If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, this casserole is the next best thing!
It’s all about the right balance—spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, tender chicken, and just enough cheese to pull it all together.
I always bake it uncovered so the top develops a little crust, giving a contrast to the creamy inside.
A mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar makes a difference—the mozzarella gives stretch, while the cheddar brings a punch of flavor.
If you want a little crunch, crushed tortilla chips or even crushed croutons on top make a great addition right before serving.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded)
- 1 cup Celery (chopped)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 cup Green Onions (sliced)
- 1 cup Buffalo Sauce
- 2 cups Pepper Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Blue Cheese Dressing
- 1 bag Frozen Tater Tots
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, celery, garlic, and green onions.
Step 2:
Pour the buffalo sauce into the chicken mixture and stir everything until well-coated with the sauce.
Add 1 cup of pepper jack cheese and the blue cheese dressing, mixing thoroughly.
Step 3:
Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a uniform layer for even cooking.
Step 4:
Arrange the frozen tater tots on top, covering the chicken layer completely and ensuring they are evenly spread.
Sprinkle the remaining pepper jack cheese over the tater tots.
Step 5:
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choosing the Right Cheese:
Using pepper jack cheese gives the casserole a spicy twist, but you can substitute with mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix if you want a less spicy version.
Perfect Chicken Texture:
You can use rotisserie chicken to simplify preparations and provide a rich flavor without additional cooking steps.
Add Extra Toppings:
Consider adding crumbled blue cheese or chopped fresh parsley right before serving to enhance the flavor profile.
Making It Spicier:
If you love the heat, sprinkle a few red pepper flakes over the top before baking to give it an additional kick.
Substituting Tater Tots:
For a different twist, you could try using thinly sliced potatoes or crushed tortilla chips for a unique topping.
Enjoy bringing smiles to your table with this delicious comfort food!
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Classic Celery and Carrot Sticks
If you’re looking for a traditional pairing with buffalo chicken, serve your casserole with crunchy celery and carrot sticks.
They provide a refreshing contrast and are perfect for scooping up any extra sauce you might have.
Creamy Coleslaw
Another classic side dish to consider is coleslaw.
Its creamy texture and tangy taste beautifully offset the spicy flavors of the casserole.
Garlic Bread
Although not everyone knows about it, garlic bread is a great accompaniment to the casserole!
The warm, buttery garlic flavors do a fantastic job of complementing the spicy chicken and cheese.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Thinking outside the box?
Try some roasted Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
They add a sweet and earthy flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the casserole’s heat.
Avocado Salad
A light avocado salad with cherry tomatoes and cilantro can serve as a cooling side dish.
The creaminess of the avocado helps tone down the heat from the casserole.
Mix and match these sides depending on your taste to create the perfect meal for you and your guests!
Variations and Substitutions
Spice Level
You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
If you like it hotter, add extra buffalo wing sauce or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
For a milder version, try using a mix of buffalo and barbecue sauce for a sweeter flavor.
Protein Options
Feel free to switch up the protein by using ground turkey or shredded pork instead of chicken.
These options still provide a tasty base for the casserole and add a different twist on the standard recipe.
Cheese Choices
There are so many cheese options you can experiment with to find your favorite combination.
Try cheddar for a classic flavor, or pepper jack for an extra kick.
Mix in blue cheese crumbles if you love an extra tangy taste!
Vegetables
Don’t hesitate to throw in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture.
These veggies can add a nice layer of healthiness and make it more colorful, too.
Topping Alternatives
Top it off with a mix of crushed tortilla chips or fried onions for a deliciously crunchy twist instead of tater tots.
This adds a new texture and keeps things interesting every time you make it.
How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Cool Completely
Before storing your leftover Buffalo Chicken Casserole, let it cool completely.
This prevents condensation, which can make your casserole soggy in the refrigerator.
Avoid letting it sit out for more than two hours.
Use Airtight Containers
Place the cooled casserole into an airtight container.
This helps maintain its freshness by keeping air out.
A good-fitting lid or tightly wrapped plastic wrap works wonders!
Refrigerate or Freeze
For short-term storage, refrigerate the casserole.
It should be consumed within 3 to 4 days for optimal taste and quality.
If you’re planning to store it longer, freezing is a great option!
Wrap it well, and it can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing the Ingredients
When preparing your casserole, it’s tempting to throw everything into the dish and call it a day.
To avoid clumping together, combine your separate ingredients first, then distribute them evenly in the casserole. This ensures every serving is as delicious as the last!
Using Cold Chicken
Cold chicken can slow down the baking time, which messes with your meal schedule.
Always bring your chicken to room temperature or opt for pre-cooked options like rotisserie chicken. This way, your casserole will cook more evenly and in a timely manner!
Skipping Pre-baking the Tater Tots
If you go from freezer to casserole, those tots might stay soggy, affecting the overall texture.
Give your tater tots a head start by baking them separately until they are lovely and crisp!
Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cooked Chicken shredded
- 1 cup Celery chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 cup Green Onions sliced
- 1 cup Buffalo Sauce
- 2 cups Pepper Jack Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Blue Cheese Dressing
- 1 bag Frozen Tater Tots
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, celery, garlic, and green onions.
- Pour the buffalo sauce into the chicken mixture and stir everything until well-coated with the sauce.
- Add 1 cup of pepper jack cheese and the blue cheese dressing, mixing thoroughly.
- Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, creating a uniform layer for even cooking.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots on top, covering the chicken layer completely and ensuring they are evenly spread.
- Sprinkle the remaining pepper jack cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.