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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip

This creamy buffalo chicken dip balances spicy buffalo sauce with cool, tangy cream cheese and a touch of ranch. Perfect for parties and disappears fast.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing full-fat preferred
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce like Frank's RedHot
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 2 medium chicken breasts, see notes)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese optional, for tang
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking dish
  • mixing bowl
  • hand mixer or stand mixer
  • rubber spatula
  • oven mitts

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute. This prevents lumps in the final dip.
  3. Add the ranch dressing and buffalo wing sauce. Mix on low until combined. The mixture should be a pale orange with a smooth, even consistency.
  4. Fold in the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (if using). Stir gently with a rubber spatula until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. A visual cue: the center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and additional blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers.

Notes

Storage: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between. To freeze, assemble the dip (without baking) in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and ranch, but note the texture may be less creamy. For a spicier dip, add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of extra buffalo sauce to taste. Common allergens: dairy (cream cheese, cheese, ranch, blue cheese), eggs (in some ranch dressings), and gluten (in some buffalo sauces; use a certified gluten-free brand if needed). For specific dietary advice, consult a qualified professional.