Today, I am going to make the Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, a spicy and comforting dish that combines the flavors of buffalo chicken with the crispy goodness of tater tots. This casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a game-day gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings together creamy, cheesy, and spicy elements in one delightful dish.

What is Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?

The Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and flavorful casserole featuring shredded buffalo chicken, a creamy sauce, cheese, and a topping of crispy tater tots. This dish captures the essence of buffalo chicken wings in a convenient and satisfying casserole format.

Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Bold Flavors: Combines spicy buffalo chicken with creamy, cheesy goodness.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal prep time.
Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will love.

Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for game days and casual get-togethers.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level and ingredients to your liking.
Comfort Food: A satisfying and hearty meal that hits all the right notes.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup buffalo wing sauce
1 cup ranch dressing

1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced green onions
1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots

1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook the celery and onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced celery and green onions. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
Mix the chicken and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and condensed cream of chicken soup. Stir in the cooked celery and green onions.
Assemble the casserole:
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with blue cheese crumbles and fresh parsley if desired.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Serve with extra dressing for dipping.
Fresh Vegetables: Carrot and celery sticks complement the buffalo flavors.
Green Salad: A simple green salad adds a refreshing contrast.

Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs nicely with the spicy casserole.
Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a cool, crunchy side.
Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy texture and balances the spice.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh celery and green onions enhance the flavor.
Even Layers: Ensure even layers for consistent flavor in every bite.
Adjust Spice Level: Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of buffalo wing sauce.

Crispy Tater Tots: Ensure the tater tots are arranged in a single layer for maximum crispiness.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese for a richer flavor.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest before serving to set the layers.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Mild Version: Use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount to produce a less spicy version.
Spicy: Add jalapeños or use a hotter buffalo sauce for extra heat.
Cheesy: Mix different types of cheese, like pepper jack and Monterey Jack, for a richer flavor.

Vegetarian: Use meatless chicken substitutes and vegetable-based cream soup for a vegetarian version.
Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower tots for a lower-carb option.
Protein-Rich: Add cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage for extra protein.

Storing Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Best Practices

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Label: Clearly label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Cool Completely: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it to prevent condensation.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Best Practices

Oven Method: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Microwave Option: Heat individual servings in the microwave on medium power.

Cover for Moisture: Cover with foil or a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.
Stir Occasionally: Stir during reheating to ensure even warming.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 450

Protein: 28g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 20g

Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 950mg

FAQs

How can I make Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole healthier?

To make Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole healthier, use low-fat cheese and ranch dressing. Opt for a reduced-sodium buffalo wing sauce and add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Consider using cauliflower tots instead of traditional tater tots for a lower-carb option.

Can I prepare Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole in advance. Assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken for Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Shred the rotisserie chicken and use it in place of the cooked, shredded chicken in the recipe. This can save you time and add extra flavor to the casserole.

Final Words

The Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings. With its spicy buffalo chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the bold and satisfying flavors of this easy-to-make dish with your loved ones!

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