This tasty Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd favorite! It features tender chicken mixed with creamy cheese and zesty buffalo sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden.
Perfect for game day, you’ll want to keep some crusty bread or crunchy chips nearby for dipping. I always end up eating way more than I plan. Oops! 😅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to. It’s convenient and packed with flavor! If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can boil or bake chicken breasts and shred them instead. Leftover chicken works too!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dip. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese or a plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic, but feel free to experiment with other brands or levels of spice. If you want a milder dip, mix hot sauce with a bit of ketchup or make a homemade version using your favorite chili sauce.
Dressing: Ranch dressing is a fan favorite, but if you prefer blue cheese or need a vegan option, look for a dairy-free ranch dressing that suits your taste.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are great combo choices. You can swap in other cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick or use a dairy-free cheese substitute if desired.
How Do I Ensure My Buffalo Chicken Dip is perfectly Creamy and Flavorful?
Getting the right creamy texture is key for this dip, and it starts with the cream cheese. Make sure to let it soften before mixing, so it blends well with the other ingredients.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and dressing until smooth. A hand mixer can be handy for this!
- When adding the chicken and cheeses, fold gently to keep the mixture light and avoid breaking it down too much.
- Don’t skip the baking step: it brings all the flavors together beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges bubble and the top is golden.
Remember to let it cool slightly before serving, as it can be super hot straight out of the oven! Enjoy dipping!
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 buffalo 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 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Celery sticks
- Toasted bread rounds or tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need an additional 20-25 minutes to bake it. So in total, set aside about 35-40 minutes to have a delicious, cheesy dip ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your dip gets bubbly and perfectly melted when it’s time to bake.
2. Mixing the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo hot sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Use a spatula or hand mixer to mix these ingredients until they’re smooth and well blended. You want that creamy texture as your base!
3. Add the Chicken and Cheeses:
Next, gently fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese into the mixture. Make sure everything is combined evenly, but be gentle to keep the mixture fluffy!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the chicken mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. You can use a medium-sized casserole dish or an 8×8-inch baking dish.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbly and the top is lightly golden-brown.
6. Garnish:
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh garnish. It adds a nice crunch and color!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Buffalo Chicken Dip warm with celery sticks, toasted bread rounds, or tortilla chips for dipping. It’s perfect for snacking during game night or gatherings!
Enjoy your mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Dip! It’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed first! Thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing. Shred it once it’s cooked!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip ahead and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
What Should I Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip?
This dip pairs well with celery sticks, tortilla chips, or toasted bread rounds. It can also be served with veggie sticks, crackers, or even pita chips for a delicious crunch!