This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy delight that everyone loves! Made with shredded chicken, cheese, and zesty buffalo sauce, it’s perfect for parties or game days.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time! If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute with canned chickpeas for a different texture.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy base. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead. You won’t get quite the same richness, but it still tasty.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s is a classic choice, but you can use any hot sauce you like! Just taste as you go to avoid too much heat if you’re sensitive to spice.
Ranch Dressing: Feel free to swap ranch for blue cheese dressing to add a bolder flavor. If you’re making it from scratch, a mix of yogurt and herbs can work well too.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar adds a punch of flavor, but you could use Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder taste. Mixing in some pepper jack can introduce a spicy element!
How Do I Blend the Ingredients Smoothly?
Getting that perfect creamy texture is key! Start with softened cream cheese; this makes it much easier to mix. Set it out for about 30 minutes before you begin.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with a fork or mixer until smooth before adding other ingredients.
- Incorporate the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing next; mix until combined.
- Then add the shredded chicken, cheeses, and green onions. Gently fold them in to keep some of the fluffiness!
This method helps ensure every bite is creamy and full of flavor! Don’t rush it, and enjoy the process!
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 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 sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: celery sticks and toasted bread slices for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 20-25 minutes to bake, making a total of about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or party dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dip will get hot and bubbly in no time!
2. Mix the Cream Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Use a fork or a hand mixer to blend these until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for a nice, even flavor throughout your dip.
3. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Next, gently fold in the shredded chicken, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, the mozzarella cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that fluffiness!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer your delicious mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese for that tantalizing cheesy crust!
5. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dip is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. Mmm, the aroma will be amazing!
6. Cool & Garnish:
Once done, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the dip set slightly. Before serving, garnish with extra chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your cheesy buffalo chicken dip warm with celery sticks and toasted bread slices for dipping. Be ready for compliments and requests for the recipe!
Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked?
It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe. If you only have raw chicken, cook it first by boiling or baking until fully cooked, then shred it for the dip. Just make sure to let it cool a bit before mixing it in!
Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
Absolutely! If you love extra heat, you can add more buffalo wing sauce or mix in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to kick things up a notch. Adjust to your taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of ranch or cream cheese to bring back some creaminess!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance! Mix all the ingredients, transfer it to the baking dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to bake it a little longer since it will be cold from the fridge.