Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe for Game Day Magic

Creamy buffalo chicken dip captures the zesty spirit of game-day gatherings with explosive flavor.

Spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese mingle beautifully in this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Crisp celery sticks and warm tortilla chips become perfect companions for this irresistible mixture.

Rich cream cheese provides a smooth, luxurious base that balances tangy hot sauce perfectly.

NFL fans and casual snackers alike will fall in love with this simple yet dynamic recipe.

Melted goodness awaits you in every single scoop of this legendary dip.

Prepare to dive into comfort food magic that sparks instant celebration.

Why Buffalo Chicken Dip Is The Life Of The Party

  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: This buffalo chicken dip transforms game day gatherings into flavor-packed celebrations, bringing friends and family together with its irresistible spicy kick.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients in one bowl, mix quickly, and bake for a delicious appetizer that requires minimal kitchen skills and delivers maximum taste satisfaction.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy with multiple dippers like tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers, making it perfect for different dietary preferences and adding fun to snack time.
  • Customizable Spice Level: Adjust hot sauce quantity to create a mild or fiery experience, allowing everyone to enjoy the dip according to their personal heat tolerance.

Buffalo Chicken Dip – What You’ll Need

Main Proteins:
  • Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that forms the base of this classic buffalo dip.
Main Dairy Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and creamy texture to the dip.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor with excellent melting properties.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Contributes a smooth and stretchy consistency to the dip.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds creamy and zesty flavor profiles that complement the chicken.
  • Hot Sauce: Delivers the signature buffalo-style heat and spicy kick to the dip.
Garnish and Finishing Touches:
  • Green Onions: Provides a fresh and mild onion flavor as a colorful topping.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Tortilla Chips, Celery Sticks, Crackers: Perfect for dipping and enjoying the buffalo chicken mixture.

How To Whip Up Buffalo Chicken Dip In No Time

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for the cheesy magic about to happen.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Fusion

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in these delicious ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cream cheese
  • Ranch dressing
  • Blue cheese dressing
  • Hot sauce

Blend everything together until it becomes a smooth, tangy mixture that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 3: Cheese It Up

Fold in the shredded cheeses, keeping a sprinkle of cheddar on standby for the epic topping moment.

Step 4: Prepare For Baking

Pour the creamy concoction into a baking dish and crown it with the reserved cheddar cheese, promising a golden, melty masterpiece.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it sizzle for 20-25 minutes. Watch for bubbling edges and a gorgeous golden cheese top that signals deliciousness is imminent.

Step 6: Dress And Serve

Shower the dip with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve piping hot alongside crispy tortilla chips, crunchy celery sticks, or classic crackers for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Tips For Gooey, Bold Buffalo Chicken Dip

  • Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the dip, ensuring a quicker and more convenient preparation.
  • Adjust the hot sauce quantity based on your spice tolerance, experimenting with different brands like Frank's RedHot or Tabasco for varied heat levels.
  • Boost the protein content by adding crumbled blue cheese or mixing in a bit of cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating in the microwave or oven until warm and bubbly.
  • Consider making this dip ahead of time and refrigerating before baking, which allows flavors to meld and intensify for a more delicious result.

Dip Twists That Add Even More Kick

  • Slow Cooker Comfort: Prepare the dip in a crockpot on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally for even melting and blending of flavors.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced fresh jalapeños or pepper jack cheese to intensify the heat and create a more intense flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Replace hot sauce with harissa paste and swap ranch for tzatziki, then top with crumbled feta cheese for a unique Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Smoky BBQ Transformation: Mix in barbecue sauce instead of hot sauce and use smoked gouda cheese to create a rich, smoky alternative that brings a different dimension to the classic recipe.

The Best Pairings For Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites

  • Elevate Buffalo Chicken Dip Pairings
  • Crisp Beer Companion: Grab a cold, hoppy IPA or light lager to cut through the dip's richness and complement its spicy kick.
  • Fresh Veggie Crunch Contrast: Serve with crisp cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and carrot sticks for a refreshing balance against the creamy, hot dip.
  • Wine Lover's Delight: Choose a chilled, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to cool down the buffalo sauce's heat and enhance the dip's creamy texture.
  • Craft Cocktail Twist: Mix a zesty michelada or bloody mary to echo the dip's bold flavors and provide a tangy, spicy accompaniment that heightens the overall taste experience.

How To Store Buffalo Chicken Dip Like A Pro

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freeze: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1-2 months. Avoid adding garnishes before freezing.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place dip in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
  • Microwave: Transfer to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warmed, typically 1-2 minutes total.

Buffalo Dip FAQs For Your Next Gathering

  • What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are perfect because they’re already cooked and easy to shred, providing great flavor and texture.

  • Can I make this dip less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the hot sauce amount or use a milder hot sauce like Frank’s Red Hot Original to control the heat level according to your preference.

  • Is this dip suitable for game day or parties?

Yes, Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleaser that’s super popular for sports events, potlucks, and casual gatherings because it’s easy to make and delicious.

  • How can I tell when the dip is fully cooked?

The dip is ready when it’s bubbly around the edges, the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden, and the internal temperature reaches about 165°F.

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Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy buffalo chicken dip brings zesty southwestern heat to party appetizers, melding spicy buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken. Cheese and cream cheese create a rich, irresistible blend that keeps guests coming back for more.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Chicken:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mozzarella cheese

Dairy and Dressings:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) blue cheese dressing

Sauces and Garnish:

  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) hot sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F, ensuring an even heating environment for the dip preparation.
  2. Blend shredded chicken with cream cheese, creating a smooth base that combines protein and creamy texture.
  3. Incorporate ranch and hot sauce into the mixture, whisking thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the dip.
  4. Add blue cheese dressing for an extra tangy dimension, stirring until ingredients are completely integrated.
  5. Fold in most of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, reserving a small portion for the topping.
  6. Carefully transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent heating.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a golden, melted cheese layer.
  8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges bubble and the cheese turns a rich golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to settle and prevent burning.
  10. Garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, zesty accent.
  11. Serve immediately alongside crisp tortilla chips, crunchy celery sticks, or your preferred dipping vehicle.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting hot sauce quantity for mild or spicy preferences.
  • Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
  • Enhance protein content by using rotisserie chicken or grilling chicken with additional seasoning for deeper flavor profile.
  • Prep ahead by mixing ingredients and refrigerating before baking, allowing flavors to meld and reducing day-of cooking time.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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