Description
This Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines creamy cream cheese, spicy buffalo hot sauce, tangy ranch dressing, shredded chicken, and melty cheese baked to bubbly perfection. It's perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings and can be made in the oven or prepared in a slow cooker for convenience.
Ingredients
Base
- 8 ounces (227g) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (120mL) buffalo style hot sauce
- ½ cup (120mL) ranch dressing
Chicken
- 1 to 1½ pounds (453-680g) cooked and shredded chicken (about 2½ to 3 cups)
Cheese
- 4 cups (452g) shredded cheese (preferably a blend of cheddar and Colby Jack), divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Mix base ingredients: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, buffalo hot sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add chicken: Add the cooked and shredded chicken to the mixture. Stir until the chicken pieces are evenly distributed throughout the dip base.
- Incorporate cheese: Add half of the shredded cheese (about 2 cups) into the mixture and stir to combine everything uniformly.
- Assemble the dip: Transfer the mixture into an 8 or 9-inch tart pan or square baking dish. Evenly spread the dip in the dish and then sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Allow the dip to cool for 15 minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed hot or cold.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Make ahead option: Prepare the dip to the point of adding the final cheese topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to one day. Bake just before serving.
- Slow cooker alternative: Combine all ingredients except the last 2 cups of cheese in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking and then keep warm for serving.
Notes
- Chicken: Use any cooked chicken you prefer including breasts, thighs, cutlets, canned chicken, or leftover rotisserie.
- Cream cheese: Use block cream cheese (any fat content) for best texture; avoid whipped cream cheese.
- Shredded cheese: A mix of cheddar and Colby Jack is recommended, but any cheese works. Freshly shredded cheese melts best but pre-shredded is convenient.
- Baking dish: Any 8 to 9-inch round or square dish will work; size can vary as the goal is just to heat through and melt the cheese.
- Slow cooker method: A great alternative to baking that allows for hands-off cooking and keeps the dip warm during serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
