This Buffalo Chicken Dip is a tasty blend of shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and spicy buffalo sauce. It’s perfect for parties and game days!
Seriously, who can resist that creamy goodness with a kick? I always serve it with tortilla chips and watch it disappear fast. You might want to make a double batch! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is super convenient and flavorful. You can also use leftover chicken or even canned chicken in a pinch, but be sure to drain it well.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese instead.
Ranch Dressing: I love ranch for its cool and creamy taste, but blue cheese dressing is a great substitute if you prefer that tangy flavor. You can even make a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my favorite for its perfect balance of heat and flavor. If you like it spicier, add a little more! Alternatively, try a milder sauce for a less intense kick.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but I enjoy mixing it up with some mozzarella for extra stretchiness. Feel free to play around with cheese blends that you like!
How Do I Make Sure My Dip is Creamy and Not Dry?
To keep your Buffalo Chicken Dip creamy, follow these tips:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened. Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Combine the ingredients gently; overmixing can whip in too much air and make it dry.
- Don’t skimp on the wet ingredients like ranch dressing and buffalo sauce—they keep the dip moist.
Lastly, check it halfway through baking. If it looks too thick, you can stir in a little more ranch or buffalo sauce before it finishes cooking. Enjoy your dip with those crispy chips or fresh veggies!
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing, as preferred)
- 1/2 cup hot buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips or celery sticks, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Chicken Dip takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying this delicious dip in about 35 minutes total. Perfect for a quick snack or party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your dip bakes evenly and gets all melty and delicious.
2. Mix the Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo wing sauce. Use a spatula or a mixer to blend everything until it’s nice and smooth. This is the creamy base of your dip, so mix it well!
3. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Gently fold in the shredded chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheese. You want to make sure everything is coated in that wonderful creamy mixture, so mix until it’s evenly distributed.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the dip mixture into a baking dish, about 8×8 inches or similar. Spread it out evenly to make sure it cooks nicely.
5. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top. This will create a tasty, cheesy crust as it bakes!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a minute, then garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips and celery sticks for dipping.
Enjoy your deliciously creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option because it’s already cooked, and it adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and you’re good to go!
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you want more heat, feel free to add extra buffalo wing sauce to your liking. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
Can This Dip Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance! Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s chilled from the fridge.
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, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
