Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect party starter featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy cream cheese, tangy buffalo sauce, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s got just the…
By Ava
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Reading time: 5 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect party starter featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy cream cheese, tangy buffalo sauce, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s got just the right amount of spicy kick balanced with rich, cheesy goodness that everyone loves. Whether you’re planning a game day snack or a casual get-together, this dip will be a big hit!
I love making this buffalo chicken dip because it’s so easy to whip up and always gets devoured quickly. I like to mix in some ranch or blue cheese dressing to mellow out the heat and add a cool, creamy touch. It’s also great because you can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when your guests arrive.
When I serve it, I usually bring out a big platter of crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, and tortilla chips for dipping. It’s such a fun and simple way to get everyone around the table chatting and munching. Plus, it’s a real crowd-pleaser that feels a little indulgent without much fuss — my kind of go-to recipe for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken here since it’s ready to go and juicy, but leftover cooked chicken or even canned chicken works in a pinch.
Cream Cheese: This makes the dip creamy and rich. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. For a lighter option, you could use Neufchatel cheese.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: The heart of the flavor! Frank’s RedHot is my favorite, but any buffalo-style hot sauce will do. Adjust the amount if you want more or less heat.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds creaminess and tones down the spice. Ranch is milder, blue cheese gives a tangy bite. You can also swap with sour cream for a different flavor.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar adds boldness, mozzarella keeps it melty and gooey. Blue cheese on top gives extra tang if you like it – but it’s totally optional.
How Do I Get My Buffalo Chicken Dip Creamy and Well-Mixed Without Lumps?
The key is to soften cream cheese to room temperature before mixing. This makes blending with the wing sauce and dressing super smooth.
- Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to mix cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and dressing until silky.
- Add shredded chicken and cheeses gradually, folding gently to keep the texture creamy.
- Spread mixture evenly in the dish to ensure uniform baking and melting.
- Bake until bubbly and golden on top for that perfect melty dip experience.
Patience matters here – take a few minutes to mix well so every bite is rich and flavorful!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – for easy combining of all the ingredients without making a mess.
- Electric mixer or sturdy spoon – helps you blend the cream cheese smooth and well mixed.
- 8-inch baking dish – the perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Oven mitts – to safely handle the hot dish when it comes out of the oven.
- Spatula or spoon – for spreading the dip evenly and serving it out to guests.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked ground beef or turkey to change up the protein and add a different texture.
- Mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat whenever you like things spicier.
- Try cream cheese mixed with smoked gouda for a deeper, smoky flavor twist.
- Add chopped green onions or chives on top for fresh color and a mild onion flavor.
Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 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 sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Celery sticks, crackers, and/or toasted bread slices (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to bake. You might also want to allow a few minutes for the dip to cool slightly before serving, making the total time around 35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it get hot while you mix the dip ingredients.
2. Mix the Dip Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with buffalo wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir until smooth. Next, add the shredded chicken along with 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese. Mix everything well so the flavors blend evenly.
3. Assemble Your Dip:
Spread the mixture evenly in an 8-inch round or similar-sized baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the optional crumbled blue cheese on top.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden. Let it cool down slightly, then serve warm with celery sticks, crackers, or toasted bread slices for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding it. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting for quicker results.
Can I Prepare Buffalo Chicken Dip in Advance?
Absolutely! Mix all the ingredients except the toppings, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, spread in the baking dish, add cheese toppings, and bake as usual.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm and bubbly again.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing?
You can substitute with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a creamy texture with a slightly tangy flavor that balances the heat nicely.