Game Day Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Bold, comforting, and made for sharing, this buffalo chicken tater tot casserole recipe brings serious flavor to the table. Layers of crispy tater tots, spicy buffalo chicken, and a rich, creamy blend of cheddar and cream cheese bake into one irresistible dish that’s ready for game day, birthday parties, or potlucks where you want to serve something hearty and satisfying. With a quick prep and familiar ingredients, this casserole makes feeding a crowd feel like second nature.

In this post, you’ll find the recipe for this game day casserole, customization tips to make it vegetarian and or dairy-free, and tasty pairings to make your whole spread party-ready.

Buffalo chicken tater tot casserole

Servings and cook time

Serves: 6-8 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to heat preference)
8 oz cream cheese (softened, cubed)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (plus extra for drizzling, optional)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt (to taste)
½ tsp black pepper (to taste)
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
¼ cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
¼ cup diced celery (optional garnish, adds crunch)

How to make game day buffalo chicken tater tot casserole

Step 1: Prep your baking dish and oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your glass baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the creamy buffalo chicken mixture

In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and seasoning. Mix until well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Use a spatula to spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 3: Layer the tater tots

Carefully layer the frozen tater tots on top of the chicken mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface of the mixture evenly.

Pro tip: Line up your tots in a fun wave, diagonal, or festive pattern for a creative visual flourish to your meal!

Step 4: Bake until golden and crispy

Place your dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are browned and crispy.

Step 5: Add the cheesy finish

Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar cheese over the casserole, and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.

Elevate this dish by shredding your own cheddar: pre-shredded cheese often contains caking agents, which prevent the cheese from melting as evenly in your buffalo tater tot casserole.

Step 6: Garnish and serve hot

Garnish the top with your thinly sliced green onions, bacon bits, and an (optional) extra drizzle of buffalo sauce on top for a bit of added punch. Slip the glass baking dish into a thermal serving dish to keep warm and bubbly until meal time!

Super host tip: Instead of rushing to finish every game day detail before your guests arrive, we suggest preparing the casserole early and using your thermal serving dish to keep it hot for hours.

Headed to a tailgate party? Check out our guide to keeping food while transporting →

How to keep tater tots from getting soggy

Serving hot tater tot casserole with soggy tater tots is not the way to make a good impression. To keep your tots extra-crispy, pre-bake your tots, space them out a little, and use a handy towel trick:

Pre-bake your frozen tater tots on a sheet pan for about 5 to 10 minutes before layering them onto the casserole. This gives them a head start and ensures they don’t get soggy over the layer of creamy chicken.
Give the tater tots a bit more space when layering them over your chicken. This ensures they’re not trapping steam, so the edges crisp up nicely.
Slip a thin cloth underneath the casserole when sealed in a thermal dish: the edges of the cloth will absorb excess condensation while the dish stays hot and bubbly inside Host Modern’s thermal dish.

Serving suggestions

While this buffalo chicken tater tot casserole is full of flavor, it pairs well with sides that balance or complement its richness:

Artisan bread with herbed butter

Slice a warmed sourdough or baguette and pair with whipped butter blended with chive, dill, or parsley. Simple to serve, but a beautiful addition to the spread that gives guests a mild-flavored side to sop up the spicy sauce.

Grilled corn with cotija and lime

Serve charred corn on the cob (or cut into halves for easier sharing) with a sprinkle of cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime. It’s smoky, tangy, and adds a fun touch.

Mixed greens with celery, apple, and blue cheese

Add thinly sliced celery and tart green apple matchsticks to a base of mixed baby greens. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and toasted pecans or walnuts, and dress with a light vinaigrette (olive oil, lemon, and a touch of honey). It ties into the buffalo flavor, but feels fresh and intentional without being overly complicated.

7 ways to customize your buffalo chicken tater tot casserole

Want to take your buffalo chicken tater tot casserole from great to custom? You know your guests best—these simple tips help you fine-tune the flavor, texture, and timing so it’s just what you need to satisfy your loved ones’ unique needs and preferences.

1. Make it dairy free

Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese-style spread and swap in dairy-free cheddar shreds. You’ll still get that rich, creamy texture without sacrificing flavor, and your lactose-intolerant guests will thank you.

2. Lower the spice

Cut the heat by blending your buffalo sauce with a bit of ranch or sour cream, or make your own milder version using less hot sauce. This keeps the tangy flavor, but makes the dish more approachable for kids or spice-sensitive guests.

3. Sweeten it up

Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to your buffalo sauce for a sweet-and-spicy balance that’s especially crowd-pleasing. It brings a little caramelized richness that pairs perfectly with the crispiness of the tater tots.

4. Hike up the spice

Toss in chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or even a few dabs of your favorite hot sauce to really turn up the heat. You can also garnish with sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a bold finish.

5. Go vegetarian

Swap the chicken for shredded, roasted oyster mushrooms to mimic the meaty texture while keeping the dish plant-based. They soak up the buffalo sauce beautifully and add an umami depth that wows.

6. Add more flavors

Mix in extras like diced bell peppers for crunch, roasted corn for sweetness, or sautéed mushrooms for earthy richness. These additions add color, flavor complexity, and make the dish feel even more homemade.

7. Switch the flavor profile

Trade the buffalo chicken for BBQ pulled pork to create a whole new flavor direction. It’s smoky, sweet, and still pairs perfectly with the crispy tots and melty cheese for a southern-inspired twist.

Small adjustments can make a big impact. Whether you’re dialing up the heat, prepping ahead, or making it more crowd-friendly, these tips ensure your casserole fits the moment—and the people—you’re serving.

Satisfying drinks to serve on game day

A bold, cheesy, spicy dish like buffalo chicken tater tot casserole calls for drinks that can balance the richness and cool the heat. Whether you're serving a crowd or curating a cozy game-day spread, the right pairing can elevate the entire experience. Here are a few standout choices to round out your table.

Beer

Crisp, cold beer is a natural pairing with the heat and heartiness of this casserole, and just the ticket for a game day celebration. Light lagers and pilsners keep things refreshing without overwhelming the palate, while a session IPA adds a gentle hit of hops with less bitterness than its stronger counterparts. These styles enhance the buffalo flavor without competing with it.

Cider

With its bright acidity and gentle effervescence, dry apple cider cuts through the creamy richness of the dish and refreshes the palate between bites. Look for a drier, less-sweet option to keep the balance just right and let the tang of the buffalo sauce shine.

Iced Tea

Classic, unsweetened iced tea offers a clean, cooling contrast to the bold flavors of buffalo chicken and cheddar. If you’re looking to get creative, try infusing your tea with lemon, peach, or mint for a subtle twist that keeps guests coming back for more.

Flavored Sparkling Water

Bubbly and endlessly customizable, flavored sparkling water adds a fun, modern touch to the table. Citrus, berry, or even herbal varieties like cucumber-mint help refresh the palate and complement the casserole’s richness without adding more heaviness.

The drinks you serve can be just as memorable as the meal itself. Whether you're pouring beer, cider, or a non-alcoholic option, each cool drink enhances the flavors on the plate—and adds to the comfort, connection, and joy as you watch the game.

Why Host Modern is your perfect game-day companion

This game-day buffalo chicken tater tot casserole has it all: crunch, spice, and the mouth-watering mixture of cream and cheddar cheese that pulls it all together and satisfies your guests. The best way to preserve the texture and temperature of this dish is to bake and seal it in your Host Modern glass baking dish and thermal serving dish.

Whether you’re preparing it to be shared at home or taking it to a social gathering, our serveware will keep your casserole hot and ready to serve for hours.

Shop Host Modern Thermal Dish →

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