These BBQ Chicken Totchos put a fun twist on the classic nachos by using tater tots as the foundation instead of corn or potato chips. This easy, loaded appetizer combines the best of two comforting dishes into one cheesy, boldly flavored meal. Crispy tater tots are baked until golden brown then topped with shredded chicken tossed in a sticky BBQ sauce, and shredded cheese. The contrast of the warm, saucy toppings with the crispy potato base makes this the ultimate football game day or casual weeknight party food. Sharing one big pan of these BBQ Chicken Totchos among friends and family offers the perfect combination of simple ingredients and combining familiar flavors in an unexpected way.
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BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Nachos
Have you heard of BBQ chicken totchos, but aren’t sure what exactly they are? They’re essentially a hybrid dish that combines two favorite grub items – nachos and tater tots. Instead of using tortilla chips as the starchy vessel for nacho toppings, miniature rounds of tater tots take their place. A generous load of crispy tater tots serves as the foundation that is then topped with all your favorite nacho ingredients like shredded BBQ chicken, cheese, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños. Similar to regular nachos, a warm, gooey cheese mixture and a drizzle of BBQ sauce bind everything together. Of course, a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream provides balance to the spicy flavors.
Tater tots make the perfect stand-in for tortilla chips in this homemade, cheesy nacho-inspired dish. Their starchy texture holds onto toppings without getting soggy like delicate chips tend to. Once constructed, these BBQ chicken totchos are perfect portable fare for enjoying while watching sports or entertaining family on game days. Biting into the hot, melted cheese with crispy tater tots and tender BBQ chicken may have you drooling with each indulgent bite. I hope you’ll meet your new go-to game-day snack or party appetizer that is sure to become a household favorite! Between bites of this flavorful hybrid grub, your guests will be drooling over the unique and crowd-pleasing combination.
Why Everybody Loves Totchos?
- Totchos are such a hit with both kids and adults for several key reasons. Their simple, inexpensive recipes require minimal measuring and preparation time so they’re very easy to throw together. You can mostly just eyeball the ingredients and know it will taste great. The combination of melted cheese, protein-rich toppings and starchy tater tots makes them extremely filling, so they go a long way in stretching both your budget and what’s left of proteins and leftovers in the fridge.
- Another big reason everyone adores totchos is just how customizable they are. If you like your nachos spicier, simply add more sliced fresh jalapeños. Or for a Creamy ranch version, combine equal parts ranch dressing and BBQ sauce for the drizzle. You can toss on any meat like leftover taco beef, shredded chicken or pulled pork. Frozen tater tots or homemade seasoned baking work equally well as the vessel. So whether you’re in the mood for classic BBQ chicken totchos or trying a new taco meat twist, the versatile totcho format has something for everyone’s tastes.
Ingredients Needed For Loaded BBQ Tater Tots
| Ingredients | Description |
| Cheese sauce base | Binds everything together. Homemade queso offers maximum flavor, store-bought is convenient. |
| Topping cheeses | Shredded Monterey jack, Mexican blends, cheddar all melt gorgeously over toppings. |
| Seasoning blend | Salt, garlic, onion, and cumin powders plus cayenne add robust flavor. |
| Starchy base | Frozen tater tots make the perfect vessel, or use tortilla chips or homemade nachos. |
| Protein | Shredded leftover chicken provides protein. Toss in your favorite BBQ sauce for flavor. |
| BBQ sauce | Customize sweet, smoky or spicy flavors to suit tastes. Toss chicken in sauce. |
| Toppings | Sliced jalapeños, tomatoes, green onions add color and zing. Guacamole, pico de gallo or sour cream served alongside add creaminess and cool heat. |
BBQ Chicken Totchos
Course: AppetizersCuisine: American, Mexican4
servings10
minutes40
minutes650
kcal50
minutesCrispy tater tots topped with shredded BBQ chicken, cheese and fresh toppings – a cheesy, hearty nacho alternative.
Ingredients
32 ounce bag tater tots
3 cups cooked, chopped chicken
1/2 cup bbq sauce
1 tablespoon salt or bbq seasoning
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
2 to 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup thinly sliced or chopped red onion
½ to 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 6-8 slices)
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
1/4 cup sour cream
Chopped tomatoes
Chopped cilantro
Directions
- Getting crispy tater tots is key for great totchos. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the tots won’t stick. Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer and lightly sprinkle with salt and BBQ seasoning.
