This Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy and spicy treat, perfect for parties or snack time. Made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and hot sauce, it’s super addictive!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: For the best flavor, I recommend using rotisserie chicken. It’s convenient and packed with taste. If you’re short on time, leftover cooked chicken also works great!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dip. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic. If you like it milder, try using a lesser amount, or opt for a mild sauce. For a spicier kick, increase the amount or add some crushed red pepper.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing adds coolness. If you’re a blue cheese fan, feel free to swap it in! You can also make a homemade dressing to control the flavors.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor, but you could also use Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Mixing different cheeses like pepper jack could add a nice zip!
How Do You Ensure Your Buffalo Chicken Dip is Super Creamy?
To achieve that enviable creaminess, ensure your cream cheese is properly softened before mixing. This helps blend it smoothly without lumps.
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before preparing.
- Mix the cream cheese with the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing well to create a smooth base.
- Stir gently but thoroughly when combining the shredded chicken and cheese to keep the dip fluffy.
- Don’t rush the baking time; let the dip bubble on top for that perfect, gooey finish.
Once you master this creamy consistency, everyone will be asking for your recipe! Enjoy dipping!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup hot buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is classic)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips or pita chips, for serving
- Celery sticks, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will need around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in just about 40-45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dip ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dip will bake evenly and reach that perfect cheesy goodness.
2. Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, hot buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Using a spatula or a whisk, mix them together until everything is smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed! You want a nice, tasty base.
3. Add Chicken and Cheese
Now it’s time to stir in the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (add mozzarella if you’re feeling cheesy!). Mix everything well until the chicken and cheese are evenly combined into the creamy base.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish
Take an oven-safe baking dish (around 9×9 inches works great) and transfer the mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so it’s all level.
5. Cheese, Please!
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top, covering the mixture. This will create a delicious cheesy layer that melts over the dip as it bakes.
6. Bake It!
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melty and slightly golden on top.
7. Garnish and Serve
After baking, carefully remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top it off with the thinly sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Now, grab those tortilla chips or pita chips and some celery sticks for dipping!
Enjoy this spicy, cheesy buffalo chicken dip that’s perfect for gatherings and game days! It’s sure to be a hit with everyone! 🐔💥
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before using! The best way to thaw frozen chicken is to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick method of submerging it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, shred the chicken and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Can I Make This Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just combine all the ingredients, then cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. On baking day, simply pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
How Do I Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can put it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through again.
What Can I Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip Besides Chips?
Besides tortilla chips or pita chips, you can serve this dip with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices for a crunchy, fresh contrast. It also pairs well with sliced bell peppers for dipping!