Chicageaux Spicy Smokehouse Tots

Tater tots are piled with barbecue-spiced chicken simmered in hot sauce, melted cheese, and queso blanco, then finished with pickled onion, for a spicy, saucy, delicious meal or a very substantial appetizer.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 961 Calories

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese blend
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided, or as needed
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 1 (32 ounce) package frozen bite-size potato nuggets (such as Tater Tots®)
• 3 tablespoons barbeque seasoning, divided, or to taste
• 0.25 cup pickled red onions, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon hot honey, or to taste
• 1 cup white Mexican cheese sauce (queso blanco)
• 25 cups hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®), or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Spread frozen tater tots in a single layer on prepared pan; drizzle lightly with about 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with about 1 tablespoon barbecue rub.

Step 2

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and heated through, about 25 minutes, or according to package directions.

Step 3

Place chicken thighs and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large bowl. Season liberally with barbeque rub (about 1 tablespoon); toss to coat. Sear chicken in a non-stick skillet over high heat, turning occasionally, until deeply browned; reduce heat to medium.

Step 4

Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat; stir in hot sauce, hot honey, and season to taste with barbecue rub; bring to a simmer.

Step 5

Pour honey hot sauce over chicken in the skillet; increase heat to medium-high and cook chicken, basting constantly with the sauce, until chicken is fully cooked and coated with a shiny glaze, about 5 minutes. Chicken juices should run clear, and an instant-read thermometer inserted near the center should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove chicken to a cutting board; slice chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6

Warm cheese sauce in the microwave on 50% power until hot, about 1 minute, stirring every 30 seconds.

Step 7

Arrange tater tots on a serving platter (or assemble on the sheet pan). Top tots with chicken and any remaining sauce from the pan; sprinkle with shredded cheese. Use a kitchen torch to melt cheese. Drizzle on additional hot sauce to taste and queso blanco; garnish with pickled red onion and parsley.