- Bake the tots for 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside to crisp up more as they cool – the tots will hold their shape better for layering toppings.
- You can prepare the chicken ahead of time to simplify assembly. Grill it or shred and chop leftover chicken, then toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce to coat evenly.
- To assemble, start with the crispy baked tots as the base layer. Spread the BBQ chicken evenly over the tots, then add shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or mild cheddar. Feel free to sprinkle on toppings like bacon bits, pickled onions or jalapeños.
- Bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce or sour cream to finish. Garnish with sliced green onions or cilantro to pull all the flavors together before digging in!
Notes
- If you want to take your BBQ chicken totchos to the next level, consider making a batch of homemade queso to use as the cheesy sauce base.
Tips for Success
- Get creative with topping additions to your totchos like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, diced red onion and a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of fresh lime adds brightness.
- Consider incorporating salsa, black beans, black olives or fresh cilantro for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Be sure to fully bake the tater tots until they are golden brown to avoid sogginess later from moisture in other ingredients.
- Serve totchos family style with bowls of sour cream, guacamole or pico de gallo for dipping.
- Keep totchos warm in a low oven while you add toppings just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Repurpose any leftover toppings through the week by turning them into tacos, burritos or other Mexican-inspired dishes.
How to Store Leftovers?
Transfer any leftover BBQ chicken totchos into an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3–4 days. The totchos reheat nicely in the microwave by first adding any extra toppings or cheese left on the side for good measure.
To crisp them back up, you can also reheat the entire portion in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 10–15 minutes. This helps the tater tots get hot and crispy again without making a soggy, mushy mess of the deliciousness.
Want More Appetizers Recipe?
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations to this totchos recipe:
- Switch it up with a buffalo chicken version – ditch the BBQ sauce and instead toss the chicken in buffalo sauce, then top with blue cheese crumbles.
- Use different meats like pulled pork, ground beef, turkey or crispy bacon bits instead of chicken.
- Make it spicy by kicking up the heat with fresh sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, Sriracha or Tabasco added to the BBQ sauce.
- Boost nutrients by adding veggies such as chopped red onions, corn, black beans or bell peppers.
- Experiment with other Toppings like extra cheese, green onions, sliced avocado, or blue cheese crumbles.
- For extra cheesy indulgence, serve with a side of homemade cheese sauce for dipping.
Play around with flavors by substituting ingredients to make totally customized totchos to your taste!
Final Words From Carmen Foodie
Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a party or enjoying a fun weeknight meal with family, BBQ chicken totchos offer the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every crispy, cheesy, sauce-drizzled bite. With plenty of topping combinations to choose from based on preferences, these nacho-inspired tater tot snacks are sure to become a new favorite for all ages. The simple yet crowd-pleasing recipe allows everyone to customize their own delicious totcho masterpiece for an easy dinner everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does totchos mean?
Totchos is a portmanteau of the words “tater tots” and “nachos”, since they essentially take the place of tortilla chips in this nacho-inspired dish. Tater tots form the crunchy starchy base that the other ingredients like cheese, beans, meats, sauces, and toppings are layered on top of.
Why are my totchos soggy?
Sogginess usually occurs if the tots aren’t cooked through before adding sauces or topping ingredients containing moisture. Be sure to bake the tots until crispy golden brown first. Also prevent standing time before serving by keeping finished totchos warm in the oven to maintain crunch.
How to serve totchos?
Serve family style in a large baking dish straight from the oven. You can also serve individual portions. Have bowls of popular totchos toppings like shredded cheese, jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, etc. on the side for diners to customize their own plates.
How do you store totchos?
Cool leftovers completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3–4 days. You can also freeze individual portions in single-serve containers for quick reheating later.
How do you reheat leftovers?
Reheating in the microwave with a splash of extra sauce or sprinkling of cheese ensures zestiness. You can also crisp totchos to golden brown again in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
How to cook tater tots on the BBQ?
Toss clean, dried tots in a small amount of oil and seasonings. Grill over direct medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned and crisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning. They’re a tasty twist on backyard totching!
