Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Tots

This slow cooker buffalo chicken tater tot casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into a comforting meal that brings the bold flavors of buffalo chicken wings to a family-friendly format. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch seasoning, and crispy tater tots creates a dish that's both nostalgic and exciting.

I first made this casserole for a football Sunday gathering and it disappeared faster than any other dish. Now it's requested at nearly every casual get together we host, especially during the cooler months when everyone craves something hearty and flavorful.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken provides a leaner alternative to traditional ground beef while still offering plenty of protein
• Flour helps create a thick sauce that binds everything together
• Chicken broth adds savory depth and helps create the base for the sauce
• Heavy cream or buttermilk contributes richness look for full fat versions for the best texture
• Homemade ranch seasoning brings that classic tangy zip that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce
• Frozen tater tots no need to thaw them first use a quality brand for the best texture
• Buffalo wing sauce Frank's RedHot is my go to for authentic flavor
• Shredded cheese sharp cheddar adds the perfect melt and flavor
• Optional carrots and celery mimic traditional wing accompaniments and add nutritional value
• Blue cheese optional but adds authentic buffalo wing flavor profile

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Brown the ground chicken in olive oil over medium high heat, breaking it into small pieces with your spatula. Make sure to cook it thoroughly until no pink remains, as this ensures food safety and proper texture. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your entire casserole.

Create the Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour over the cooked chicken and stir continuously to coat each piece evenly. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce. Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let it simmer for 2 3 minutes until it starts to thicken. The gradual addition of liquid is crucial here to develop a smooth, velvety texture.

Add Creaminess

Pour in the heavy cream or buttermilk while stirring constantly. Add the ranch seasoning and let everything cook together for another 2 3 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and thick. This creamy element balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce perfectly.

Prepare Buffalo Sauce

Melt the butter completely in a microwave safe container and stir in the buffalo sauce until fully combined. This simple step tempers the heat of the hot sauce and adds richness that makes the dish special.

Layer in Slow Cooker

Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray, then add the chicken mixture as the bottom layer. Next, sprinkle on optional carrots, celery, and blue cheese. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top, drizzle with the buffalo sauce mixture, and finish with shredded cheddar cheese.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 5 6 hours or high for 2 3 hours. The slow cooking allows all flavors to meld together while the tater tots become tender inside and slightly crisp where they touch the edges of the cooker.

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The homemade ranch seasoning is what takes this dish from good to exceptional. I started making my own after running out of the packeted version one night, and the flavor difference was so noticeable that I never went back. The blend of dried herbs and spices gives you control over the sodium level and eliminates artificial ingredients.

Make Ahead Options

This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken mixture up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply layer everything in your slow cooker and proceed with the recipe. This approach saves valuable time on busy weeknights while still delivering a homemade meal.

Adjusting The Heat Level

Buffalo sauce brings a signature flavor but you can easily customize the spice level. For a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of tomato sauce instead. For heat lovers, add a tablespoon of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or use a spicier buffalo sauce. I often make half mild and half spicy when serving guests with different preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole stands alone as a complete meal, but for a balanced dinner, serve with a simple green salad dressed with light vinaigrette. The coolness and crunch provide textural contrast to the rich, warm casserole. For special occasions, serve with celery sticks and additional blue cheese dressing on the side to really drive home the buffalo wing experience.

Storage And Freezing

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 2 minutes or place in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. This casserole also freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute ground chicken with something else?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even ground beef. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but all work well with the buffalo sauce and other ingredients.

→ How do I make homemade ranch seasoning?

Homemade ranch seasoning typically combines dried parsley, dill, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix 2 tbsp each of dried parsley and dill, 1 tbsp each of garlic and onion powder, 2 tsp dried chives, 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper for a basic blend.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, layer the ingredients in your slow cooker or baking dish as directed. For best texture, add the tater tots just before cooking.

→ Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely. To reduce the spiciness, use less buffalo sauce and increase the amount of cream or milk. You can also use a mild buffalo sauce instead of a hot variety, or mix buffalo sauce with ranch dressing for a milder flavor.

→ What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?

This hearty dish pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, coleslaw, or garlic bread. For dipping, consider serving extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

→ Can this be made vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chicken with plant-based meat alternatives or a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, and chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your buffalo sauce is vegetarian-friendly.