering and Broiling: Transition oven to broil. Strategically layer half the shredded cheese over crispy tots, then distribute the spicy chicken mixture. Crown with remaining cheese and broil for 3 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent scorching.
6. Blue Cheese Drizzle: Craft a tangy blue cheese ranch by blending ranch dressing and crumbled blue cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
7. Finishing Touch: Extract casserole once cheese melts and caramelizes. Embellish with blue cheese ranch, residual hot sauce, celery leaves, and remaining green onions. Serve immediately, presenting a vibrant, texturally complex dish.

Notes

• Crisp Tots Technique: Spread tots evenly and season generously before baking to ensure maximum flavor and crunchiness.
• Chicken Cooking Precision: Use medium-high heat and cook chicken just until internal temperature reaches 165°F for tender, perfectly done meat.
• Hot Sauce Balance: Simmer sauce with chicken to create a slightly thickened coating that enhances overall flavor without making the dish too wet.
• Broiler Watch Strategy: Monitor cheese melting closely during the final 3 minutes to prevent burning and achieve golden-brown perfection.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking, Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg