Contents
- 1 Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos)
- 2 Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos)
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos)
Introduction
Did you know that nachos originated in Mexico during the 1940s and have since transformed into a multitude of delicious variations across the globe? Among these, Buffalo chicken tater tot nachos—affectionately known as "totchos"—emerged as a flavorful and satisfying twist! These Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) combine the iconic crunch of tater tots with the spicy zing of Buffalo chicken, making them a perfect dish for game days, parties, or a fun family dinner. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you need to whip up these delectable Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos):
- 1 pound frozen tater tots: These are your base! For a healthier option, try sweet potato tots.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Store-bought rotisserie chicken works great here.
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce: Adjust according to your spice tolerance—Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese: A must-have for that classic Buffalo flavor.
- 1/2 cup diced green onions: Freshness and crunch.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: For drizzling on top—use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the chicken if you’re not using shredded rotisserie chicken.
Timing
Preparing these Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) is quicker than you might think! In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a plateful of deliciousness ready to serve—20% less time than your average nacho recipe!
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will ensure your tater tots come out crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Tater Tots
Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them; nobody likes soggy tots!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and toss it with Buffalo wing sauce until heated through—about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Layer the Totchos
Once the tater tots are crispy, remove them from the oven and layer them with the Buffalo chicken, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese crumbles.
Step 5: Bake Again
Return the loaded tater tots to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Remove your totchos from the oven and sprinkle with diced green onions. Drizzle sour cream on top for that extra creamy goodness.
Nutritional Information
For a serving size of one-quarter of the dish, the nutritional breakdown is approximately:
- Calories: 470
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 900mg
This makes Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) a hearty dish, perfect for sharing (or indulging solo)!
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
If you’re looking to elevate the health quotient of this scrumptious dish, consider these swaps:
- Use baked tater tots instead of fried to cut down on some fat.
- Swap regular sour cream for Greek yogurt for added protein and fewer calories.
- Use whole grain tortillas instead of tater tots for a fiber boost.
- Replace blue cheese with a lighter cheese option like feta for a tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) are incredibly versatile:
- Serve them on a platter with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
- Pair them with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Ensure ample space between tater tots for optimal crispiness.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure you allow your chicken to come to room temperature for even heating.
- Not Watching the Oven: Every oven is different; keep an eye on the tots to avoid burning.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To store leftovers of your Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos):
- Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, but be aware that the texture may soften.
Conclusion
In summary, Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos) are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that packs flavor into every bite. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a gorgeous, cheesy plate of goodness. So why not give this recipe a go? Explore your kitchen creativity and let me know how your totchos turn out! Share your feedback or check out my other delicious recipes geared towards satisfying your taste buds.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tempeh or crispy tofu tossed in a Buffalo sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Q: How spicy are these totchos?
A: The spice level depends on the Buffalo wing sauce you choose. Use mild sauce for a gentler flavor!
Q: Can I prepare these in advance?
A: While tater tots are best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and toppings ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen tater tots These are your base! For a healthier option, try sweet potato tots.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken Store-bought rotisserie chicken works great here.
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce Adjust according to your spice tolerance—Frank's RedHot is a popular choice.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Go for sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese A must-have for that classic Buffalo flavor.
- 1/2 cup diced green onions Freshness and crunch.
- 1/2 cup sour cream For drizzling on top—use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the chicken if you’re not using shredded rotisserie chicken.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure crispy tater tots.
- Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking the Chicken
- If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shredded chicken and toss with Buffalo wing sauce until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Assembly
- Once the tater tots are cooked, remove them from the oven and layer them with the Buffalo chicken, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese crumbles.
- Return the loaded tater tots to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with diced green onions. Drizzle sour cream on top.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.