Buffalo chicken dip is a popular appetizer that combines buffalo chicken wings with a creamy dip. The main ingredients in buffalo chicken dip are chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Additional ingredients like cheese, vegetables, and spices are also commonly added.
Chicken
The key ingredient in buffalo chicken dip is chicken. Traditionally, cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken or chicken breasts are used. You can also use leftover chicken. Shred or dice the chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
Using shredded chicken allows the sauce to coat and soak into the chicken. This gives you that classic buffalo chicken flavor in every bite. Lean chicken breast is ideal but you can use thighs if you prefer darker meat.
Hot Sauce
To give the dip its signature buffalo chicken flavor, you need hot sauce. Frank’s RedHot is the most popular brand used as it gives both heat and that distinctive vinegary, buttery taste.
The amount of hot sauce can be adjusted to preference. Typically you’ll need around 1/2 cup of hot sauce for 2-3 cups of shredded chicken. You can also use other hot sauces like Tabasco, Cholula, or Texas Pete.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese provides the rich, creamy base of the dip. Using full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor. Reduced fat or fat-free cream cheese versions tend to make the dip thinner.
Around 8 ounces or one block of room temperature cream cheese is standard for most buffalo chicken dip recipes. The cream cheese is beaten until smooth before mixing in the other ingredients.
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing adds tanginess as well as more creaminess to balance the spiciness. Using ranch dressing instead of just more cream cheese gives the dip a brighter, more well-rounded flavor.
You’ll need around 1/2 to 1 cup of ranch dressing. Regular, low-fat, or fat-free ranch all work well. Buttermilk ranch has a particularly fresh taste.
Cheese
Cheese is an optional but highly recommended addition. Melting the cheese on top as the dip bakes gives such a satisfyingly gooey layer.
Shredded cheddar, monterey jack, and mozzarella are commonly used. Around 1 cup of shredded cheese is standard. You can also use cheese crumbles or substitute with cream cheese.
Vegetables
Onions, bell peppers, and celery can provide crunch and extra flavor. These are optional additions but vegetables like:
- Diced onions
- Minced garlic
- Chopped celery
- Diced red or green bell peppers
All go well mixed into the dip. Around 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vegetables is usually added.
Seasonings
Different dried herbs and spices can enhance the flavor of buffalo chicken dip:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Chili powder
- Dried parsley
- Dried chives
Use about 1 teaspoon of each seasoning you’d like to add. Cayenne pepper can be added to make the dip spicier.
Sour Cream
Some recipes also include sour cream for extra richness and tang. Around 1/2 cup of regular or light sour cream can be folded into the dip.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is sometimes swapped in for the ranch dressing or used in addition to the ranch. Using about 1/2 cup of mayo can make the dip creamier and thicker.
Blue Cheese
Crumbled blue cheese is a popular topping for buffalo chicken wings. So adding around 1/4 cup of blue cheese crumbles into the hot dip or on top as a garnish can be a nice touch.
Worcestershire Sauce
A splash or two of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the savory umami flavors in the dip.
Milk
For a smoother, pourable dip, some milk can be stirred in to thin it out. Use just a splash or up to 1/4 cup of milk to reach the desired consistency.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
Here is a step-by-step overview of how to make buffalo chicken dip:
- Shred or dice cooked chicken and place in a medium bowl
- Add hot sauce and toss chicken to coat
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth
- Stir in ranch dressing, any vegetables, and seasonings
- Add the spicy chicken and any other ingredients like cheese or sour cream
- Transfer the dip to a baking dish and top with extra cheese
- Bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbly
- Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving
- Serve with chips, crackers, celery, or carrot sticks
The dip can also be made in a slow cooker or instant pot. Just cook on high for an hour or until heated through. Garnish with extra ranch, hot sauce, or chives if desired.
Ingredients
Here is an overview of the key ingredients used to make buffalo chicken dip:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shredded Cooked Chicken | 2-3 cups |
| Hot Sauce (Frank’s RedHot, etc) | Around 1/2 cup |
| Cream Cheese | 8 ounces |
| Ranch Dressing | 1/2 to 1 cup |
| Shredded Cheese | 1 cup, optional |
Serving
Buffalo chicken dip is traditionally served warm or hot. Here are some serving tips:
- Bake until heated through and top is bubbly
- Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving so its edible
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, pretzels, or fresh cut vegetables
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat to serve again
- Can be served cold but best when warm
Tips
Here are some tips for making the best buffalo chicken dip:
- Use real shredded chicken, not canned chicken
- Frank’s RedHot sauce gives the signature flavor
- Let the cream cheese soften to room temp before mixing
- Stir in the ranch dressing for a creamier texture
- Top with extra shredded cheese before baking
- Serve warm or hot for the best flavor and texture
Customize
There are lots of ways to customize this versatile dip by adding your favorite ingredients:
- Use a different hot sauce like Sriracha for a kick
- Stir in crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor
- Add diced red onions or bell peppers for crunch
- Top with bacon bits or green onions before baking
- Swap in Greek yogurt for a healthier version
- Make it spicier with extra cayenne pepper
Experiment with different add-ins to create your own signature buffalo chicken dip!
Common Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about buffalo chicken dip:
Does it need to be baked?
Baking the dip is recommended to melt the cheese and evenly heat the ingredients. However, you can get away with just heating it up in the microwave until hot.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe!
Can I use canned chicken?
It’s better to use real shredded chicken rather than canned chicken for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicy.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Properly stored, it will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated.
Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for a typical serving (about 1/4 cup) of buffalo chicken dip:
| Calories | 180 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbs | 2g |
| Protein | 10g |
As you can see, buffalo chicken dip is high in fat and calories due to the cream cheese, ranch, and cheese. Enjoy it in moderation as an appetizer for a crowd or at a party.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken dip combines all the savory, spicy flavors of buffalo wings with the cool creaminess of a dip or spread. The key ingredients are chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Spices, vegetables, and cheese can also be mixed in. Bake and serve it warm with crackers or chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
This versatile dip can be customized in endless ways to suit your tastes. The basic buffalo chicken flavor profile remains the same, while you can play around with different add-ins. Next time you host a party or game day get-together, wow guests with a spread featuring this easy and addicting buffalo chicken dip.
