Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken

• Start by cooking your chicken breast. You can either boil it in water or cook it in a skillet. If you prefer a quicker option, use a rotisserie chicken! Simply shred the cooked chicken using two forks, making sure it’s broken into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside for now.
• Pro Tip: If you’re using a slow cooker to make this, you can cook the chicken in the slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours, shred it right in the pot, and then add the buffalo sauce and cream cheese to create a rich, flavorful base.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce and Seasoning

• In a separate bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. If you want an extra creamy texture, you can add more cream cheese to make the sauce even richer. Stir it together until everything is well-combined and smooth.
• Pro Tip: For a spicier kick, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the sauce. Adjust the flavor until it’s just the right level of heat for your taste!

Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

• Add the shredded chicken into the bowl with the buffalo sauce mixture. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated in that creamy, spicy goodness. This is where the magic happens—the sauce infuses into the chicken, creating a juicy and flavorful filling for your casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Now comes the fun part—assembling the casserole! Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Make sure it covers the bottom completely. Then, layer the frozen tater tots on top of the chicken. You’ll want to arrange them in a single layer, covering the entire surface. As they bake, the tater tots will crisp up, adding a golden crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken.
• Pro Tip: For added cheese flavor, sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar cheese between the layers of chicken and tater tots. This extra layer of cheese creates a gooey, melty texture that everyone will love!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. You can check the casserole halfway through to make sure the tater tots are cooking evenly. If you like them extra crispy, leave it in for a few more minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Once your casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and a slight freshness that cuts through the richness of the casserole.

Pro Tip: Want to elevate this dish even more? Drizzle some ranch dressing or a dollop of sour cream on top right before serving for extra creaminess!