This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleaser! With creamy cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and tender chicken, it’s perfect for parties or game day.
I love serving it with crunchy chips or veggies—always a hit! It’s super easy to make, and watching everyone enjoy it makes me grin every time. 🐔🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this dip. It’s tender and super convenient. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use poached or grilled chicken breast.
Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened. This helps it mix smoothly with the other ingredients. If you want a lighter version, you can try reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to play around! If you like less heat, opt for a milder sauce, or mix in a bit of ketchup for a milder flavor.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing adds a creamy element, but you can also use blue cheese dressing if you’re a blue cheese lover. Alternately, homemade versions are easy to make and can be healthier!
Shredded Cheese: I use sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you want to mix it up, Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds a nice touch. Use what you love or have in your pantry!
How Do You Make Sure the Dip is Creamy and Smooth?
To achieve that creamy, smooth dip, the key is the prep work. Start with softened cream cheese; this ensures it mixes well. Here’s how I do it:
- Let your cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Use a hand mixer or a whisk to combine the cream cheese, Buffalo sauce, and dressing until it’s completely smooth.
- When adding chicken and cheese, gently fold them in, so you keep everything fluffy!
Don’t rush the mixing process—this is where all the flavors meld, creating that perfect dip texture everyone loves!
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Optional: 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Tortilla chips or crackers, for serving
- Celery sticks, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cheesy Buffalo chicken dip will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in just about 35-40 minutes total, you’ll have a warm, delicious dip ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready to go when your dip is prepared.
2. Make the Base:
In a medium bowl, place the softened cream cheese, Buffalo wing sauce, and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Mix them together using a spatula, fork, or hand mixer until you have a smooth mixture—no lumps here!
3. Combine Chicken and Cheese:
Next, gently fold in the shredded chicken and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re using blue cheese, fold that in as well. Make sure everything is well mixed together.
4. Get Ready to Bake:
Transfer this mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks perfectly. Top it off with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that cheesy goodness!
5. Bake It:
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want it to be hot and bubbly, with the cheese on top melted and slightly golden.
6. Let It Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. It’ll be hot! Serve it warm with tortilla chips, crackers, and crunchy celery sticks for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious, spicy, cheesy Buffalo chicken dip with friends and family!
Can I Use Shredded Store-Bought Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken makes for an easy and time-saving option. Just ensure it’s well-drained and shredded to mix seamlessly into the dip.
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance; just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, spread it in your baking dish and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Ranch Dressing?
If you want to try something different, Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used instead of ranch dressing for a creamier texture. You could also use a homemade ranch mix if you’re up for it!
How Do I Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
