Description
This Quick Buffalo Chicken Jalapeno Popper Dip is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy appetizer perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Combining shredded chicken with a blend of cream cheese, hot sauce, and a trio of cheeses, this dip delivers bold buffalo flavors with a jalapeno kick. It’s simple to prepare and ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Dairy
- 16 oz chicken, shredded into small bite-sized pieces
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (about 70°F)
- 1.75 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1.75 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
Condiments and Sauce
- 3/4 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s preferred)
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 cup jalapeno, seeded and finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If not already shredded, cook and shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they mix evenly and absorb the flavors throughout the dip.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sauces: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the hot sauce, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Stir until smooth and well blended to create a creamy buffalo base.
- Add Cheese and Spices: Fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with the garlic powder. Mixing the cheese in at this stage helps with even melting later on.
- Incorporate Chicken and Jalapenos: Gently fold the shredded chicken and finely diced jalapenos into the mixture, distributing ingredients evenly for a consistent flavor in every bite.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the dip into an oven-safe baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for even cooking and presentation.
- Bake the Dip: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dip for approximately 20 minutes or until it is bubbling and the cheese on top has melted and slightly browned.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to ensure a smooth dip.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten up the recipe if desired.
