Buffalo Chicken Smashed Potatoes with Ranch and Hot Sauce
Crispy smashed potatoes loaded with creamy buffalo chicken mixture and melted cheese create the ultimate comfort food appetizer or side dish. The combination of tangy ranch dressing, spicy hot sauce, and tender shredded chicken transforms simple little potatoes into crowd-pleasing bites. Perfect for game day parties, casual dinners, or whenever you crave bold buffalo flavors with a satisfying potato base. The contrast between the crispy potato exterior and creamy buffalo chicken topping makes these irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs little potatoesfingerling potatoes1:1variety
similar size and texture
- ½ cup chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- ¼ cup ranch salad dressing
- ¼ cup vinegar-based hot sauce, your favorite
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp green onion, thinly sliced(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cover potatoes with water in large pot and bring to boil over high heat
- 2
Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 15 minutes until potatoes give when pierced with knife
- 3
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line baking tray with foil or parchment paper
- 4
Mix together chicken, ranch dressing, hot sauce, half the mozzarella cheese, half the cheddar cheese, and cream cheese
- 5
Drain potatoes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- 6
Place potatoes on prepared baking sheet and gently smash with back of fork
- 7
Top each potato with buffalo chicken mixture
- 8
Bake 10 minutes
- 9
Remove and top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese
- 10
Bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden brown
- 11
Remove from oven and top with green onion if using
- 12
Allow to cool 2 to 5 minutes before serving
Tips
Use waxy potatoes like baby reds or Yukon for best texture when smashing
Make sure potatoes are fork-tender before smashing to prevent breaking apart
Let potatoes cool slightly after first bake to prevent buffalo mixture from sliding off
Good to Know
refrigerate up to 2 days in covered container
can assemble buffalo mixture day before, store covered in refrigerator
best served immediately while cheese is hot and potatoes are crispy
Common Mistakes
avoid overcooking potatoes to prevent them falling apart when smashing
do not skip draining to avoid soggy bottoms
use gentle pressure when smashing to maintain potato structure
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
similar size and texture
FAQ
Can I use regular-sized potatoes instead of little potatoes?
Yes, but cut them into 2-3 inch pieces before cooking so they cook evenly and are easier to smash and serve.
What if I do not have cooked chicken on hand?
You can quickly cook chicken breasts by poaching, grilling, or using rotisserie chicken from the store for convenience.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 2 days and reheat in 425 degree oven for 15 minutes until heated through and cheese re-melts.