Buffalo chicken dip is like the must-have snack at every party and game day. Everyone reachs for it cause its creamy, spicy and savory all at once. This dip mixes shredded chicken with zesty hot sauce and melty cheese so good you’ll keep eating it even if you’re stuffed. You can scoop it up with tortilla chips, spread it on celery sticks, or even dunk crusty bread and it still tastes awesome. It’s basically comfort food that brings people together.
In this article we’ll show you how to make oven-baked buffalo chicken dip that’s bubbly on top and loaded with flavor. Baking it gives you even heating so nothing gets cold spots, plus the cheese turns golden and gooey. It takes minimal effort but delivers maximum yum – perfect for impressing your friends without messing up your kitchen too much.
Buffalo chicken dip actually grew out of buffalo wings, which were invented in Buffalo, New York in the 1960s. When wings blew up in popularity, home cooks got curious and turned the same spicy sauce and chicken into a dip. Since then it turned into a party staple, letting you enjoy all that spicy, cheesy goodness in a scoopable form. Below you’ll learn each step to bake up the perfect buffalo chicken dip at home.
Ingredients
You’ll need some simple stuff to make this buffalo chicken dip. It’s creamy, spicy and cheesy, so choose these ingredients:
- Shredded Chicken: About 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken is the base of the dip. You can use a rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook and shred breasts yourself.
- Cream Cheese: One 8-ounce block of cream cheese adds that rich, creamy texture that holds everything together.
- Buffalo Sauce: Use around 1 cup of your favorite hot sauce—you can use more or less if you want it hotter or milder.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Half a cup of ranch or blue cheese dressing makes it extra creamy and tasty.
- Shredded Cheese: About 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey, melty top layer.
If you want to get fancy, you could also add:
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch – about ¼ cup.
- Celery: Diced celery mixed in gives a nice crisp texture.
- Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack for extra spice or feta for a tangy twist.
Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes this super easy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish works perfect for this dip so it bakes evenly.
- Mixing Bowl and Utensils: A big bowl plus a spatula or wooden spoon to stir everything together.
- Serving Dish (Optional): A cute serving bowl if you want to impress your guests.
Directions
Follow these steps to bake your buffalo chicken dip:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you finish mixing.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temp for about 10-15 minutes so it’s easy to mix.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and shredded cheese. Stir it all up until it’s well blended.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mix into your 9×13 dish. If you like extra cheese, sprinkle some on top.
- Bake: Put it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden, and you see it bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Let it sit a few minutes after baking so it’s not too hot. Serve warm with chips, celery sticks, bell pepper slices, or whatever you like.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Chicken Choice: Grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken if you don’t wanna cook. If you use raw breasts, bake or boil them first, then shred.
- Adjust Heat: Start with ¾ cup of buffalo sauce if you’re not sure. Add more later if you need more kick.
- Cheese Mix: Mixing cheddar and mozzarella gives you best of both worlds – flavor and stretchiness.
- Serving Ideas: Besides chips and veggies, try pretzel bites, pita chips, or even stuff it into a baked potato.
Healthier Alternatives
If you wanna lighten it up, try these swaps:
- Low-Fat Dairy: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Plant-Based: Swap chicken for shredded jackfruit or chickpeas, and use vegan cream cheese and dressing.
Reheating and Storing
- Storing: Let leftovers cool, then put in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Warm it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot, or microwave single servings in short bursts, stirring in between.
Troubleshooting
- Dip Too Thick? Stir in a bit of chicken broth or extra buffalo sauce until it’s the texture you like.
- Not Flavorful Enough? Add more buffalo sauce, a splash of vinegar, or some garlic powder. Taste as you go.
FAQs
- What can I dip? Tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, pita chips, crackers – you name it.
- Can I make it ahead? Sure, mix it up and store in the fridge a day early. Bake right before serving.
- How spicy is it? Totally up to you. Use less sauce for mild or more for heat.
- Is it gluten-free? Yes if you pick gluten-free dressings and sauces.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken dip brings together creamy, spicy and savory flavors that everyone loves. It’s easy to make, bakes up golden and bubbly, and disappears fast at any gathering. Follow these steps and tips and you’ll have a dish that leaves people asking for more. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy some seriously good dip!
buffalo chicken dip oven
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 9x9 inch baking dish
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken About 1 pound of chicken breast.
- 1 cup cream cheese 8 oz, softened.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 4 oz.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce Adjust to desired spiciness.
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup green onions Chopped, for garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the 9x9 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers.
