The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos Recipe for Game Day

Buffalo chicken tater tot nachos blend the crispy, zesty world of game-day favorites into one irresistible dish.

Potatoes change into golden, crunchy vessels carrying bold, tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

Spicy buffalo sauce mingles with tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination that screams comfort food.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures—crisp edges, soft centers, and succulent meat.

The classic nacho concept gets a playful, unexpected twist that elevates casual snacking to a culinary adventure.

Layers of ingredients build complexity, ensuring every forkful delivers maximum satisfaction.

Prepare to wow your friends with this crowd-pleasing mashup that turns ordinary appetizers into legendary party fare.

Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos: Spicy and Savory Indulgence

• Crunch Meets Spice: Enjoy the perfect marriage of crispy tater tots with fiery buffalo chicken, creating a mouthwatering texture explosion that delivers both crunch and heat in every single bite.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe transforms classic nachos into an irresistible game day or party snack that comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for spontaneous gatherings and hungry crowds.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping buffalo sauce intensity, trying different cheese varieties, or adding extra toppings like ranch drizzle, sour cream, or blue cheese crumbles to match personal taste preferences.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Leverage simple cooking techniques like baking tater tots and broiling chicken with cheese to create a restaurant-worthy dish without requiring advanced culinary skills or complicated preparation methods.

Essential Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos

• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds savory flavor and substance to the dish.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Spicy cheese that melts beautifully and provides a creamy, zesty layer.

• Tater Tots: Crispy potato bites that serve as the crunchy foundation of the nachos.

• Buffalo Sauce: Classic hot sauce that gives a signature tangy and spicy kick to the dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion that adds a light crunch and bright color as a garnish.

• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for even cooking and easy cleanup of tater tots.

Mastering Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos

Step 1: Prepare Tater Tots

Bake or air fry tater tots following package instructions. Spread tots on a 9×13 inch sheet pan lined with parchment paper for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Cook and Layer Chicken

• Shred cooked chicken
• Spread chicken evenly over hot tater tots
• Sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese over chicken

Step 3: Broil and Melt Cheese

Set oven to high broil. Place pan back in oven and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.

Step 4: Add Delicious Toppings

• Drizzle buffalo sauce generously over cheesy chicken and tots
• Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions on top for fresh crunch and added flavor

Serving Suggestions:

Serve immediately while hot and cheese is melty. This dish works great as a party appetizer, game day snack, or casual dinner. Pair with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

How to Get the Best Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos

• Crisp Tots Perfectly: Use parchment paper for even cooking and maximum crunchiness, preventing tots from sticking and ensuring a golden-brown exterior.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Shred pepper jack cheese yourself for better melting and more even coverage, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents.
• Buffalo Sauce Balance: Drizzle sauce gradually and taste as you go, preventing the dish from becoming too spicy or soggy.
• Chicken Choice Matters: Use rotisserie chicken for tender, pre-cooked meat that shreds easily and adds extra flavor to the nachos.
• Garnish Like a Pro: Slice green onions thinly and add just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and bright color, enhancing both visual appeal and fresh taste.

Storing and Reheating Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos

• Refrigeration: Carefully transfer any remaining Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture and maintain the dish's texture.
• Reheating: Preheat the oven to 375°F and spread the leftovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 10-15 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Crisp up the tater tots by placing the sheet on the top rack for the last 2-3 minutes.
• Quick Tip: Avoid microwaving to keep the tater tots crispy. Fresh green onions add a vibrant touch when serving reheated nachos, helping restore the dish's original zesty flavor and appealing presentation.

Pairing Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos with Sides

• Craft Crisp Beer Companions: Reach for a cold, hoppy IPA or a light lager that cuts through the rich, spicy buffalo chicken. These brews balance the heat and complement the crispy tater tots' texture.
• Cool Creamy Dip Duo: Whip up a zesty blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. The cool, tangy sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the fiery buffalo sauce and adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Fresh Crunch Sidekick: Serve with a crisp celery and carrot slaw dressed in a light vinaigrette. The fresh, crunchy vegetables offer a light counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy nachos and help cleanse the palate between bites.
• Zesty Cocktail Pairing: Mix a spicy bloody mary or a citrusy margarita to complement the bold buffalo flavors. The drink's acidity and slight heat enhance the overall taste experience of the dish.

Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos Variations to Explore

• Tex-Mex Buffalo Chicken Tots: Replace pepper jack cheese with a blend of cheddar and monterey jack, add diced jalapeños, and top with crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro for a spicy southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Chicken Tots: Swap buffalo sauce for tzatziki, use feta cheese instead of pepper jack, add kalamata olives, diced cucumber, and sprinkle with fresh dill for a Greek-inspired version.
• BBQ Pulled Chicken Tots: Substitute buffalo sauce with smoky barbecue sauce, use smoked gouda cheese, add crispy bacon bits, and garnish with pickled red onions for a hearty southern-style appetizer.
• Ranch Chicken Tots: Trade buffalo sauce for homemade ranch dressing, use a mild cheddar cheese, scatter crispy bacon crumbles, and top with chopped chives for a creamy, tangy alternative.

Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos bring spicy comfort to classic game-day snacking. Crispy potato tots loaded with zesty chicken, melted cheese, and cool ranch create an irresistible plate you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 32 ounces (2 pounds) frozen tater tots
• 16 ounces shredded rotisserie chicken
• 16 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese

Sauce:

• 16 ounces Frank’s Buffalo wings sauce

Garnish:

• 3 green onions, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the tater tot package (usually 425°F or 218°C). Line a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal crispiness and easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote even browning and crunchy texture.
3. Bake the tater tots according to package instructions, typically 20-25 minutes, until golden and crisp on the exterior. Turn the baking sheet halfway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning.
4. While tots are baking, prepare shredded chicken by warming pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken and tossing with buffalo sauce to coat thoroughly.
5. Once tater tots are fully cooked, adjust oven setting to high broil. Carefully distribute the buffalo-coated chicken evenly across the crispy tater tots.
6. Generously sprinkle pepper jack cheese over the chicken layer, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
7. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove when cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbling.
8. Immediately drizzle additional buffalo sauce across the entire dish for extra flavor intensity.
9. Garnish with finely chopped green onions, which will add a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich, spicy nachos.
10. Serve hot directly from the baking sheet, allowing guests to scoop generous portions of the crispy, cheesy buffalo chicken tater tot creation.

Notes

• Crispy tater tots create the perfect base for this loaded nacho-style dish, offering a delightful twist on traditional nachos.
• Broiling transforms the dish by melting pepper jack cheese and heating the shredded chicken to create a golden, bubbly topping.
• Buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile, bringing tangy heat to every bite.
• Parchment paper is crucial for achieving evenly cooked, maximum crispy tater tots without sticking to the pan.
• Green onions provide a fresh, crunchy garnish that cuts through the richness of the cheese and buffalo sauce.
• Quick preparation makes this recipe ideal for game day, parties, or a fun weekend snack that comes together in under 20 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking, Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 685 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1420 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg