Dinner

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

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Why Make This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the beloved flavors of spicy buffalo chicken wings in a creamy, cheesy dip. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a casual dinner, or simply craving comfort food, this dip guarantees smiles and satisfied taste buds. The combination of tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, zesty ranch dressing, and a punch of hot sauce makes every bite irresistible. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to devour—this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Making this buffalo chicken dip recipe is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll start by cooking tender chicken breasts, then combine them with flavorful ingredients for a luscious dip. The final step involves baking until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, which adds that perfect cheesy crust. Following the simple directions ensures that you create a dish that not only tastes amazing but also looks appealing for serving.

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 (I used Frank’s RedHot), plus more as needed
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup green onion (chopped)
1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)

Directions:

Cook the chicken. If your chicken is not yet cooked, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and return to a boil. Remove from heat and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Allow your chicken to poach, covered, for approximately 25 minutes. When fully cooked, remove from the pot and allow to rest until cool enough to handle (Note: the cooking time for the chicken is not included in the total cooking time for this dish).
Prep. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9×9-inch baking pan (or approximate size) with non-stick cooking spray.
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 has dissolved in the ranch and hot sauce. Remove from heat.
Combine. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, green onion, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce pot. Mix well to combine. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking pan and top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Bake. Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the sides are starting to bubble. Set the oven to BROIL. Allow your buffalo chicken dip to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove it immediately.
Serve. Serve with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, crackers, or enjoy leftovers wrapped in a tortilla with all your favorite greens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (about 1/4 cup):

Calories: 300
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 750mg
Total Carbohydrates: 8g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 20g

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

This buffalo chicken dip is incredibly versatile! Serve it warm alongside crispy tortilla chips for dunking, or pile it atop crunchy veggies like carrots and celery for a healthier option. For parties, provide an array of toppings such as diced jalapeños or sliced olives to customize servings. Leftovers can easily be enjoyed wrapped in a tortilla with fresh greens and extra ranch dressing for a quick meal!

How to Store Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

To store leftover buffalo chicken dip, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When ready to reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

Expert Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

For more flavor, consider marinating your chicken in hot sauce before cooking.
If you prefer a creamier dip, add another 4 ounces of cream cheese.
To reduce spice, opt for mild hot sauce or mix in a touch of extra ranch dressing.
For a smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

Delicious Variations

Blue Cheese Buffal0 Chicken Dip: Swap out some or all of the cheddar cheese with crumbled blue cheese for a tangy twist.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with shredded cauliflower or cooked beans and increase seasoning for flavor.
Spicy Sriracha Dip: Use Sriracha instead of hot sauce for a unique flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving.

2. Can I freeze buffalo chicken dip?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just ensure it’s in an airtight container and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

3. What can I use besides ranch dressing?
Feel free to use blue cheese dressing or even a homemade yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Buffalo chicken dip is not only delicious but also easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and zesty flavor, this dish is sure to become a staple at your gatherings. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and make unforgettable memories with friends and family. Don’t forget to share your thoughts or variations in the comments below! Enjoy your culinary adventure!