Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Dip

• Cooked Shredded Chicken: The hearty base of this dip. Ensures a satisfying, meaty texture. Use rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience.
• Cream Cheese: Provides the essential creamy, rich foundation. Softened for easy mixing, preventing lumps for a smooth dip.
• Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce: The star ingredient, delivering authentic Buffalo flavor and a spicy kick. Don’t substitute for the true experience.
• Ranch Dressing: Adds a tangy, herbaceous creaminess that perfectly complements the hot sauce. Use a good quality brand for best flavor.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Contributes sharp, savory depth and gooey goodness to the Buffalo Chicken Dip. Freshly shred for superior melt.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, providing that desirable stringy, cheesy pull. Use whole milk mozzarella for extra richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Enriches the hot sauce, creating a silkier, more authentic Buffalo wing sauce flavor profile. Melt gently before combining.
• Sour Cream: Balances the richness and heat with a pleasant tang and extra creaminess. Full-fat sour cream works best here.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: Offers a pungent, salty counterpoint, classic to any Buffalo dish. A must-have for an authentic Buffalo Chicken Dip.
• Garlic Powder: An aromatic essential, enhancing the savory profile of the dip. Mix thoroughly to distribute flavor evenly.
• Kosher Salt: Amplifies all the flavors, bringing balance and depth. Adjust to your taste, remembering cheese adds saltiness.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and a touch of mild spice. Freshly ground pepper offers the best aroma.
• Sliced Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild oniony bite and vibrant color for garnish. Sprinkle generously right before serving.
• Extra Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Creates a beautiful, bubbly, golden-brown crust on top of the dip. Don’t skip this for presentation.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip

Prep Oven & Chicken:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature, and have your 3 cups of cooked shredded chicken ready. This quick preparation ensures a smooth start to your Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Whisk Creamy Base:

In a large bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, Frank’s RedHot, ranch dressing, melted butter, and sour cream until smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This creates the rich, flavorful base for your dip.

Fold in Ingredients:

Now, gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and the cooked shredded chicken into the creamy base. If using, add the blue cheese crumbles here. Mix until everything is just combined for the best texture.

Assemble & Bake:

Transfer the entire Buffalo Chicken Dip mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the extra 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Rest & Garnish:

Once baked, remove your Buffalo Chicken Dip from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows it to set slightly. Garnish generously with fresh sliced green onions for a vibrant finish and extra flavor.

Serve Hot:

Serve your warm, bubbly Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip immediately with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or slices of pita bread. It’s perfect for game days or any gathering, ensuring everyone enjoys this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

How to Store Buffalo Chicken Dip

To **store** leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip, transfer it to an **airtight** container and **refrigerate** promptly. It will stay **fresh** for 3-4 days. Leaving it out too long causes quick spoilage—don’t do what I did! Discard if an off smell, mold, or unusual texture appears.

For make-ahead, prepare chicken and shred cheeses in advance. Mix the dip base up to 24 hours prior; store covered in the fridge. Add topping cheese and bake **fresh** when ready to serve. When reheating, cover with foil to prevent drying, then stir gently.

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip

Serve this Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip hot and bubbly, straight from the oven. For a crowd-pleasing presentation, garnish generously with fresh sliced green onions or a drizzle of ranch. It’s perfect with sturdy dippers like tortilla chips, crisp celery sticks, or warm pita bread. Always serve warm to enjoy its irresistible gooey, cheesy texture.

My personal favorite way to serve is with sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips. The salty crunch perfectly complements the warm, creamy, spicy dip. It’s an effortless way to pair and enjoy every mouthful.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute ingredients like blue cheese crumbles in The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip?

Yes, you can! While blue cheese crumbles are recommended, feel free to omit them or use an alternative like extra cheddar. It won’t be quite the same, but still delicious. I’ve done it when I’m out of blue cheese.

→ How do I prepare The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can! Prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance, then store it covered in the fridge. Add the topping cheese just before baking fresh. This makes party day much easier.

→ What if my Buffalo Chicken Dip turns out lumpy or too runny after baking?

Lumpy dip usually means cold cream cheese. For runny dip, ensure you rest it for 5 minutes after baking. I learned the hard way that resting prevents a messy, runny texture.

→ How long can I store leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip in the refrigerator safely?

You can store leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always discard it if you notice any off smells or unusual textures, as I’ve unfortunately experienced.

→ Can I easily double or halve this Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe for different crowd sizes?

Absolutely! This Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe scales well. To double, simply multiply all ingredients by two and use a larger baking dish. Halving works too, just use a smaller dish.