This Buffalo Chicken Dip is creamy, cheesy, and has just the right kick of spice! It’s packed with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and hot sauce.
Perfect for parties, this dip is so good that you might just forget the chips! I love serving it warm and watching it disappear in minutes. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for its convenience and flavor. If you’re cooking your own, try making extra and shredding leftovers for this dip. Canned chicken also works if you’re in a pinch!
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. The flavor might change slightly, but it will still taste great!
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice, but any buffalo sauce you like can be used. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can mix in some additional ranch or blue cheese dressing to tone it down.
Dressing: Feel free to switch between ranch or blue cheese dressing based on your taste. I personally lean toward ranch for creaminess, but blue cheese adds a nice bite for those who enjoy its strong flavor!
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella are wonderful, but you might try pepper jack for an extra kick or even a blend of different cheeses for a unique flavor twist.
How Do You Make Sure the Dip is Creamy and Fluffy?
To achieve that perfect creamy texture, it’s important to soften the cream cheese before mixing. Here are tips to ensure your dip is fluffy:
- Let the cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes to soften, or microwave it for 10-15 seconds, checking regularly.
- Mix the cream cheese with the hot sauce and dressing thoroughly. An electric mixer can give you that whipped, fluffy consistency!
- Be careful not to overbake; keep an eye on it after 20 minutes. Remove it when it’s bubbly but still creamy.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Buffalo hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, for topping (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Celery sticks and toasted bread or crackers, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a tasty snack but delicious enough to impress at a gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your dip!
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Buffalo hot sauce, and either ranch or blue cheese dressing. Use a mixer or a spoon to mix this together until it’s smooth and well mixed. You want it to be nicely blended!
3. Add the Chicken and Cheese:
Next, stir in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Ensure everything is evenly incorporated so every bite is delicious!
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Take the mixture and transfer it to a suitable baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that it bakes uniformly.
5. Bake it Up:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. The dip will be hot, bubbly, and the top should be lightly browned when it’s ready.
6. Final Touches:
Carefully remove it from the oven! Now, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese (if you’re using it) and sliced green onions over the top for a bit of freshness and extra flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve it warm with celery sticks and your choice of toasted bread or crackers for dipping. Dive in and enjoy this scrumptious Buffalo Chicken Dip!
This dip is sure to be a hit at any gathering—everyone loves a good, cheesy snack!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled, roasted, or even baked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it up and mix it into the dip for a quick and easy option.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dip, reduce the amount of Buffalo hot sauce or mix in some extra ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat. Alternatively, using a milder hot sauce can also keep the flavor while lowering the spice!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to reheat it, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can add a splash of ranch or blue cheese dressing if it seems too thick after refrigeration.
Can I Prep This Dip Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it, and pop it into the oven when you’re ready. It may require an extra few minutes of baking if it’s cold from the fridge.
