Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines your love for buffalo wings with gooey, cheesy goodness? Look no further! Our Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip is perfect for game days, gatherings, or whenever you crave something indulgent. With only a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, this dip will be the star of your snack table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Equipments
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Oven mitts
How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip – Step By Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the dip bakes evenly and reaches the perfect gooey consistency. Arrange the oven rack in the middle to allow even heat distribution.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Use a spatula to blend everything together until smooth and well-incorporated. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses
Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the blue cheese crumbles into the chicken mixture. The melted cheeses will give the dip a rich, savory flavor that complements the spicy buffalo sauce.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease your baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it evenly with a spatula, ensuring a smooth top layer for even baking.
Step 5: Bake the Dip
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the top is golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma of buffalo and cheese fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to dig in.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the dip from the oven with oven mitts. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions over the top. Let it cool slightly before serving with your favorite dippers such as tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crusty bread.
How to Serve Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip is best served warm and fresh from the oven. You can serve it in the baking dish directly, but for a fancier presentation, consider transferring it to a bread bowl or mini ramekins. Pair it with an array of dippable sides, and watch as guests rave about this deliciously creamy appetizer.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For an extra kick, drizzle additional buffalo sauce on top before baking. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can easily swap it out for additional cheddar or mozzarella. Consider using a rotisserie chicken for convenience; it’s flavorful and reduces prep time. Remember, the key to a smooth, creamy dip lies in using softened cream cheese, so don’t skip this step.
Pumped-Up Protein: High Protein Version
This dip can be easily transformed into a high-protein snack by choosing Greek yogurt in place of ranch dressing. Greek yogurt not only ups the protein content but also offers a tangy flavor that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully. Additionally, consider doubling the chicken or selecting high-protein, low-fat cheese to keep this dip a muscle-builder’s delight without sacrificing taste.
Trim the Carbs: Low Carb Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you’re looking to enjoy this delightful dip while keeping carbs to a minimum, you’re in luck! By swapping regular cream cheese for its low-carb variant and using low-carb buffalo sauce, you can significantly reduce the carb count. Complement your dip with fresh vegetable sticks such as cucumber or celery for the perfect low-carb appetizer.
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers, allow the dip to come to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes or until hot. Alternatively, you can pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up. Avoid freezing as the texture may change due to the high cheese content.
FAQs
- Can this dip be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dip up to the baking stage a day in advance. Store in the fridge and bake before serving. - What can I use as a dipper?
Try tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or pita bread for variation. - Can I use canned chicken?
While fresh or rotisserie chicken is recommended for best taste, canned chicken will work in a pinch. - Can I make it less spicy?
Certainly! Use a milder buffalo sauce or cut down on the amount used based on your spice tolerance. - Can I add extra cheese?
Absolutely! Add as much cheese as your heart desires for that extra cheesy delight.
Savor Every Bite: Final Thoughts on Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
The Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip is a perfect embodiment of comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re tailgating or hosting a party, this easy-to-make dip will surely win hearts. Dive into the spicy, cheesy goodness and feel free to share your take on this recipe. Don’t forget to comment below with your favorite variations or tag us in your delightful culinary creations.
Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- shredded cooked chicken
- cream cheese
- buffalo sauce
- ranch dressing
- shredded cheddar cheese
- blue cheese
- green onions
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing using a spatula.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the blue cheese crumbles.
- Transfer mixture into a lightly greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining cheese and green onions, and serve warm.