Short description
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, cheesy delight that combines the spicy flavors of Buffalo chicken with the richness of cheese and dressing. It’s perfect for any party, gathering, or even just a cozy snack. The combination of cream cheese, hot sauce, and shredded chicken makes for a dish that’s sure to please everyone.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it brings together the best of both worlds—comfort food and bold flavors. The cream cheese and ranch dressing give the dip a rich, creamy texture, while the hot sauce adds the perfect amount of heat. It’s quick and simple to prepare, and it’s always a hit at any party or game day gathering. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can make it spicier, milder, or adjust the toppings to your liking.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
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4 oz shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
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4 oz shredded pepper Jack cheese (about 1 cup)
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½ cup ranch dressing
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½ cup hot sauce
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¾ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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4 cups chopped cooked chicken (about 2 rotisserie chickens)
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½ cup sliced scallions (from about 4 scallions), divided
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3 oz crumbled blue cheese (about ¾ cup)
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Cooking spray (for preparing the baking dish)
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Carrot sticks, celery sticks, and pretzel or tortilla chips for serving
directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Cheddar, pepper Jack, ranch dressing, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until fully blended.
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Fold in the chopped chicken and half of the sliced scallions.
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Spray a 13 × 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray, then transfer the dip mixture into the dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
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Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is hot and the edges are bubbly.
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Remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining scallions. Serve warm with carrot sticks, celery sticks, and chips.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 10 half-cup servings. The prep time is around 10 minutes, and the baking time is about 20 to 25 minutes. In total, the recipe will take approximately 30–35 minutes to prepare and cook.
Variations
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I like to mix up the cheese blend—sometimes I use a combination of Colby Jack or mozzarella for a creamier dip.
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For a spicier version, I add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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If I want a milder dip, I reduce the hot sauce and swap out the pepper Jack cheese for something less spicy.
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I’ve also made a slow-cooker version by combining all the ingredients (except the scallions) in a crockpot and cooking on low for about 1½–2 hours, then adding the scallions just before serving.
storage/reheating
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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To reheat, I warm it up in the microwave in short intervals (about 30 seconds at a time) until hot, or I gently reheat it on the stovetop.
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I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as the cream cheese and ranch dressing can separate and affect the texture once thawed.
FAQs
What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
I’ve used cooked chicken breast or poached chicken in the past, and they work just as well. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch, though freshly cooked chicken gives the best flavor.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! I like to prepare the dip a day ahead and refrigerate it. When I’m ready to serve, I just pop it in the oven to bake.
How long can the dip sit out at room temperature?
For safety, I usually only leave the dip out for up to 2 hours. If I’m serving it at a party, I’ll keep it warm in a slow cooker set on “low.”
Can I freeze leftover dip?
I don’t recommend freezing this dip. The texture of cream cheese and ranch-based dips can change once frozen, often becoming grainy or separating upon thawing.
What can I serve with this dip?
I love serving it with crunchy carrot and celery sticks, or chips like tortilla chips, pretzels, or pita bread. The crispness complements the creamy dip perfectly.
Conclusion
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip is one of my go-to recipes when I need something that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Whether it’s for a party or just a quick snack, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The creamy texture combined with the spicy kick makes it irresistible, and it’s always one of the first things to disappear from the table. Enjoy!
Print
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 half-cup servings
Description
A creamy, spicy, and cheesy Buffalo chicken dip that’s perfect for parties, game days, or cozy snacks. Loaded with rotisserie chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and a blend of cheeses.
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
4 oz shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
4 oz shredded pepper Jack cheese (about 1 cup)
½ cup ranch dressing
½ cup hot sauce
¾ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
4 cups chopped cooked chicken (about 2 rotisserie chickens)
½ cup sliced scallions (from about 4 scallions), divided
3 oz crumbled blue cheese (about ¾ cup)
Cooking spray
Carrot sticks, celery sticks, pretzels, or tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, Cheddar, pepper Jack, ranch dressing, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until fully blended.
- Fold in chopped chicken and half of the sliced scallions.
- Spray a 13 × 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and transfer the dip mixture to the dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and hot throughout.
- Remove from oven, garnish with remaining scallions, and serve warm with chips or veggies.
Notes
- Use poached chicken or canned chicken if rotisserie chicken isn’t available.
- Prepare ahead and refrigerate unbaked dip for up to 24 hours.
- For a slow-cooker version, combine all ingredients (except scallions) and heat on low for 1½–2 hours.
- Adjust spice level by varying hot sauce and cheese types.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe (approx. ½ cup)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg