There’s no better way to spice up game day than with a bubbling, cheesy, and creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip. This dish combines all the bold flavors of buffalo wings into a savory dip, perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips or crunchy celery sticks. Loaded with tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch, this dip is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to score big at your next gathering.
Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team or simply indulging in comfort food, this Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate appetizer for game day fun!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chicken ham, diced
- ¾ cup hot buffalo sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Introduction:
Buffalo chicken dip is a game day classic for a reason—it’s packed with the irresistible flavors of buffalo wings in a creamy, cheesy dip that’s easy to whip up and even easier to devour. This recipe offers a little heat from the buffalo sauce, richness from the cream cheese, and a tangy balance from the ranch and sour cream. Topped with sharp cheddar and baked until bubbly, this dip is an all-star when served with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.
If you’re looking for an appetizer that will disappear in minutes, this Buffalo Chicken Dip is it!
Step-by-Step Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, you’ll have time to mix up the ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, chicken ham, sharp cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a spatula or spoon to blend everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
- Shredded Chicken: For ease, use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken. You can also poach chicken breasts, then shred them.
- Buffalo Sauce: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder sauce. Want more heat? Add a dash of hot sauce!
Step 3: Transfer to an Oven-Safe Dish
Once the mixture is thoroughly combined, spread it evenly into an oven-safe baking dish. A 9-inch square or round dish works well for this recipe. Smooth the top so that the dip cooks evenly.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted. The edges should be slightly golden, and the center will be warm and gooey.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for dipping.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Suggestions:
- Tortilla Chips: Classic pairing for dipping, especially with the crispy texture that complements the creamy dip.
- Vegetable Sticks: Serve with celery, carrots, or even cucumber slices for a lighter, refreshing option.
- Crackers: Sturdy crackers like Ritz or wheat crackers work well for scooping up this rich dip.
- Bread Slices: Warm baguette slices or pita chips also pair beautifully with this dip.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop the dip back in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dip before or after baking. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Helpful Notes:
- Make It Spicier: Add extra heat by mixing in a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve with jalapeño slices for a kick.
- Lower Carb Option: If you’re cutting back on carbs, serve the dip with vegetable sticks or pork rinds instead of chips.
- Cheese Swap: Feel free to swap the sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses for a milder or different flavor.
- Creamy Consistency: For an even creamier dip, stir in an extra ¼ cup of cream cheese or sour cream before baking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Chef Bobby Flay recommends using homemade buffalo sauce for extra depth of flavor. It’s as simple as mixing hot sauce with melted butter!
- Chef Alton Brown suggests blending in a tablespoon of blue cheese crumbles for added richness and a sharp bite that complements the buffalo flavor.
- Chef Guy Fieri loves adding a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top after baking for an extra crunchy and savory element.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dip in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Q2: What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can use hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot combined with melted butter. The general ratio is ¾ cup hot sauce to ¼ cup melted butter.
Q3: Can I use ranch seasoning instead of ranch dressing?
Yes, you can substitute ranch seasoning mix for ranch dressing. Just use about 2 tablespoons of the seasoning and add an extra ¼ cup of sour cream or cream cheese for moisture.
Q4: How do I make the dip less spicy?
To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder wing sauce. You can also add more cream cheese or sour cream to mellow out the spice.
Q5: Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted chicken or even grilled chicken works great in this recipe. Just shred it and mix it in.
Q6: Can I use blue cheese instead of ranch?
Yes, blue cheese dressing is a great substitute if you prefer the tangy, bold flavor of blue cheese over ranch.
Q7: Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this dip in a slow cooker! Just combine all the ingredients and cook on low for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Once the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, it’s ready to serve.
Q8: What should I do if the dip turns out too thick?
If your dip is too thick, simply stir in a little more ranch dressing, sour cream, or buffalo sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Conclusion:
This Buffalo Chicken Dip is an absolute game day staple. With its perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone gathered around the table. Whether you’re dipping tortilla chips, veggies, or crackers, each bite is bursting with the bold taste of buffalo chicken in a rich, comforting dip. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect way to feed your hungry guests while watching the big game.