The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy appetizer that’s perfect for parties or game day. Loaded with shredded chicken, tangy ranch, and melty cheese, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and full of bold flavor, this dip is great served warm with your favorite dippers.

Ingredients

• 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup ranch dressing, homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot), plus more as needed
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup green onion, chopped
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the chicken. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the chicken breasts, return to a boil, then remove from heat and cover tightly. Let the chicken poach for about 25 minutes, until fully cooked. Remove from the pot and let cool enough to handle, then shred.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the cubed cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Add the shredded chicken, green onion, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1 cup cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir well to combine, then transfer to the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly on top.
5. Step 5: Bake for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.
6. Step 6: Switch the oven to broil. Broil the dip for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden brown. Remove immediately to prevent burning.
7. Step 7: Serve warm with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or crackers. Leftovers also make a delicious wrap filling with your favorite greens.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dip, reduce the amount of hot sauce or substitute with a milder wing sauce.
• Add some diced celery for extra crunch and freshness.
• Use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling your own for a time-saving shortcut.
• Try mixing in blue cheese crumbles for a classic buffalo flavor twist.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best texture, stir the dip before serving after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture and assemble it in the baking dish a day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.

What can I use instead of ranch dressing?

You can substitute blue cheese dressing for a different flavor or mix sour cream with dried herbs to create a homemade alternative.

The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

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5 from 66 reviews

This rich and creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring tender shredded chicken mixed into a zesty blend of cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with chips, veggies, or crackers and combines spicy, tangy, and cheesy flavors in every bite.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded

Cheese & Dairy

• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

Other Ingredients

• 1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended), plus more as needed
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup green onion, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the chicken breasts and return to a boil. Remove from heat, cover tightly, and poach for approximately 25 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken from pot and let cool until easy to handle, then shred using forks or your hands.
2. Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan or a similar-sized dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Warm the Sauce: In a medium saucepot over medium-low heat, add the cubed cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese fully melts and all ingredients combine into a smooth sauce. Remove from heat once blended.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, chopped green onions, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken and mix all flavors. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking pan.
5. Top & Bake: Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture. Bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and edges start to bubble.
6. Broil for Golden Top: Switch oven setting to BROIL. Broil the dip for an additional 2-3 minutes until the top turns golden brown and slightly crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning, then remove immediately from the oven.
7. Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken dip hot alongside tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or crackers. Leftovers can be enjoyed wrapped in a tortilla with fresh greens for a tasty meal.

Notes

• The chicken cooking time is not included in the overall recipe total time.
• You can adjust the amount of hot sauce for more or less heat based on your preference.
• Use full-fat cream cheese and ranch dressing for the creamiest texture.
• Green onions add freshness, but you can substitute with chives or omit if preferred.
• Make sure to watch the dip carefully during broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
• For a thicker dip, reduce the amount of ranch dressing slightly.
• This dip can be made ahead and baked just before serving.

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, spicy chicken dip, game day recipe, cheesy dip, party appetizer, buffalo sauce recipe