Buffalo Chicken Dip
Creamy, spicy, and cheesy, this classic Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate party appetizer. Tender shredded chicken mixed with tangy hot sauce, cool ranch, and melted cheese, baked until bubbly. Perfect for game day!
For 6 servings
8 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 1.5-quart or 8x8-inch baking dish.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat the softened cream cheese until it is completely smooth and free of lumps. This should take about 2 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add the ranch dressing, hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder to the cream cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is uniform in color.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Gently fold in the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the blue cheese crumbles (if using). Stir until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is fully melted. For a golden-brown top, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- 8
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
- a.Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smoothest dip, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps.
- 2A rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver for this recipe. Just shred the meat and you're ready to go.
- 3You can assemble this dip up to 2 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you're ready to serve.
- 4Adjust the spice level to your preference. Use 1/4 cup of hot sauce for a mild dip or up to 3/4 cup for an extra spicy kick.
- 5Serve with a variety of dippers like tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, sturdy crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
- 6For easy cleanup, you can use a disposable aluminum pan, which is perfect for parties and potlucks.
Adapt it for your goals.
Slow Cooker Method
Combine all ingredients (except for the garnish and half the cheddar for topping) in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Top with remaining cheese during the last 15 minutes.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
Substitute Neufchâtel cheese for cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt for ranch dressing, and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lower the fat and calorie content.
Cheese VariationsCheese Variations
Swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Add insSpicy Add-ins
For extra heat and texture, fold in 1-2 finely diced jalapeños (with seeds for more spice) or a can of diced green chiles (drained).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The chicken and cheese in this dip provide a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Calcium
With three types of dairy (cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch dressing), this dip is a good source of calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A 1/2 cup serving of this Buffalo Chicken Dip contains approximately 420-450 calories, depending on the specific brands of dressing and cheese used.