If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for your next party, these Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos are just what you need. Combining crispy tater tots with melty cheese, BBQ chicken, and all the best toppings, this recipe is both hearty and delicious. Imagine eating a plate of nachos, but instead of chips, you get tater tots that are firmly planted under layers of flavor. It’s a simple idea, but the result is fantastic—a yummy dish that’s sure to please everyone, whether you’re serving it as a snack on game day or a quick meal during busy times.
Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos: The Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy Party Snack
To make these totchos, start with a layer of tots in a pan, then top them with shredded BBQ chicken, pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, and a generous drizzle of sauce. Once you’ve got everything assembled, pop it in the oven until the cheese is creamy and everything is warm and crispy. Finish with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of green onions for a touch of freshness. Whether you’re making it for parties or enjoying the leftovers later, this version of totchos will always be better than you expect. It’s a dish that combines everything you love about BBQ, nachos, and tater tots into one unbeatable combination.
What are Totchos?
When you combine nachos with tater tots, you get the perfect snack called totchos. Imagine the usual nachos but substitute the tortilla chips with crispy tater tots instead. This delicious fusion is fantastic for gatherings or a tasty snack at home. Pile on your favorite toppings such as melted cheese, fresh tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, and a generous drizzle of bbq sauce.
The tater tots serve as the ideal base, providing a delightful crunch while absorbing the flavors of the melted cheese and bbq sauce. To make them even better, add dollops of sour cream to balance the heat from the jalapeños and the tanginess of the toppings. Personally, I love loading my totchos with extra cheese and a mix of crunchy tater tots for the best texture.
How to Make Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos
Creating Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos is an incredibly easy process that delivers a truly yummy dish. Start by preheating your oven and placing tater tots on a sheet pan or in a 9X13-inch pan. Bake them until they are sizzling and crispy. While the tots are cooking, prepare your cooked chicken by mixing it with BBQ sauce. Once the tater tots are ready, it’s time to layer the flavors. Begin with a generous amount of Monterey Jack cheese, followed by the BBQ chicken mixture, and top it off with thinly sliced red onion and bacon. Don’t forget to add more cheese on top for that extra melty goodness. Place the layered concoction back in the oven until all the ingredients are hot and bubbling.
When the totchos come out of the oven, it’s time to pick and choose your favorite toppings. Chopped tomatoes, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and avocados or guacamole make excellent choices. This recipe is highly adaptable, so you can tailor the ingredients to suit your taste. The key is to follow your heart—you really can’t mess up these delicious totchos. Whether you like it loaded with cheese or prefer a fresh twist with cilantro and jalapeños, this dish will satisfy any craving.
A Moment of Silence for Leftovers
There’s something truly special about leftovers from Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos. Whether you had them for an easy weeknight dinner or as the perfect appetizer at a party, the next day brings a whole new level of deliciousness. Slightly warmed in the microwave, these totchos retain their heavenly flavors, especially when you add extra cheese. The combination of BBQ chicken, melty toppings, and crispy tots is so good that you might find yourself hiding the leftovers behind a wilting container of spinach in the fridge just to keep them for yourself.
These leftovers aren’t just good—they’re next level delicious. The mess of flavors, the undying love for that last bite, and the joy of finding these totchos in your fridge makes them the ultimate leftover treasure. The best part? They’re just as excellent the next day, ready to be eaten and enjoyed all over again.
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Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos
Cooking Time
Yield: 8 SERVINGS
Prep time: 30 MINUTES
Cook time: 40 MINUTES
Total time: 1 HOUR HR 10 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS
Here’s how to create the ultimate Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos for your next gathering. 🥳 Follow these simple steps to bring together a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavors:
➡️ Step 1: Start with a 28-ounce bag of tater tots as your base. 🥔 They’re crispy, golden, and perfect for layering.
➡️ Step 2: Add 3 cups of cooked, chopped chicken. 🍗 This adds a hearty protein to the mix.
➡️ Step 3: Mix in 1 ½ cups of BBQ sauce. 🍖 This gives the chicken a smoky, tangy kick that everyone loves.
