Description
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy appetizer that’s perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, it’s baked until bubbly and topped with melted cheddar and optional blue cheese for an irresistible flavor combination.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese (Philly recommended)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (Hidden Valley recommended)
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
For Garnish
- Chopped scallions (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and adjust the oven rack to the top third position to ensure even baking and optimal browning.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Place the cream cheese in a medium prep bowl and microwave for 20-30 seconds until soft, or alternatively, let it sit at room temperature for an hour to soften before starting the recipe.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, ranch dressing, Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, and blue cheese crumbles (if using) to the softened cream cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed.
- Bake the Dip: Transfer the mixture to a 1-quart baking dish or a small oven-safe skillet (an 8-inch cast iron skillet works well). Evenly sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top, adding extra blue cheese crumbles if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top has melted.
- Optional Browning: For a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping, broil the dip for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped scallions if using. Serve the dip warm with baguette slices, celery sticks, other fresh vegetables, crackers, or chips for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- If you prefer a milder dip, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder wing sauce.
- For a thicker dip, let it cool slightly before serving; for a looser consistency, serve hot immediately after baking.
- Blue cheese crumbles are optional and can be omitted for those who prefer a less tangy flavor.
- To make ahead: prepare the mixture up to the baking step and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours; bake just before serving.
