Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
What is Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a warm, creamy dip that brings together the bold flavors of classic Buffalo chicken wings—spicy, tangy, and creamy—into a rich and comforting dish. The dip is typically made with shredded chicken, hot sauce (usually Buffalo wing sauce), cream cheese, ranch dressing, and melted cheese. It’s often baked until bubbly and served as an appetizer or snack.
Why it’s a Crowd Favorite
Buffalo Chicken Dip has become a go-to dish for social gatherings. It combines the satisfying heat of spicy wings with the creamy texture of a dip, making it irresistible to many. Whether it’s game day, a party, or a casual get-together, it’s always a crowd-pleaser, especially for those who enjoy spicy food.
Popular Occasions for Serving
- Super Bowl Parties: Buffalo Chicken Dip is a classic game-day treat.
- Potlucks: Its versatility and ease of transport make it a favorite for potluck events.
- BBQs and Cookouts: It works wonderfully as an appetizer before a barbecue meal.
- Tailgating: Its hearty nature and mess-free eating make it a great tailgating snack.
Ingredients List
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you will need to prepare the dip.
Basic Ingredients
- Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken breasts or thighs.
- Cream Cheese: This forms the creamy base of the dip and adds a rich texture.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is the main source of flavor. It’s what gives the dip its signature heat.
- Ranch Dressing: For creaminess and a slight tang that balances the heat from the Buffalo sauce.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella works well, as it melts beautifully and adds flavor.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: To enhance the flavor profile of the dip.
Optional Additions & Variations
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: Some people love to add blue cheese crumbles for an extra layer of flavor, especially if they are fond of the tangy, strong flavor of blue cheese.
- Celery: Finely chopped celery adds a crunch that mimics the traditional pairing with Buffalo wings.
- Green Onions: These can add a fresh, savory kick to the dip.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle on top before baking will give a golden finish to the dip.
- Hot Sauce (extra): If you like your dip spicier, adding extra hot sauce is a great way to turn up the heat.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
While Buffalo Chicken Dip is simple to make, having the right tools can make the process even smoother.
- Baking Dish (9×9 or 9×13): A medium-sized baking dish works best for this dip.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine your ingredients.
- Shredding Tool or Forks: If you’re using cooked chicken, you’ll need to shred it before mixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient portions.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing everything together evenly.
- Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Cooking the Chicken
If you haven’t used rotisserie chicken, you’ll need to cook your chicken breasts or thighs first. Here’s a simple method:
- Poaching Method (Quick & Simple):
- In a large pot, cover chicken breasts with water or chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/74°C).
- Remove from the pot and shred the chicken with two forks.
Step 2: Preparing the Dip
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 cups of shredded chicken
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (reserve some for topping)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
-
Stir everything together until well combined. The cream cheese should be fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 3: Baking the Dip
- Transfer the dip mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden and melted.
Step 4: Serving
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or pita chips.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Variations
Buffalo Chicken Dip is versatile, and there are many ways to make it your own!
Vegetarian Version
For a vegetarian alternative, use shredded cauliflower or chickpeas as a replacement for the chicken. You can also opt for store-bought vegan buffalo sauce and vegan cream cheese for a completely plant-based dip.
Low-Carb / Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version, omit the ranch dressing and use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead. Instead of tortilla chips, serve it with celery, cucumber slices, or zucchini chips.
Vegan Version
Use plant-based cream cheese, vegan ranch dressing, and chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken. You can find vegan buffalo sauces, or make your own with hot sauce and olive oil.
Spicy Variations
Add jalapeños, diced habaneros, or extra cayenne pepper for an additional layer of heat. You can also try mixing in some sriracha sauce for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Dippers: Serve with tortilla chips, veggie sticks (carrots, celery), bread slices, or pretzels.
- Pairing Drinks: Pair with light beer, cocktails like margaritas, or refreshing sodas like cola.
- Buffet Style: Set out bowls of dip and different dippers so guests can mix and match.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
-
Making Ahead: You can prepare the dip a day or two in advance. Simply assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. On the day you plan to serve it, bake it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.
-
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
-
Freezing: You can freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it at 350°F until warmed through.
Creative Leftover Uses
- Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Use the leftover dip as a filling for wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, and extra buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches: Spread some dip on toasted bread with shredded lettuce and a few slices of pickles.
- Buffalo Chicken Salad: Toss the dip with salad greens for a spicy chicken salad.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or customize it with your favorite variations, it’s bound to be enjoyed by everyone. The combination of creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors makes it irresistible, and it’s easy to prepare in advance. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a tasty snack, this dip is a winner.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a warm, creamy dip that brings together the bold flavors of classic Buffalo chicken wings—spicy, tangy, and creamy—into a rich and comforting dish. The dip is typically made with shredded chicken, hot sauce (usually Buffalo wing sauce), cream cheese, ranch dressing, and melted cheese. It’s often baked until bubbly and served as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank's RedHot)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, depending on preference)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, buffalo sauce, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish (such as a 9x9-inch or similar size).
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled blue cheese (if using) on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve: Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or celery sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred your own chicken breasts.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your preferred spice level. Add more for extra heat.
- Cheese Variations: If you prefer, you can substitute mozzarella or Monterey Jack for some of the cheddar for a different flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it (before baking). Just bake it when you're ready to serve. If it's cold from the fridge, you may need to bake it for an extra 5 minutes.