Description
This creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a perfect party appetizer that combines shredded canned chicken with spicy hot sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese for a rich and flavorful dip. Ready in just 15 minutes of prep and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and ideal for game days or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 can canned chicken (drained and shredded)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (can substitute with blue cheese dressing)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (can substitute with minced garlic)
Cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese (optional)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, divided as 3/4 cup folded in and 1/4 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly.
- Drain and Shred Chicken: Drain the canned chicken in a colander and shred it into small, manageable pieces for even distribution in the dip.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, hot sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Add Cheeses: Gently fold in the blue cheese (if using) and 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture to maintain some texture and creaminess.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the dip mixture evenly into an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dip for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Notes
- For a spicier dip, increase the amount of hot sauce.
- Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a more authentic Buffalo flavor.
- Serve with celery sticks, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
