This Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy and spicy treat that’s sure to make your taste buds dance! Made with juicy chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and rich cream cheese, it’s perfect for parties.
Who can resist a cheesy dip with a kick? I love serving it warm with tortilla chips or celery sticks—all my friends can’t get enough! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I usually opt for rotisserie chicken for its great flavor and convenience. You can also boil or bake your chicken if you prefer. If you’re vegetarian, shredded jackfruit or chickpeas can provide a similar texture.
Cream Cheese: This is the base for the dip’s creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version. It works surprisingly well!
Buffalo Hot Sauce: The star ingredient for spice! Frank’s RedHot is a popular brand, but feel free to use any hot sauce you love. For a milder version, reduce the amount or choose a milder hot sauce.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Ranch is creamy and tangy, while blue cheese adds a sharp flavor. Choose based on your preference— you can mix half of each for a balanced taste. Homemade dressing can take this dip to the next level!
How Can You Get the Best Creamy Texture?
Achieving a creamy texture for your dip is easy with a few tricks. Start with softened cream cheese—this ensures it mixes well and avoids lumps. Mix the cream cheese with the dressing and hot sauce first to make a smooth base before adding in the chicken and cheese. Then, bake until bubbly, which helps meld the flavors together.
- Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature or microwaving it for about 10-15 seconds.
- Mix all ingredients evenly; this ensures every scoop is filled with deliciousness!
Buffalo Chicken Dip With Cream Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dip:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
For Serving:
- Crackers
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of approximately 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake the dip.
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and buffalo hot sauce. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth—this will be the creamy foundation of your dip!
3. Add the Chicken and Cheese:
Gently fold in the shredded cooked chicken and shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is evenly mixed, so every scoop you take has that delicious flavor!
4. Spread in the Baking Dish:
Transfer the creamy mixture into a baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the bottom.
5. Bake It:
Place the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dip is bubbly and the top is slightly browned.
6. Add Toppings:
Once it’s done baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions on top for an extra kick of flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dip warm with your choice of crackers, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for dipping. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and watch it disappear quickly!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cheddar or blue cheese, feel free to substitute with any cheese you like. Creamy mozzarella or pepper jack can add a tasty twist to the dip!
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, you can add more buffalo hot sauce to taste. Alternatively, you can mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra punch! Just adjust according to your spice preference.
Can I Prepare This Dip in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dip a day ahead of time. Just assemble everything and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, pop it into the oven straight from the fridge and add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
How to 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, adding a tiny splash of hot sauce or cream if it seems dry!
