This Buffalo Chicken Dip is a party favorite! It’s creamy, spicy, and cheesy, making it the perfect snack for game day or a casual get-together.
Trust me, you’ll want to keep a big bowl of this dip handy because it’s hard to stop at just one chip! I love serving it warm with crunchy veggies or tortilla chips—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this dip. It’s easy and tasty. If you’re short on time, leftover grilled or baked chicken works too. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch!
Cream Cheese: This adds the creamy texture everyone loves. For a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese. If you want a dairy-free version, look for vegan cream cheese at your local store.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: I recommend Frank’s RedHot. It’s got the right flavor kick. If you want it milder, you can cut the sauce in half, or use a milder hot sauce to keep the flavor but tone down the heat!
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: It’s all about personal taste! Ranch is creamy and mild, while blue cheese adds a strong flavor. You can even make your own dressing to control the flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor but feel free to swap in mozzarella for a milder taste or a blend with pepper jack if you like it spicy.
How Do You Make Sure Your Buffalo Chicken Dip is Perfectly Creamy?
To achieve that creamy consistency, it’s crucial to soften the cream cheese fully. Set it out about 30 minutes before mixing. Mixing it well with the buffalo wing sauce helps to create an even blend instead of lumps.
- Use a hand mixer or whisk for smoothness.
- Don’t skip baking; it heats everything through and thickens the dip nicely.
- Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving; it thickens as it sets.
Happy dipping! This goes fast at parties, so make sure you have plenty of chips or veggies on hand!
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 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Celery sticks and tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes before you can start dipping! Perfect for a quick and tasty party snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, you want to get your oven nice and hot. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for your delicious dip.
2. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
Grab a medium-sized bowl and add the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Use a mixer or a whisk to mix everything together until it’s smooth. This is going to be the base of your dip!
3. Mix in the Chicken and Cheese:
Now, stir in the shredded chicken and shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is mixed well so all the flavors are combined. This step is key to making sure every bite is delicious!
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Take an oven-safe baking dish and transfer your creamy chicken mixture into it. Spread it evenly so that it heats up nicely during baking.
5. Add the Blue Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the top of your dip. This will give it an extra tasty kick!
6. Bake the Dip:
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dip is hot, bubbly, and the top is slightly browned.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve it warm with celery sticks and tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy this delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it first! The best way is to refrigerate it overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, shred it and proceed with the recipe.
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you like it spicy, consider adding more buffalo wing sauce or mixing in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also use a spicier hot sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Can I Make This Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just transfer it to an oven-safe dish and bake as instructed. It may need an extra few minutes in the oven if it starts off cold.
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 microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems a bit thick, stir in a splash of ranch dressing or cream to bring back the creaminess.
