This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a fun and tasty dish! It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just the right kick from the buffalo sauce. Perfect for parties or game days!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this dip. I love serving it with crunchy tortilla chips. Just be ready for everyone to ask for your secret recipe! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience, but any leftover chicken works well. You can even use canned chicken, though fresh gives the best flavor.
Cream Cheese: This is crucial for that creamy texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, try a dairy-free cream cheese or a blended cashew cream for a similar effect.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice! If you prefer less heat, you might substitute with BBQ sauce mixed with a bit of hot sauce.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Use your favorite dressing here! I love ranch for its creaminess, but blue cheese adds a distinct flavor. You could even make a homemade version if you have the time.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are the stars of this dip, but you can mix it up with pepper jack for extra spice or use a dairy-free version if needed.
How Do I Get My Dip Creamy and Delicious?
To ensure your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip is creamy and flavorful, start by softening the cream cheese. This allows it to blend easily with the other ingredients. Here’s how:
- Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Beat it with the buffalo sauce and dressing until smooth. This step is key for a lump-free dip!
- When adding chicken and cheese, fold it gently to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
Once it’s baked, you’ll get that bubbly, cheesy goodness. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking so it doesn’t overcook.
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 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 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Celery sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 20-25 minutes for baking. So, this delicious dip is ready to enjoy in under 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your dip goes in!
2. Mix the Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps!
3. Add the Chicken and Cheeses:
Add the shredded chicken to the cream cheese mixture and fold it in gently. Then, mix in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, ensuring everything is well combined.
4. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the dip mixture to a baking dish or an oven-safe bowl. Spread it evenly so that it bakes evenly.
5. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of your dip. This will create a gooey, cheesy layer that everyone will love!
6. Bake the Dip:
Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
7. Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a minute. Then, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dip warm with celery sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers. Dive in and enjoy this creamy, spicy delight!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! If you choose to use frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before shredding. You can thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add the topping cheese and bake it straight from the refrigerator. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What Can I Serve with This Dip Besides Chips?
This dip pairs well with a variety of items! In addition to tortilla chips, you can serve it with celery sticks, carrot sticks, pita chips, or even fresh veggies for a healthier option. It’s also great spread on toasted baguette slices!