➡️ Step 4: Spread the BBQ chicken over the tater tots, then top with 2 to 3 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. 🧀 The cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, irresistible layer.
➡️ Step 5: For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle on ½ cup of thinly sliced or chopped red onion and ½ to 1 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon (about 6-8 slices). 🥓
➡️ Step 6: Now, it’s time for the toppings! 🎉 Customize your totchos with Sour cream, Chopped tomatoes, Diced avocados or guacamole, and Chopped cilantro. 🌿 For a bit of heat, add Sliced or diced fresh or jarred jalapeños. 🌶️ You can also add any other toppings you like to make it truly your own.
Each bite is a delicious blend of flavors and textures that will leave your guests craving more! 😋
INSTRUCTIONS
Here’s how to make Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos in just a few easy steps:
➡️ Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. 🔥 While the oven is heating, arrange the tater tots in an even, single layer down the center of a half sheet pan or at the bottom of a 9X13-inch baking dish. Bake the tater tots for 20-25 minutes until they are heated through and sizzling. 🍟 This helps them get crispy, and they’ll cook even more in the later step.
➡️ Step 2: While the tater tots bake, combine the cooked chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl. 🍗 Once the tots are ready, top the tater tots evenly with the chicken mixture, then sprinkle on half of the cheese, red onion, bacon, and the remaining cheese. 🧀 Pop the dish back into the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and all the ingredients are heated through. 😋
➡️ Step 3: Finally, top with any extra toppings you like, and dig in to enjoy this delicious dish! 🎉
Crave-Worthy Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos
Who doesn’t love a plate of Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos? These tasty treats bring together BBQ chicken, crispy tater tots, and a bunch of your favorite toppings to create an unforgettable snack. Start by baking your tater tots until they are golden brown. If they’re not crispy, they can turn soggy, which nobody wants! Once they’re perfect, layer on some diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, and diced red onion.
Expert Tips
For the best flavor, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top. You can also add black beans, black olives, and a bit of sour cream for extra tang. To add a citrusy zest, just a squeeze of lime can do wonders. If you like things saucy, add salsa or even a homemade queso. Make sure to measure the butter and flour properly to get the right consistency if you’re making this cheese sauce from scratch, as these are key thickening agents. Follow these tips and you’ll have a plate of BBQ Chicken Totchos that will be the star of any gathering!
Nutrition INFORMATION
serving: 1 serving, calories: 581kcal, carbohydrates: 45.2g, protein: 26g, fat: 34g, saturated fat: 14.2g, cholesterol: 85.1mg, sodium: 1168mg, fiber: 3.4g, sugar: 19.2g
FAQS
How long should BBQ chicken take?
Making Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos requires perfectly cooked BBQ chicken. To get started, grill your chicken pieces over medium heat. Let them cook for 20 to 30 minutes, ensuring you turn them halfway through to get even grilling. In the last 15 to 20 minutes, baste the chicken generously with your favorite barbecue sauce for that delicious, tangy flavor. By following this timing, your BBQ chicken will be juicy and full of the perfect taste, ready to top your totchos for a mouthwatering meal.
How to Properly Store Cooked BBQ Chicken
After making delicious Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos, you might have some leftovers. Placing the cooked chicken in a clean, dry, airtight container or sealing it in an unused, food-grade plastic bag will help retain the meat’s freshness and quality. For easy tracking, try labeling your packed chicken with the date it went into the fridge. This way, you know how many days you have left to enjoy it.
Why is BBQ Chicken Irresistible?
When I think about BBQ chicken, the first thing that comes to mind is how moist and tender it becomes when grilled just right. The secret lies in the way it’s cooked slowly using indirect heat, which keeps the juice locked in and brings out a flavor that’s hard to beat. Imagine chicken legs being basted with a rich, homemade BBQ sauce that seeps into every inch of the coating. The cooking time might be longer, but trust me, it’s worth every second. A well-applied rub enhances the aroma, making every bite a delightful experience. In the middle of grilling, when the air fills with that unmistakable smoky essence, you know you’re in for a treat. The perfect taste of BBQ chicken is both an art and a joy that makes dishes like Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos a true masterpiece.