Let’s be honest—there are few things more satisfying than crunchy tater tots loaded with spicy buffalo chicken, melty cheese, and a creamy drizzle of blue cheese sauce. This Buffalo Chicken Totchos recipe takes everything you love about game-day snacks and levels it up with big, bold flavors and gooey indulgence. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food version of nachos, made with crispy tachos tater tots instead of tortilla chips. It’s messy, hearty, and absolutely addictive. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleaser appetizer or a casual Friday night dinner, this dish is sure to bring the heat—and the comfort.
Buffalo Chicken Totchos with Blue Cheese Drizzle
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Large baking sheet For baking the tater tots evenly. You can also use a cast-iron skillet for a more rustic presentation.
Mixing bowls At least two for tossing the chicken and mixing the blue cheese drizzle.
Small saucepan (optional) For warming the buffalo sauce and butter together.
Oven or air fryer While a traditional oven works great, using an air fryer for the tots can cut cook time and add extra crispiness.
Spatula or tongs To mix and spread everything out evenly.
For the Buffalo Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thigh meat shredded (rotisserie works great)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
For the Totchos
- 1 32 oz bag frozen tater tots (any brand of your choice)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional: dairy free cheese alternatives for a lactose-friendly version
For the Blue Cheese Drizzle
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon milk or dairy-free alternative
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Diced celery
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
- Drizzle of ranch if blue cheese isn't your thing
Bake or Air Fry the Tater Tots
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to get them nice and crispy. If using an air fryer, cook them in batches at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden and crisp.
Make the Buffalo Chicken
While the tots are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until combined. Toss the shredded chicken in the sauce until evenly coated. Keep it warm over low heat.
Prepare the Blue Cheese Drizzle
In a small mixing bowl, mash the blue cheese slightly with a fork. Add in the sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, and milk. Stir until smooth but slightly chunky. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more milk. For a dairy free cheese option, use vegan mayo and blue cheese alternatives.
Assemble the Totchos
Once the tots are crispy and golden, take them out of the oven and reduce the heat to 350°F. Pile the tots into an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Top evenly with the buffalo chicken, then sprinkle both cheeses over the top.
Melt and Finish
Pop the assembled totchos back in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out, drizzle generously with your blue cheese sauce and scatter on your favorite toppings like green onions, celery, or even jalapeños for extra spice.
Pairings
These Buffalo Chicken Totchos pair well with a few different styles of sides and drinks to create a fun, casual meal:
- Cool, creamy slaw: A vinegar-based coleslaw or a ranch-style slaw helps cut through the heat.
- Cold beer or cider: An IPA or crisp hard cider balances the spice perfectly.
- Fresh corn salad: Something like esquites or a light tostados recipe with corn and black beans makes a zesty side.
- Tropical mocktails or cocktails: Pineapple or mango-based drinks give a sweet, fruity contrast.
- Dipping sauces: A side of homemade nacho cheese sauce or even guacamole rounds out the dish beautifully.
For a party platter, you can even serve these totchos alongside potato taquitos or mini tortilla meals to add variety and keep the flavors playful and satisfying.
FAQs
1. What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Both chicken breast and thigh meat work well, but thighs are generally juicier and more flavorful. For convenience, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
2. Can I make this with dairy-free cheese?
Absolutely. Many brands now offer dairy free cheese that melts surprisingly well. Look for versions labeled as "melting-style" for best results in tater tot nachos recipes.
3. What’s the difference between totchos and tachos?
Nothing, really—it’s just a fun play on words. Both totchos tater tots and tachos tater tots refer to nachos made with tater tots instead of tortilla chips.
4. Can I use frozen buffalo chicken instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, frozen buffalo chicken strips or nuggets can be a quick alternative. Just cook them according to package directions and chop before layering on your tater tot nachos.
5. How do I make this dish more like traditional Mexican wraps recipes?
You can add seasoned black beans, avocado slices, or corn salsa to bring in more Latin-inspired flavors. While it’s not quite like potato tacos or a tostados recipe, it shares that customizable, topping-heavy vibe you’ll find in many puerto rican recipes and tortilla meals.
