Spicy Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dip
Indulge in this delectable Spicy Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dip, perfect for parties, game day, or a cozy night in. This creamy and tangy dip combines the rich flavors of cream cheese, ranch dressing, and the bold kick of Frank's Buffalo Wing Sauce with tender shredded chicken and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese. It's an irresistible crowd-pleaser served warm with your choice of crispy crackers, fresh veggies, or tortilla chips. Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with this quick and easy recipe!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
16 ounces (softened)
ranch salad dressing
1 cup (none)
Frank's Buffalo wing sauce
1 cup (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (none)
shredded cooked chicken
4 cups (cooked and shredded (boiled or rotisserie chicken works well))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Place the cream cheese in a deep dish microwave-safe bowl and microwave it for about 1 minute or until softened.
3
Using a whisk, blend in the ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4
Fold in the shredded cooked chicken until thoroughly incorporated.
5
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the dip is heated throughout and bubbly.
7
Remove from the oven and give it a good stir.
8
Serve warm alongside your favorite crackers, fresh veggies, or crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dip?
It is a creamy, tangy, and spicy appetizer that combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese, baked until bubbly.
What are the main ingredients needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of ranch dressing, 1 cup of Frank's Buffalo Wing Sauce, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 4 cups of shredded cooked chicken.
How many servings does this dip provide?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dip.
How long should I bake the Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Bake the dip for about 20 minutes, or until it is heated throughout and bubbly.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Shredded cooked chicken is used; boiled chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken both work very well.
Can I use a different brand of buffalo sauce?
The recipe recommends Frank's Buffalo Wing Sauce for its specific flavor profile, but you can substitute it with your favorite buffalo-style sauce.
How do I soften the cream cheese quickly?
Place the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it for about 1 minute until it reaches a soft consistency.
What should I serve with this dip?
It is best served warm with crispy crackers, fresh vegetables (like celery), or tortilla chips.
Can I use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch?
Yes, blue cheese dressing is a common alternative to ranch in buffalo chicken recipes and will provide a sharper flavor.
Is this dip very spicy?
It has a bold kick due to the buffalo sauce, but the cream cheese and ranch dressing help balance the heat.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake and serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
How do I reheat the dip?
You can reheat leftovers in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I freeze Spicy Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dip?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream cheese and ranch dressing may separate and change texture upon thawing.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, canned chicken can be used; ensure you drain it thoroughly and shred any large chunks before mixing.
What type of cheddar cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor contrast to the spicy sauce, but mild or medium cheddar works as well.
Should I stir the dip after it comes out of the oven?
Yes, giving it a good stir after baking helps redistribute the melted cheese and sauce for a uniform texture.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until melted and hot.
How can I make the dip less spicy?
To reduce the heat, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce to 1/2 cup or use a 'mild' version of the wing sauce.
Can I add extra toppings?
Common toppings include sliced green onions, extra shredded cheese, or a drizzle of blue cheese crumbles.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always check the labels on your buffalo sauce and ranch dressing to be certain.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under 'Chicken Breast' dishes and serves as an appetizer.
Can I use Monterey Jack cheese instead of Cheddar?
Yes, Monterey Jack melts very well and is a great substitute if you prefer a milder cheese flavor.
Does the chicken need to be hot when mixing?
No, the chicken can be cold or room temperature when mixed; it will heat up thoroughly during the baking process.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This simple recipe uses only 5 core ingredients.
Can I add celery inside the dip?
Yes, adding finely chopped celery can provide a nice crunch that mimics the experience of eating traditional buffalo wings.
Is this dip keto-friendly?
Since it consists primarily of chicken, cheese, and fats, it is naturally low-carb and often fits into a keto diet (check specific labels).
What size baking dish should I use?
A 1-quart or 2-quart baking dish, or an 8x8/9x9 inch pan, is generally the perfect size for this amount of dip.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing?
You can substitute ranch with Greek yogurt for a healthier option, though you may want to add a ranch seasoning packet to maintain the flavor.