Buffalo Chicken Dip

My sister texted me at 7 PM last Sunday, frantic because her Super Bowl party was in two hours and she had absolutely nothing prepared. I talked her through this dip on the phone while she rummaged through her fridge, and she called me back an hour later laughing that everyone had literally licked the bowl clean.

I started making this back in college when we were too broke to order actual wings but still wanted that game day experience. Now its the one recipe my friends specifically request for every gathering, and honestly, I never say no because it makes me look like a genius with almost zero effort.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves so much time
• 225 g softened cream cheese: Let it sit on the counter for an hour to avoid any lumpy bits in your finished dip
• 1/2 cup hot sauce: Franks RedHot is the classic choice but use whatever spicy sauce you love
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing: This balances the heat and adds that familiar creamy cool element
• 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing: You can use all ranch if blue cheese isnt your thing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast against the spicy sauce
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese: Totally optional but those salty little pockets are amazing
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that gorgeous golden melted top that everyone fights over
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives: Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor to cut through the richness

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and clear a spot on the middle rack where this bubbling beauty will bake evenly.

Make the creamy base:

Beat together the softened cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch, and blue cheese dressing until completely smooth and no white streaks remain.

Add all the good stuff:

Gently fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar, and crumbled blue cheese, being careful not to overmix and shred the chicken further.

Transfer to your baking dish:

Spread everything into a 1.5 to 2 liter baking dish, pressing it down slightly so its level and even.

Add the cheesy topping:

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese across the top like youre tucking it in for a cozy nap.

Bake until bubbly:

Let it go for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are bubbling furiously and the top has turned golden brown in spots.

The hardest part:

Let it cool for exactly 5 minutes because that first molten bite will burn your tongue and youll miss out on tasting all the layers.

Finish with freshness:

Scatter those chives or green onions on top for a restaurant worthy presentation.

Get dipping:

Put it out with celery sticks, sturdy chips, or toasted baguette slices and watch it disappear.

Pin It

Last New Years Eve, my brother stood by the baking dish for twenty minutes, eating directly from it with a fork because he forgot to put out dippers. No regrets, he said.

Make It Ahead

You can assemble everything up to 2 days before, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.

Heat Levels

Ive found that half hot sauce and half ranch is the perfect balance for most crowds, but you can easily adjust based on who youre feeding.

Serving Suggestions

The classic dippers are celery and chips, but dont be afraid to think outside the box.

• Roasted potato wedges work surprisingly well
• Toast points or crostini add a nice crunch
• Even fresh bell pepper strips can cool things down between bites

Pin It

Hope your gathering is filled with good people, great food, and maybe a little less hovering over the baking dish than my brother did.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the mixture up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best results.

→ What can I serve with this dip?

Celery sticks, tortilla chips, sliced baguette, crackers, or carrot sticks all pair perfectly with this creamy dip.

→ Can I make it spicier?

Absolutely. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or choose a hotter hot sauce variety to increase the heat level.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves prep time. Simply shred about 2 cups of meat.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.