This Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy and spicy treat that everyone loves. It’s made with shredded chicken, spicy sauce, cream cheese, and cheese—perfect for sharing at parties!
Get ready for some fun because this dip goes fast! You might want to make a double batch. Trust me, no one can resist those spicy cheesy bites! 😄
I like to serve it with crunchy tortilla chips or fresh veggies. It’s super easy to whip up and always a hit at gatherings. Enjoy dipping!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect for this dip because it’s already cooked and adds great flavor. If you’re short on time, using canned chicken is also an option, but fresh is best!
Cream cheese: This gives the dip its creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with Neufchâtel cheese or even Greek yogurt, but it will taste a bit different.
Buffalo wing sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but you can use any hot sauce that you enjoy. For a milder dip, mix in a bit less sauce or choose a mild hot sauce.
Ranch Dressing: This adds a delicious creaminess. If you’re a blue cheese fan, feel free to swap ranch for blue cheese dressing. You could also make your own dressing if you like!
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are great, but you can play with different cheeses! Pepper jack adds a tasty kick, while cream cheese or even goat cheese can offer a twist.
Why is Mixing Everything Together Important?
Mixing well ensures that all the flavors are evenly spread throughout the dip. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it blends easily with the other ingredients.
- Combine the cream cheese, hot sauce, and dressing first until smooth. This helps avoid lumps of cream cheese!
- After adding the chicken and cheeses, gently fold them in to keep the mix light and fluffy. You want every bite to have all the flavors!
Taking your time to mix will lead to a creamy and well-balanced dip that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips or celery sticks, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or party dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
To kick things off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s hot and ready for your dip!
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Use a spatula or electric mixer to mix until everything is smoothly combined. This is where the flavor starts to build!
3. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Next, fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Gently stir until they’re well mixed, so every bite will be cheesy and flavorful!
4. Transfer and Spread:
Pour your mixture into a baking dish—an 8-inch round dish works great! Spread it evenly across the bottom so it cooks uniformly.
5. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the mixture. This will create a wonderful cheesy layer when it bakes!
6. Bake It Up:
Now, pop your dip into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until you see it bubbling and the top is nicely golden brown. Your kitchen will start smelling so good!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it set just a bit. Then, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, your Buffalo Chicken Dip is ready to enjoy! Serve it warm with tortilla chips or crunchy celery sticks for dipping. Get ready for everyone to love it!
Enjoy your creamy, spicy, cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before using it. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly by sealing it in a plastic bag and immersing it in cold water. Once thawed, shred it and it’s ready to mix into the dip!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance! Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You might want to add a splash of buffalo sauce or a dollop of ranch dressing to freshen it up!
Can I Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?
You can freeze this dip! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake until warmed through before serving.