This Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy and spicy treat that’s packed with shredded chicken and cream cheese. It’s perfect for parties or game days!
I love how simple it is to whip up. Just mix everything, bake, and serve with chips or veggies. You’ll be the star of the snack table before you know it! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here for convenience. If you prefer, you can use leftover chicken from other meals or even canned chicken for a quick option.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but a similar taste.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a favorite for its balance of heat and flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. For a milder version, use a sweet chili sauce.
Dressing: Ranch is commonly used, but blue cheese dressing adds more flavor if you’re a fan. You can also make your own ranch by mixing yogurt with herbs, if desired.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for an extra kick! You can mix in pepper jack cheese for a spicier option or skip the cheese entirely for a dairy-free version using vegan cheese.
How Do I Get That Perfectly Creamy Texture?
To achieve a smooth and creamy dip, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to blend with the other ingredients without lumps. Here are a few more tips:
- Mix your cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and dressing well until completely smooth.
- Fold in the shredded chicken gently to avoid breaking it up too much.
- Don’t skip the baking step; this helps meld the flavors together and results in a gooey, cheesy dip.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. It thickens up a bit as it sits, making it easier to scoop!
Buffalo Chicken Dip With Cream Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 8 oz (1 package) 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
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Crackers, tortilla chips, or celery sticks (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 20-25 minutes of baking time. Overall, you’ll have a warm and hearty dip ready in approximately 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your dip bakes evenly and gets that nice bubbly finish!
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch (or blue cheese) dressing. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps because nobody likes a chunky dip!
3. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Next, fold in the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently mix until everything is well combined and the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, preferably around 8×8 inches in size. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously on top to create a cheesy crust when baked!
5. Bake Until Bubbly:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dip is hot and bubbling, and the cheese on top is melted and has started to turn golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a minute. Then, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions on top for extra flavor and a pop of color. Serve your warm dip with crackers, tortilla chips, or celery sticks for dipping!
Enjoy your creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip with friends and family while watching your favorite game or just for a tasty snack! 🧀🎉
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook and shred it beforehand. For quick cooking, you can boil the chicken straight from frozen; it usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Just shred it once it’s cooked and cooled a bit.
How Do I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you prefer your dip with a kick, increase the amount of buffalo wing sauce or add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the mixture. For extra heat, consider using a hotter brand of buffalo sauce!
Can I Make This Dip Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the shredded chicken with ingredients like canned jackfruit or diced veggies like bell peppers, corn, and black beans. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to maintain flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally.
