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Welcome to the ultimate appetizer that always disappears first! This buffalo chicken dip is incredibly creamy, cheesy, and boasts just the right amount of spicy kick. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or any casual gathering, it comes together quickly with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip
You’ll quickly fall for this amazing buffalo chicken dip for so many great reasons:
- It’s effortlessly delicious, using simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- You can easily customize the spice level to suit everyone’s taste preferences.
- This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any party or event.
- Enjoy quick prep time and minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- It offers versatile serving options, from chips to veggies, making it universally loved.
Ingredients
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing, homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup Frank’s RedHot original hot sauce, plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup fresh green onions, chopped, divided
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Notes & Substitutions
You have many great options when making this fantastic buffalo chicken dip. For chicken, use poached, baked, rotisserie, or even leftover cooked chicken. Canned chicken also works in a pinch for ultimate convenience. Always choose full-fat block cream cheese for the best creamy texture. You can swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing if that’s your preference.
For the smoothest melting and best flavor, freshly shredded cheese is often recommended over pre-shredded varieties, as explained by various culinary sources discussing the difference in melting properties of cheese.
Adjust the hot sauce quantity to achieve your perfect desired spice level.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the process smooth and easy. You will need a 9×9 inch baking dish or a similar size. A medium saucepan is essential for warming the sauce mixture. A whisk helps ensure a smooth, lump-free dip. Standard measuring cups and spoons are necessary for accuracy. Finally, don’t forget your trusty oven mitts for safe handling of the hot dish.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your mouthwatering buffalo chicken dip:
- Cook the chicken. If your chicken is not yet cooked, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and return to a boil. Remove from heat and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Allow your chicken to poach, covered, for approximately 25 minutes. When fully cooked, remove from the pot and allow to rest until cool enough to handle. Shred the chicken thoroughly. (Note: the chicken cooking time is not included in the total cooking time for this dish).
- Prep. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan (or approximate size) with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Warm the sauce. To a medium saucepot over medium-low heat, add the cubed cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese has completely dissolved into the ranch and hot sauce, creating a smooth, creamy base. Remove the saucepot from the heat.
- Combine. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, half of the chopped green onion (save the rest for garnish), 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepot with the warm sauce. Mix all ingredients well to combine thoroughly. Transfer the buffalo chicken dip mixture to your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake. Bake the dip for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the sides are starting to bubble gently. For a golden-brown, crispy top, set your oven to BROIL. Allow your buffalo chicken dip to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching it very closely to prevent burning. Remove it immediately from the oven once golden.
- Serve. Let the dip rest for a few minutes to cool slightly and set. Garnish with the remaining green onions. Serve warm with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks like celery and carrots, crackers, or enjoy leftovers wrapped in a tortilla with all your favorite greens.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making the best buffalo chicken dip is easy with a few extra pointers. Always ensure your cream cheese is very soft; this helps it melt smoothly and combine effortlessly. For a less greasy dip, drain any excess liquid from your cooked chicken before adding it. Adjust the hot sauce precisely to your preferred spice level; taste and add more gradually. Use freshly shredded cheese as it melts much more smoothly and tastes superior to pre-shredded options. Don’t overbake the dip, as this can make it dry instead of wonderfully creamy. Serve this delicious dip immediately while it is still warm and wonderfully gooey for the best experience.
Serving, Storage & Variations
How to Serve
This delicious dip pairs well with many dippers. Classic choices include sturdy tortilla chips or a variety of crackers. For a healthier option, serve with vegetable sticks like crisp celery, sweet carrots, or colorful bell peppers. Warm pita bread or thin slices of a toasted baguette also make excellent dippers. Repurpose any delicious leftovers by stuffing them into tortillas for a quick wrap or using them in lettuce wraps for a low-carb meal.
Make Ahead & Storage
To make this buffalo chicken dip ahead, simply assemble the unbaked dip in the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve. Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm a larger quantity in the oven until bubbly. Freezing is not recommended, as it can significantly alter the creamy texture of the dip.
Variations
Get creative with your buffalo chicken dip! For a hands-off approach, try making it in a slow cooker, though the texture might be slightly different. If you love extra heat, spice it up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a hotter variety of hot sauce. Experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or provolone for new flavor profiles. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with shredded chickpeas or roasted cauliflower florets.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying this fantastic buffalo chicken dip can fit into various dietary plans. Each serving provides an estimated 346 calories, offering a good balance of macronutrients. It contains approximately 9 grams of carbohydrates, 16 grams of protein, and 27 grams of fat. This recipe is also naturally keto-friendly, making it a great low-carb option. Please note that all nutrition facts are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 346 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Protein | 16 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 53 mg |
| Sodium | 1249 mg |
| Potassium | 120 mg |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 590 IU |
| Vitamin C | 23.9 mg |
| Calcium | 203 mg |
| Iron | 0.6 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What chicken type is best for this dip? Cooked and shredded chicken breast works perfectly, but rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken can be used for convenience.
- How can I prevent my dip from being too greasy? Ensure you drain any excess liquid from your cooked chicken before mixing it into the dip.
- Can I use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch? Absolutely! Blue cheese dressing is a classic pairing with buffalo flavors and makes a delicious alternative.
- How long should buffalo chicken dip bake? Bake for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted, then broil for a couple of minutes for a golden top.
- What’s the best hot sauce for buffalo chicken dip? Frank’s RedHot original hot sauce is the traditional and most recommended choice for its classic flavor.
- Is this buffalo chicken dip recipe keto? Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and suitable for a keto diet.
- Can I freeze leftover buffalo chicken dip? Freezing is not recommended as it significantly alters the creamy texture of the dip once thawed.
- Can this recipe be made vegetarian? Yes, substitute the chicken with shredded chickpeas or roasted cauliflower florets for a tasty vegetarian version.
Conclusion
This ultimate easy buffalo chicken dip truly delivers on both simplicity and irresistible flavor. It’s a guaranteed hit that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Perfect for any gathering, it takes minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. We encourage you to whip up this amazing dip for your next game day or party! Share your experience with us in the comments below and don’t forget to rate this fantastic recipe.
The Ultimate Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Tight-fitting lid
- Oven
- 9x9-inch baking pan
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Medium saucepot
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts boiled and shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese cubed
- 1 cup ranch dressing homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup hot sauce (I used Frank's RedHot), plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup green onion chopped
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
Instructions
Instructions
- If chicken is uncooked, boil chicken breasts in water for about 25 minutes until fully cooked, then cool and shred.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
- In a medium saucepot, combine cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder over medium-low heat, whisking until the cream cheese dissolves.
- Add the shredded chicken, green onion, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1 cup of cheddar to the sauce; mix well and transfer to the baking pan, topping with the remaining cheeses.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until bubbly, then broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown; remove immediately from the oven.
- Serve the dip hot with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or crackers, or enjoy leftovers wrapped in a tortilla.
