Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Buffalo chicken dip is a popular appetizer known for its creamy, spicy flavor reminiscent of buffalo chicken wings.

Below is my sraightforward recipe that combines essential ingredients to create a delicious dip perfect for parties or game days.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (can use rotisserie chicken)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional garnishes: chopped green onions or blue cheese dressing

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Chicken: If not using pre-cooked chicken, cook about 3 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts by boiling or baking until fully cooked, then shred.

Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and shredded chicken. Stir until well blended.

Add Cheese: Fold in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the mixture.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or similar size. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Broil (Optional): For a golden top, you can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with green onions or drizzle with blue cheese dressing if desired. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

Tips

• For added flavor, consider mixing in some garlic powder or black pepper to taste.
• This dip can be made ahead of time; simply assemble it in the baking dish and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• If you prefer a spicier dip, feel free to increase the amount of buffalo sauce used.

Ways to Increase Spiciness

Add More Hot Sauce: The simplest way to amp up the heat is to increase the amount of buffalo sauce. Start by adding an extra tablespoon or two, and adjust according to your taste. Consider using a hotter variety, such as Frank’s RedHot Xtra Hot or other brands that offer a higher heat level.

Incorporate Fresh Peppers: Adding fresh spicy peppers can significantly enhance the heat. Options include:

• • Jalapeños: Dice them and include them in the mixture, seeds and all for extra heat.
  • Serrano or Habanero Peppers: Roast and purée them before mixing into the dip for a deeper flavor and more intense heat.

Use Chili Flakes or Powder: Adding cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even a blend of chili powders can introduce more heat without altering the overall flavor profile too much.

Spicy Cheese Options: If you want to add a different flavor dimension, consider using pepper jack cheese instead of regular cheddar or mozzarella.

Experiment with Different Hot Sauces: Try adding sauces like Sriracha, El Yucateco, or even ghost pepper hot sauce for a serious kick. Just be cautious with the quantity as these can be significantly hotter than standard buffalo sauce.

Include Diced Green Chiles: Canned diced green chiles can add both heat and flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Chili Crisp or Hot Oil: Adding a spoonful of chili crisp or a drizzle of hot chili oil can provide both spiciness and texture.

Tips for Balancing Heat

While increasing the spice level, keep in mind that too much heat can overwhelm the flavors. It’s often best to balance the spice with creamy ingredients like cream cheese or sour cream to maintain a pleasant taste.

By adjusting these elements, you can create a buffalo chicken dip that caters to your desired spice level while still being enjoyable for everyone at your gathering.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream. Greek yogurt is thicker and tangier, making it an excellent alternative in various recipes, including dips, dressings, and toppings.

Benefits of Using Greek Yogurt:

Nutritional Value: Greek yogurt is lower in calories and fat while being higher in protein compared to sour cream. For example, full-fat Greek yogurt contains about 97 calories and 5 grams of fat per 100 grams, while sour cream has around 198 calories and 19 grams of fat.

Flavor Profile: Although Greek yogurt has a tangier taste than sour cream, it can enhance the overall flavor of dishes.

Versatility: It works well in both savory and sweet recipes, and can be used in baking as well.

Tips for Substitution:

• Use Whole-Fat Greek Yogurt: For the best results, especially in baking or creamy dishes, opt for whole-fat Greek yogurt to mimic the richness of sour cream.
• Adjust for Flavor: If you want to replicate the taste of sour cream more closely, consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the Greek yogurt.

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare buffalo chicken dip ahead of time. Here are the options based on the latest information:

Refrigeration: You can assemble the dip without baking it, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, uncover it, and bake as instructed.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled dip in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Be aware that freezing and reheating may alter the texture slightly.

Cooking Time Adjustment: If you prepare the dip a day in advance, you may need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to heat it up.

What are some good dipping options besides chips?

Here are some excellent dipping options for buffalo chicken dip besides chips:

Vegetable Sticks:

Celery Sticks: A classic choice that adds a refreshing crunch.

Carrot Sticks: Sweet and crunchy, they pair well with the dip’s spiciness.

Cucumber Slices: Light and crisp, they provide a cool contrast.

Crackers:

Ritz Crackers: Buttery and flaky, they are perfect for scooping.

Chicken-Flavored Crackers: Enhance the flavor profile with a savory touch.

Bread Options:

Sliced Baguette: Toasted slices add a nice texture and flavor.

Pita Bread or Pita Chips: Soft or crunchy, both options work well.

Other Dippers:

Pretzel Crisps: Their saltiness complements the dip nicely.

Blue Corn Chips: For a unique flavor and color contrast.

These alternatives not only enhance the taste experience but also provide a variety of textures to enjoy with your buffalo chicken dip.

What are some creative ways to serve Buffalo Chicken Dip at a party?

Here are some creative ways to serve buffalo chicken dip at a party, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for your guests:

Buffalo Chicken Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, dollop buffalo chicken dip on top, and sprinkle with additional cheese. Bake until melted and add toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole before serving.

Stuffed Mini Peppers: Fill sweet mini peppers with warmed buffalo chicken dip for a colorful and bite-sized appetizer. This adds a fresh twist while maintaining the dip’s flavor.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Layer buffalo chicken dip between slider buns, top with cheese, and bake until golden. This transforms the dip into a hearty sandwich option that’s easy to serve.

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas: Spread buffalo chicken dip between tortillas, add cheese, and grill until crispy. Cut into wedges for a tasty finger food option.

Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Skins: Bake sweet potatoes, scoop out some flesh, and fill the skins with buffalo chicken dip. Top with cheese and bake again until bubbly.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites: Wrap buffalo chicken dip in crescent roll dough and bake for bite-sized treats that are crispy on the outside and creamy inside.

Buffalo Chicken Taco Salad: Use the dip as a topping for a taco salad, adding lettuce, tomatoes, and crushed tortilla chips for crunch. This makes for a fun, interactive dish.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Acorn Squash: For a healthier option, fill roasted acorn squash halves with buffalo chicken dip. This adds a nutritious element to your spread.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Pasta: Mix cooked pasta with buffalo chicken dip for a creamy pasta dish that can be served warm or cold as a unique side or main dish.

These creative serving ideas not only elevate the traditional buffalo chicken dip but also cater to various tastes and preferences at your party!