This creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip brings together shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and rich cream cheese for a tasty treat. Perfect for parties or game days!
Just imagine the cheesy goodness melting in your mouth. Warning: you might find yourself devouring it all! I like to serve it with crunchy chips or veggies for the best experience!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this dip. It’s convenient, and the flavor is rich. If you’re cooking from scratch, use boneless chicken breasts or thighs and shred once cooked. Canned chicken is an option too, for a quick fix.
Cream Cheese: The creaminess comes from softened cream cheese. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. Just note that it might alter the taste a little bit.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: I love using Frank’s RedHot for its perfect balance of heat and flavor. If you prefer milder, use a less spicy sauce or mix a little barbecue sauce in. Vegan options, like plant-based buffalo sauce, work great as well.
Dressing: Ranch dressing is what I recommend for that creamy kick, but feel free to swap with blue cheese dressing if that’s your style. You can even make your own dressing for a fresh taste.
How Do I Get Cream Cheese to Mix Smoothly?
Having smooth cream cheese is key for a great dip. To avoid lumps, let it soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. If you’re in a hurry, microwave it for 10-15 seconds. Just watch it close to avoid melting too much!
- Use a mixer or whisk for the best results. It’ll really help combine it with the sauce!
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature; this helps them blend easier.
What’s the Best Way to Bake Buffalo Chicken Dip?
For baking, preheating the oven is crucial. Make sure it’s at 350°F (175°C) before adding the dip. This allows it to cook evenly and bubble perfectly.
- Use a shallow baking dish for even heat distribution.
- Check the dip after 20 minutes. If it’s not hot and bubbly, give it a few more minutes. You want that cheese to be perfectly melted!
Buffalo Chicken Dip With Cream Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dip:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup hot buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips or celery sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at a total of around 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or party dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the dip cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, hot buffalo wing sauce, and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to blend everything until it’s nice and smooth. This is the creamy base for your dip!
3. Combine the Chicken and Cheeses:
Now, add in the shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix gently until everything is well combined. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Next, pour the chicken mixture into an 8×8 inch (or similar sized) baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
5. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the dip. This will create a gooey, cheesy crust when baked!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, feel free to sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh finish. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or celery sticks for dipping.
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy the delicious creamy, spicy goodness of this Buffalo Chicken Dip. It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is convenient, you can use any cooked chicken. Just make sure to shred it finely. If you have leftovers from a previous meal, they can work great too!
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you love the heat, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a splash of extra buffalo sauce into the mixture. For added flavor, you can also mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce before baking.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dip in advance, store it covered in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. It can stay in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What Can I Use for Dipping?
While tortilla chips are a classic choice, you can also serve this dip with celery sticks, carrot sticks, crackers, or even pita bread. Feel free to get creative with your dippers!
