Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate comfort food for gatherings, whether it’s game day, a family movie night, or just because you’ve got a craving for something cheesy and a little spicy. This addictive dish combines shredded chicken with spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheeses, and ranch dressing—it’s like hot wings, but in dip form! Plus, it’s super easy to make, even if you’re not a whiz in the kitchen. Trust me, once you dip a chip into this cheesy goodness, you’ll be hooked.
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Dip needs no formal introduction. If you’ve ever been to a Super Bowl party, chances are you’ve seen this dish front and center, stealing the spotlight from the actual game. But if not, let me paint the picture—it’s creamy, gooey, cheesy, with just the right amount of heat to keep you coming back for more. Think hot wings without the mess, and you’ve got it.The exact origins of Buffalo Chicken Dip are a little fuzzy, but we know for sure it’s inspired by good old Buffalo sauce—a tangy, spicy mix that originates from Buffalo, New York. What makes this dip special is its versatility. You can whip it up for pretty much any occasion, from BBQs to casual Netflix binging. And here at BellRecipes, we’re all about recipes that bring joy to your table, so you can bet this one’s a hit. Take it to your next potluck, tailgate, or dinner party. Trust me, everyone will ask for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for game days, parties, or casual snacking
- Quick and easy – ready in just 30 minutes
- Crowd-pleaser that always gets rave reviews
- One-pan recipe for minimal cleanup
- Customizable for different heat levels
- Pairs well with chips, crackers, or vegetables
- Rich, creamy, and full of flavor
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- Buffalo Sauce: Any brand will do, but Frank’s RedHot is a fan favorite.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for maximum creaminess, but low-fat can work too.
- Ranch Dressing: Swap with blue cheese dressing if you prefer a stronger flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would also be delicious.
- Green Onions: Optional garnish for a bit of freshness and color.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- (Optional) Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with chips, crackers, or veggies.
Expert Tips for Success
Warm the cream cheese to make mixing easier.
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
If you like it extra spicy, add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
For a smokier taste, sprinkle in smoked paprika or use chipotle buffalo sauce.
Blend the mixture thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.
Variations and Customizations
For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing and reduced-fat cheese. If you’re making it for keto guests, serve with celery sticks instead of chips. To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken for shredded jackfruit or cooked chickpeas.
Nutritional Information
Buffalo Chicken Dip is indulgent but totally worth it. One generous serving (about 1/4 cup) contains approximately 200-250 calories, 15-18 grams of fat, 8-10 grams of protein, and 4-6 grams of carbs. It’s gluten-free naturally, but always check labels on ingredients like buffalo sauce and ranch dressing just to be safe. If you’re watching your fat intake, opt for reduced-fat cheeses and dressing.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed—it’ll retain that freshly baked magic.
Recipe Card of Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients list
- 2 cans chunk chicken, drained (10 ounce each)
- 0.75 cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®)
- 2 packages cream cheese, softened (8 ounce each)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1.5 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 bunch celery, cut into 4-inch pieces
- 1 box chicken-flavored crackers (8 ounce)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Round up all your ingredients so you're ready to cook up an unforgettable dip.
- Warm the chicken and hot pepper sauce in a skillet over medium heat till heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Mix in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Stir until this concoction is well-blended and warm, another 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in half of the Cheddar cheese, then shift this savory mixture to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese atop.
- Cover and let it cook on Low until the dip is delightfully hot and bubbly, for about 35 minutes.
- Serve your masterpiece with crisp celery sticks and robust crackers. Enjoy this flavor-packed delight!
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip?
It’s great with tortilla chips, crackers, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even toasted bread slices for dipping.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low for 2-3 hours, and stir occasionally. It’s great for keeping the dip warm during a party.
This Buffalo Chicken Dip looks absolutely incredible! I love how simple it is with only 6 main ingredients, and I can already imagine how creamy and flavorful it must be. I’m thinking about adding a bit of blue cheese crumbles for an extra punch! Can’t wait to try it!