![plate of loaded tater tots with chicken and queso](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.allrecipes.com/thmb/lYurx0c0VthTUJ0NyXEiivNezSQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/8539817-Chicageaux-Spicy-Smokehouse-Tots_Chicageaux-Culinary_4x3-b7f32ce4e6d64607b42f511c2ffb8f4f.jpg)
Ingredients
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1 (32 ounce) package frozen bite-size potato nuggets (such as Tater Tots®)
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3 tablespoons olive oil, divided, or as needed
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3 tablespoons barbeque seasoning, divided, or to taste
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4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
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4 tablespoons butter
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2 1/2 cups hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®), or to taste
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1 tablespoon hot honey, or to taste
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2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese blend
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1 cup white Mexican cheese sauce (queso blanco)
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¼ cup pickled red onions, or to taste
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste
Directions
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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.
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Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and heated through, about 25 minutes, or according to package directions.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Warm cheese sauce in the microwave on 50% power until hot, about 1 minute, stirring every 30 seconds.
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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.
Editor's Note:
You can use your oven's broiler to melt the cheese in place of a kitchen torch.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
961 | Calories |
61g | Fat |
78g | Carbs |
39g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings Per Recipe 6 | |
Calories 961 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 61g | 78% |
Saturated Fat 23g | 115% |
Cholesterol 145mg | 48% |
Sodium 33075mg | 1,438% |
Total Carbohydrate 78g | 29% |
Dietary Fiber 9g | 31% |
Protein 39g | 78% |
Potassium 2339mg | 50% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.