Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip
The ultimate game day crowd-pleaser – creamy, cheesy, and packed with Buffalo heat
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Contains dairy, gluten-free option available
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13 baking dish or large oven-proof skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
Alternative: Slow cooker/Crock Pot
INGREDIENTS
Base:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (450g) [rotisserie chicken works brilliantly]
- 16 oz cream cheese (450g), softened
- 1 cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce (240ml) [or your preferred brand]
- 1 cup ranch dressing (240ml)
Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200g)
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, 60g)
For Serving:
- Celery sticks
- Carrots
- Tortilla chips
- Crackers
METHOD
- Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and ranch dressing until smooth
Tip: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing
- Add shredded chicken and Buffalo sauce, mix thoroughly
- Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese
- Transfer mixture to baking dish
- Top with remaining cheddar and blue cheese (if using)
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Don’t overheat or the dip will separate
- Ensure cream cheese is properly softened for smooth mixing
- For extra heat, add more Buffalo sauce gradually
- Visual doneness cue: Edges should be bubbling and top slightly golden
STORAGE & VARIATIONS
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight container
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes
Variations:
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours
- Mild Version: Reduce Buffalo sauce by half
- Extra Cheesy: Add pepper jack cheese to the mix
- Healthier Option: Use light cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of ranch
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Using cold cream cheese (results in lumps)
- Overheating the dip
- Not letting it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
This recipe delivers that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and cheesy that keeps everyone coming back for more. The key is using quality Buffalo sauce and taking care not to overheat the dip. Trust me, I’ve made this countless times for game days, and it disappears faster than any other appetizer!
