Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy treat that’s perfect for parties! Made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and cheese, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
This dip is so good, I sometimes forget to share it! Just scoop it up with tortilla chips or veggies, and watch it disappear. It’s simple to make and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this dip. It’s easy and flavorful! If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, boiled or grilled chicken breasts work well too. You could also use canned chicken for a quick option.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives the dip a creamy base. If you’re looking to lighten it up, try using reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Both will keep the dip smooth while cutting some calories.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic, but feel free to use any hot sauce you enjoy! For a milder flavor, reduce the amount or choose a milder sauce. For heat lovers, add more to kick it up a notch!
Dressing: Ranch dressing adds a nice creaminess and tang, but if you’re not a fan, you can swap it for blue cheese dressing for a stronger flavor. Vegan dressings can also be great if you’re looking for plant-based options.
How Do You Get the Right Texture When Baking Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Getting the perfect texture is key! Start with softened cream cheese so it blends easily with other ingredients. Mixing the hot sauce and dressing into the cream cheese ensures the dip is creamy. When baking, the dip should bubble and the cheese on top should be golden brown.
- Mix until completely smooth, then fold in the chicken and cheeses gently.
- Spread it evenly in the baking dish for uniform cooking.
- Watch for that bubbly, golden cheese—this means it’s ready!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Altogether, expect to spend around 30-35 minutes before you’re diving into this cheesy delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting it nice and hot will ensure your dip bakes evenly!
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and melted butter. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. You want a creamy mixture that will hold all the flavors together.
3. Add the Chicken and Cheese:
Gently fold in the shredded chicken along with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Make sure everything is evenly combined, so every bite has that spicy, creamy goodness!
4. Transfer the Mixture:
Grab a baking dish (about 8×8 inches is perfect) and spread the chicken dip mixture evenly across the bottom. This will allow it to bake nicely throughout.
5. Top with Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of your dip. This layer will get bubbly and golden while it bakes!
6. Bake the Dip:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is nicely melted and golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a little freshness. Serve this creamy, spicy dip warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for dipping!
Enjoy your creamy, spicy, cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip! It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before shredding. The safest way is to leave it in the fridge overnight, or you can place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until hot, stirring in between.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! If you prefer a milder dip, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce used or choose a milder variety. For extra heat, feel free to add more hot sauce or even some crushed red pepper flakes to your mix!
