Buffalo Chicken Tots from Buffalo Wild Wings feature crispy tater tots loaded with spicy buffalo chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy ranch dressing, offering a savory and zesty appetizer bursting with bold flavors and crunchy textures.
Equipments
- Oven or deep fryer
- Baking sheet or fry basket
- Mixing bowls
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 lb (450g) cooked chicken breast
- 1/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 green onions
- Salt
- Pepper
Frozen tater tots are essential for achieving the right crispy texture, so make sure to use high-quality, evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking. Cooked chicken breast should be shredded or finely diced to allow the Buffalo wing sauce to coat every bite thoroughly, enhancing the bold, spicy flavor. Fresh green onions add a subtle sharpness, balancing the richness of cheddar cheese and ranch dressing, which you should use in the amounts specified to avoid overpowering the dish. Season with salt and pepper carefully, as the wing sauce already provides significant seasoning. If you want to recreate Buffalo Chicken Tots from Buffalo Wild Wings at home, following these ingredient tips will help your copycat version capture the tasty, savory experience authentically.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange frozen tater tots on a baking sheet or fry in deep fryer until golden and crispy.
- While tots cook, shred cooked chicken breast with a fork or knife.
- Toss shredded chicken in a mixing bowl with Buffalo wing sauce until evenly coated.
- Grate cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Slice green onions on a cutting board.
- Once tots are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter.
- Evenly layer Buffalo chicken over the tots.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the loaded tots and chicken.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Buffalo Chicken Tots from Buffalo Wild Wings copycat menu combines crispy tater tots with spicy buffalo chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy ranch dressing for an irresistible appetizer. If you don't have cooked chicken breast, shredded rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken tenders work well as substitutes. When fresh green onions are unavailable, finely chopped chives or mild red onions can provide a similar flavor. You can bake the tater tots on a baking sheet instead of deep frying for a healthier option without sacrificing crispiness. Using store-bought buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing helps maintain the authentic taste for your dish.
Tips
Ensure the oven or deep fryer reaches the recommended temperature before cooking tater tots for optimal crispiness. Use cooked chicken breast shredded finely to ensure even coating with Buffalo wing sauce, enhancing flavor distribution. Shredded cheddar cheese melts better when spread evenly over the hot tots and chicken, preventing clumps. You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of Buffalo wing sauce and adding salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Nutritions
Buffalo Chicken Tots combine protein-rich cooked chicken breast with carbohydrate-packed tater tots, providing a balanced energy source. The melted cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, while the Buffalo wing sauce contributes capsaicin, which may boost metabolism. Ranch dressing offers a creamy texture but contains added fats, so use it in moderation to maintain nutritional balance. Your serving provides a flavorful mix of macronutrients and essential vitamins, ideal as a satisfying appetizer.
Storage
Store Buffalo Chicken Tots in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes or use a deep fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispy texture of the tater tots and melty cheddar cheese. Avoid microwaving as it can result in soggy tots and uneven heating of the buffalo chicken and ranch dressing.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute the Buffalo wing sauce with a smoky barbecue sauce to add a rich, sweet flavor. You can swap shredded cheddar cheese for a blend of pepper jack and mozzarella for a creamier, spicier topping. Instead of ranch dressing, try blue cheese dressing for a tangier contrast that complements the buffalo chicken. To simplify, bake frozen tater tots on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and a crispier texture.
Allergies
Buffalo Chicken Tots contain common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and ranch dressing, and may also contain eggs in the dressing. The chicken and wing sauce could pose risks for those with poultry or spice sensitivities. You should always check ingredient labels and consult with your healthcare provider if you have food allergies before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Buffalo Chicken Tots from Buffalo Wild Wings combine crispy tater tots with flavorful, spicy buffalo chicken and tangy cheese sauce, creating a savory and satisfying taste experience. The contrast between the crunchy tots and tender chicken delivers a unique texture combination that appeals to snack lovers and fans of bold flavors. This menu item is popular for its shareable size, making it ideal for gatherings and casual dining. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to recreate this crave-worthy dish at home, customizing the spice level to suit your preferences and enjoying a restaurant favorite without the wait.