This Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy delight perfect for sharing! With shredded chicken, cream cheese, and zesty buffalo sauce, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
I can’t resist grabbing a chip and diving into this dip. It’s a total crowd-pleaser at any party! Just make sure to keep some for yourself, or you might end up empty-handed! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease and flavor. If you don’t have rotisserie, boiled chicken works too. For a vegetarian option, consider using shredded jackfruit or chickpeas as a substitute.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to mix easily. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt, though the texture will be a bit different.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is popular, but feel free to pick your favorite brand. For milder flavors, use less sauce or try a honey buffalo sauce. If you’re avoiding spicy foods, a mix of BBQ sauce and a little hot sauce can work!
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella blend beautifully for taste and meltiness. For a different twist, give pepper jack cheese a try for extra heat or use dairy-free cheeses for a plant-based option.
How Do I Mix Everything Well?
Combining your ingredients smoothly is key to a great Buffalo Chicken Dip. Start with the cream cheese at room temperature; this makes it easier to blend. Here’s a helpful method:
- In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, dressing, and buffalo sauce until smooth. A hand mixer can give you a nice creamy consistency.
- Then, add the shredded chicken and cheeses. Use a spatula or spoon to fold everything gently until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix; just ensure each bite contains a bit of everything!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You Will Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled chicken breast)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Optional: celery sticks and carrot sticks
- Optional: tortilla chips or crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the dip bakes evenly and gets nice and bubbly.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and buffalo wing sauce. Use a fork or a hand mixer to blend it all together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is the base flavor of your dip!
3. Add the Chicken and Cheese:
Now, fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese into the creamy mixture. Gently stir until it’s all combined. You want to make sure every bite has a bit of everything!
4. Spread in a Dish:
Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish or a cast-iron skillet. Spread it evenly to ensure it cooks nicely.
5. Bake the Dip:
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges. Your kitchen should smell amazing at this point!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a minute, then sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh garnish.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the dip warm with crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping. Enjoy your creamy and tangy Buffalo Chicken Dip at your next gathering!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Dip?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even canned chicken works great. Just shred it finely for an even mix throughout the dip!
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, pop it in the oven directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
How Do I Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes, you can freeze the dip! Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for about 2-3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating and serving.
