This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a game-day favorite! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with spicy buffalo flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Honestly, I could eat this dip with just a spoon! I love serving it with crunchy chips or veggies for that perfect mix of flavors. Just be ready to share… or not! 😄
Making this dip is super easy. Just mix everything together, bake it until it’s bubbly, and you’re all set. It’s a hit every time, guaranteed!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is essential here, and rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use shredded turkey instead!
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its base and creaminess. If you want a lighter version, try Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but a similar taste.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s is a classic choice, but feel free to adjust the heat level with your favorite brand. For a milder dip, use a barbecue sauce combined with a little hot sauce.
Ranch Dressing: This is a fantastic flavor booster. If you prefer, you can make your own ranch or switch it for blue cheese dressing for a different kick.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella are a fantastic combo, but feel free to swap in pepper jack for extra heat or gouda for a smokier flavor.
How Can I Make Sure My Dip is Extra Creamy?
To achieve that perfect creamy texture, start with room-temperature cream cheese. Mixing it when it’s soft helps it blend smoothly with other ingredients. Here’s a little trick:
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the cream cheese with ranch and buffalo sauce until fluffy.
- Mix in the chicken and cheeses gently to keep them from breaking up too much.
Also, baking until bubbly is key! Check the dip at the 20-minute mark to ensure it’s not overcooking. Enjoy your perfect dip!
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g. Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional for serving: celery sticks, carrot sticks, tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake in the oven, for a total of about 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the dip will cook evenly and get bubbly all over!
2. Prepare the Creamy Base:
In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Pour in the ranch dressing and buffalo wing sauce. Mix these ingredients together using a spoon or spatula until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the flavorful base for your dip!
3. Add the Chicken and Cheeses:
Now, toss in the shredded chicken, 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the chopped green onions. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. You want every bite to be cheesy and full of flavor!
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so that it cooks nicely.
5. Top with More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top. This is what will make your dip ooey-gooey and cheesy!
6. Bake Your Dip:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to lightly brown on top!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, carefully take it out of the oven. Garnish with extra chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip warm, with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy!
This dip is creamy, spicy, and cheesy — perfect for parties or cozy nights in!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick-thaw method in a sealed bag submerged in cold water before shredding. Cooked chicken works best for this dip!
Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
Definitely! You can add more buffalo wing sauce to taste or mix in some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick. If you want a nice balance, consider pairing it with a mild cheese like Monterey Jack.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of ranch dressing to bring back the creamy texture!
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the dip the day before! Combine all the ingredients and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
