Buffalo Chicken Totchos

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Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Totchos are the ultimate game-day indulgence, layering crispy, golden tater tots with spicy buffalo chicken, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings for a dish that’s impossible to resist. This bold, flavor-packed appetizer takes classic nachos to the next level—swapping out tortilla chips for crunchy tots to create the perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re hosting a party, gathering with friends, or simply treating yourself to a comfort food favorite, these totchos are guaranteed to be a hit.

The first time I made Buffalo Chicken Totchos, I knew they’d be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy tots, tangy buffalo sauce, and melty cheese bubbling together in the oven created an irresistible aroma that had everyone eagerly waiting to dig in. Topping them with ranch drizzle, green onions, and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles made every bite even more flavorful.

What I love most about this dish is how customizable it is. You can add extras like crispy bacon, jalapeños for heat, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet-spicy twist. Serve them straight from the pan with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and watch them disappear. No matter the occasion, Buffalo Chicken Totchos are a guaranteed win for anyone who loves bold flavors and crave-worthy crunch.

Perfect for:

  • Game day snacks
  • Party appetizers
  • Casual family dinners
  • Comfort food cravings
  • Spicy food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Buffalo Chicken Totchos will be a new favorite:

  • Crispy and Cheesy: The perfect combination of crunchy tater tots, melted cheese, and tender chicken.
  • Bold Buffalo Flavor: Spicy, tangy buffalo sauce brings the heat and makes each bite addictive.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this dish quick and convenient.
  • Great for Sharing: Perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack at parties and gatherings.
  • Customizable: Add extra toppings like bacon, ranch, or blue cheese to make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Buffalo Chicken Totchos:

  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Tater Tots: The crispy base that replaces traditional tortilla chips for a unique twist on nachos.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Spicy and tangy sauce that gives the dish its signature flavor.
  • Shredded Chicken: Provides protein and soaks up the buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
  • Cheese Blend: Cheddar and mozzarella create the perfect melty, gooey topping.
  • Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Tater Tots:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Bake the Tots: Arrange tater tots in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake according to package instructions, typically 20-25 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:

  1. Heat the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the shredded chicken.
  2. Toss with Buffalo Sauce: Pour buffalo sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Totchos:

  1. Layer the Tots: Spread the crispy tater tots onto a large oven-safe dish or baking sheet.
  2. Add Buffalo Chicken: Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken over the tots.
  3. Sprinkle Cheese: Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Bake and Finish:

  1. Melt the Cheese: Return to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Garnish: Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing, then sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese, green onions, bacon, and fresh herbs, if using.

How to Serve

  • Classic Style – Serve hot on a large platter, drizzled with buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
  • Loaded Nacho Bar – Set up a DIY station with toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, green onions, and extra cheese for guests to customize.
  • Skillet Style – Serve directly from a cast-iron skillet for a rustic and warm presentation.
  • Individual Portions – Divide into small bowls or paper trays for easy, mess-free serving at parties.
  • Game Day Platter – Arrange on a large sheet pan and serve with side dips like ranch, sour cream, or extra buffalo sauce.
  • Tater Tot Tower – Stack tots high on a plate, layering chicken and cheese between each layer for a visually impressive dish.
  • Mini Appetizers – Skewer small portions onto toothpicks or cocktail skewers for bite-sized, grab-and-go snacks.
  • Lettuce Wrap Style – For a low-carb twist, scoop a portion into large lettuce leaves and top with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese.
  • Breakfast Remix – Serve with a fried or poached egg on top for a spicy, indulgent brunch option.
  • Over Fries or Chips – Swap the tots for waffle fries or tortilla chips for a fun variation on totchos.

