Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy and spicy dip that is perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in. It combines shredded chicken with cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, and plenty of cheese. The result is a rich, flavorful dip that everyone will love. It’s easy to make and even easier to devour!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic choice for multiple reasons. Buffalo Chicken Dip is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it with chips, veggies, or even in a wrap. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can fit into any gathering. Plus, the ingredients are simple and often found in your kitchen, making it an accessible dish for anyone to whip up.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
Making Buffalo Chicken Dip is a straightforward process that involves cooking chicken, mixing ingredients, and baking. Follow these simple steps to create your own savory dip.
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.
Prep. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. 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 to your prepared baking pan and top with 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 oven to BROIL. Allow your buffalo chicken dip to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove immediately.
Serve. Serve with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, crackers, or enjoy leftovers wrapped in a tortilla with all your favorite greens.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Dip hot, straight from the oven. It goes well with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or crackers. This dip can also be used as a filling in wraps or even on top of baked potatoes for a hearty meal.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you have leftovers, allow the Buffalo Chicken Dip to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat it in the oven or microwave until warm.
Tips to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For added convenience, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of boiling your own.
- Adjust the Heat: Feel free to add more or less hot sauce depending on your heat preference.
- Make Ahead: This dip can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
Variation
You can change up this dip by adding ingredients like blue cheese crumbles or swapping the ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing. For a vegetarian version, consider using shredded jackfruit in place of chicken.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it when ready to serve.
Q2: Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?
A2: Yes, you can freeze it! Store in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q3: What should I serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip?
A3: You can serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, veggies, or use it as a filling in wraps.
Enjoy your homemade Buffalo Chicken Dip! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
