Name: Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 48 pieces frozen tater tots; 24 pieces frozen popcorn chicken; ¾ cup Frank's Buffalo sauce; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

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There’s something absolutely magical about the combination of crispy tater tots and zesty buffalo chicken, and that’s exactly what you get with Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups. I remember the first time I made these for a game day gathering. It was a chilly afternoon, and the house was filled with laughter and the sounds of the big game. As I pulled these little cups from the oven, the aroma of the melted cheese and spicy buffalo sauce wafted through the air, drawing everyone into the kitchen. It was love at first bite! These delightful cups are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re also incredibly fun to eat. Suitable for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings, they quickly became a household favorite.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
35 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
12 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Mini Muffin Pan, Tart Tamper, Rotary Cheese Grater, Mixing Bowls

The Appeal of This Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the reasons I adore Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups is their versatility. Whether it’s a cozy family night or a lively party, these cups fit right in. They’re delightful as appetizers and substantial enough to serve as a main dish.

Easy to Make

These cups are incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can whip them up in no time. The convenience of using frozen tater tots and pre-cooked popcorn chicken means you can enjoy this scrumptious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Flavor Explosion

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, then these cups will not disappoint. The combination of the crispy tater tots, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite. They’re the perfect way to satisfy those cravings for something savory and satisfying.

Family-Friendly Fun

Kids and adults alike will love these delicious cups. They’re fun to customize, allowing everyone to make their own unique creations with various toppings. It’s a great way to get the family involved in the kitchen!

Make Ahead Convenience

What’s more, these cups can be prepared in advance. You can assemble them ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready to serve. This makes them perfect for parties or gatherings where you want to minimize last-minute stress.

Leftovers are a Treat

Leftovers are always a highlight with Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups. They reheat beautifully, maintaining their deliciousness even the next day. It’s like having a little piece of the party left to enjoy!

Recipe Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups

When creating Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component complements the others beautifully, resulting in a dish that is hearty yet fun. The key players in this recipe are the frozen tater tots, which provide a crispy base, and the buffalo sauce, which adds a delightful kick. Together, they create a comforting and satisfying treat that everyone will love.

48 frozen tater tots: These are the crispy foundation of your cups, providing texture and a savory base.
24 pieces frozen popcorn chicken: This adds protein and a satisfying bite, ensuring your cups are hearty.
¾ cup Frank’s Buffalo sauce: The star of the show, this sauce gives the dish its signature spicy kick.
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: This creamy cheese creates layers of flavor and helps bind everything together.

Directions for Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups

Making Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups is a breeze, and I love how straightforward the process is. Let’s dive into the steps that will guide you through creating these delicious morsels. Follow along, and you’ll have a plateful of these tasty cups ready to impress in no time!

Preheat your oven to 425ºF. This is crucial for ensuring your tater tots get that perfect crispiness.
Spray a mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent the tater tots from sticking and makes for easy removal later.
Place 2 tater tots in each cup of the mini muffin pan. Make sure they are close together but not squished.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
While the tater tots are baking, heat the frozen popcorn chicken in the microwave until hot, about 3 to 5 minutes. Make sure they are heated through.
Once heated, toss the warm chicken in the Frank’s Buffalo sauce until well coated. The chicken should be glistening with that spicy goodness.
After 15 minutes, remove the tater tots from the oven. Using a tart tamper, press the partially baked tots down gently to form cups. This will create space for the filling.
Sprinkle some cheddar cheese into the bottom of each potato cup. The cheese will melt beautifully as they bake.
Top the cheese with the buffalo chicken mixture, ensuring each cup is generously filled.
Sprinkle more cheddar cheese on top of the chicken. Extra cheese always makes everything better!
Return the muffin pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and turn bubbly.
Once baked, remove the muffin pan from the oven and let the cups cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious bites!

Things Worth Knowing

Cooking Tip: Ensure your tater tots are evenly spaced in the muffin pan for uniform cooking.
Texture Matters: Press the tater tots firmly but not too hard; you want them to hold their shape while forming cups.
Cheese Selection: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavor.
Buffalo Sauce Varieties: Try different brands of buffalo sauce to find your perfect level of spice.

Make It Your Own

Customizing Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups is part of the fun! Here are some suggestions to make this dish fit your taste and preferences.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Freezing: These cups can be frozen! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer bag.
Pairing: Serve with a side of celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your preference; you can add more for extra heat!
Cheese Variations: Mix in different cheeses, such as pepper jack or gouda, for a unique flavor twist.

Serving This Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups

When it comes to serving Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game:

Game Day Snacks: These cups are an excellent addition to any game day spread. Pair them with chips and your favorite dip for a fun, casual feast.
Party Appetizers: Serve them at gatherings as bite-sized appetizers. They’re sure to be a hit among guests of all ages!
Casual Family Dinners: These cups can easily be a part of a comforting family dinner. Add a simple salad on the side for a balanced meal.
Seasonal Feasts: Perfect for any time of year, these cups can be a great addition to holiday spreads, bringing a fun twist to traditional dishes.
Leftover Treats: If you have any leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven for a quick snack or lunch the next day.
Make-Your-Own Bar: Set up a make-your-own toppings bar with additional ingredients like jalapeños, diced onions, or different cheeses for a fun twist!

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and bake the tater tots ahead of time. Once you have formed the cups, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just keep in mind that you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re coming straight from the refrigerator.

Yes, you can freeze Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups! After baking them, allow the cups to cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer when you’re ready to enjoy them again!

These tasty cups pair wonderfully with celery sticks or carrot sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They also make a great addition to any game day spread alongside chips and other finger foods. Your guests will be thrilled to have such a tasty and fun option!

You can easily control the heat in your Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce you use. Start with the recommended amount and taste the mixture. If you like more heat, add in a little extra sauce or use a spicier brand of buffalo sauce. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños for an additional kick!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Cups are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them a standout dish. Their perfect balance of crispy tater tots and spicy chicken is simply irresistible. I encourage you to try making these cups for your next gathering; they’ll surely become a favorite among friends and family!