Additional Tips

  • Use Crispy Tater Tots – Bake or air-fry the tots until extra crispy to prevent them from getting soggy under the toppings.
  • Shred Your Own Chicken – For the best texture, use freshly shredded rotisserie or poached chicken instead of pre-packaged options.
  • Toss Chicken in Sauce Last – Mix the chicken with buffalo sauce right before assembling to keep it from soaking into the tots too soon.
  • Layer Cheese Strategically – Sprinkle a layer of cheese over the tots before adding the chicken, so it melts into a gooey base.
  • Use Two Cheeses – Combine cheddar for bold flavor and mozzarella for stretchiness, or try blue cheese crumbles for a tangy kick.
  • Drizzle, Don’t Drench – Add ranch or blue cheese dressing in thin drizzles to avoid making the totchos overly heavy or mushy.
  • Garnish for Freshness – Top with chopped green onions, diced celery, or even fresh cilantro for a contrast of textures and flavors.
  • Spice it Up – Add jalapeño slices, extra hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for those who love heat.
  • Use a Cast Iron Skillet – Baking or serving in a preheated cast iron pan helps retain heat and keeps the tots crispy longer.
  • Serve Immediately – Totchos are best enjoyed fresh; if making for a party, keep extra tots warm in the oven for quick refills.

Recipe Variations

  1. BBQ Chicken Totchos: Swap buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet twist.
  2. Buffalo Ranch Totchos: Toss the chicken in a buffalo-ranch blend for a creamy, spicy flavor.
  3. Loaded Totchos: Add black beans, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes for a nacho-inspired dish.
  4. Buffalo Cauliflower Totchos: Substitute cauliflower tots for a lower-carb version.
  5. Spicy Chipotle Totchos: Use a smoky chipotle sauce instead of buffalo for a different kick.
  6. Buffalo Shrimp Totchos: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
  7. Buffalo Cheeseburger Totchos: Add ground beef and pickles for a cheeseburger-inspired version.
  8. Garlic Parmesan Totchos: Toss the tots in garlic butter and Parmesan cheese instead of buffalo sauce.
  9. Buffalo Mac & Cheese Totchos: Top with buffalo chicken mac & cheese for a comfort food overload.
  10. Vegetarian Buffalo Totchos: Use buffalo jackfruit or tofu instead of chicken for a meat-free option.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Not recommended once assembled, but you can freeze cooked buffalo chicken separately for quick prep later.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to maintain crispiness.

Special Equipment

  • Baking Sheet – For spreading out and baking the tater tots to crispy perfection.
  • Air Fryer – A quicker alternative to baking, ensuring extra crispy tots.
  • Mixing Bowls – For tossing the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and other seasonings.
  • Saucepan – To heat and thicken the buffalo sauce if needed.
  • Cheese Grater – If using block cheese, freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
  • Oven-Safe Skillet (e.g., Cast Iron) – Perfect for assembling and baking everything together for a melty, crispy dish.
  • Tongs – For evenly distributing the buffalo chicken over the tots.
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat – To prevent the tots from sticking to the baking sheet.
  • Drizzle Bottle – Useful for neatly drizzling ranch or blue cheese dressing on top.
  • Broiler or Kitchen Torch – For quickly melting and browning the cheese for extra gooey goodness.

FAQ

  1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken? Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and works perfectly.
  2. Can I make this in an air fryer? Yes, cook tater tots in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  3. What’s the best buffalo sauce? Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but any favorite buffalo sauce will work.
  4. Can I use different cheese? Absolutely! Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for a unique twist.
  5. How do I make this dish less spicy? Mix buffalo sauce with ranch or honey to mellow the heat.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Totchos are the ultimate indulgent snack, combining crispy tater tots, spicy buffalo chicken, and melty cheese into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or a fun family meal, these loaded totchos are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

With endless topping possibilities—like creamy ranch or blue cheese, crispy bacon, or fresh green onions—this recipe is easy to customize to your taste. Simple to prepare and packed with bold, comforting flavors, Buffalo Chicken Totchos are a fun and satisfying twist on classic nachos.

I can’t wait to see your take on this epic dish! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make it your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite toppings in the comments. Happy cooking!

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