Ranch. Cheese. Hot sauce. Is there a better combo?! NO! This Baked Buffalo Chicken dip is the perfect appetizer for any occasion, and ready in 30 minutes!
This baked buffalo chicken dip combines the three basic food groups: cheese, hot sauce, and ranch. I'm only kidding, but really if you are from the Midwest, like I am, you probably completely agree with me. This dip makes the perfect appetizer for game days, parties and holiday gatherings.
This dip can be baked then stored in a crock pot and kept warm for hours, making it great for tailgates. Pair with tortilla chips, pretzels or even added to different recipes for the ultimate combo.
Ingredient Notes
- Ranch and Hot Sauce: My favorite hot sauce to use in Frank's Red Hot and I love using my homemade buttermilk ranch as well. You could of course use a store bought ranch if you prefer and a different hot sauce, but the flavor will vary slightly.
- Shredded Cheese: I like using shredded cheddar cheese and a touch of mozzarella as well. The mozzarella adds more creaminess to the dip.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is the best for the dip and makes it nice and creamy and adds additional flavor. Alternatively, you can use leftover chicken with mild spices. I do not recommend using canned chicken.
Why You'll Love It
Quick and Easy to Make Plus Ready in About 30 Minutes
Versatile. Can be Enjoyed with Chips or Added to Different Recipes
Perfect for Parties of All Occasions, plus a Fan Favorite
Instructions
- Measure out all your buffalo dip ingredients, or just let your heart decide if that's your thing.
- Combine everything into a large bowl and mash and stir to combine. I like to use a fork for this step.
- Once the buffalo dip is combined, pour dip into a baking dish and bake on the center rack for 25 minutes, or until melty and bubbling. You can also sprinkle on additional cheese if you wish.
- Serve your finished dip warm with chips, veggies or crackers.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. It rarely lasts that long, honestly. We ready to eat, I scoop the amount I want into a small bowl and microwave it for 30 seconds (or until warm) stirring afterwards.
Pro Tips
Bake the Dip First
First thing you need to do to make the best buffalo chicken dip is bake it in the oven. SO many other dip recipes that are similar to this always go strait to the crock pot. Don't do it, not yet anyway.
I myself have ignored this advice and the result was exactly what my mother said would happen. The cheese didn't melt evenly, the ranch and hot sauce separated and it was not cute.
Pile on the Toppings
I am all about the extras when it comes to my recipes. For this buffalo dip recipe I love to add additional cheese to the top (because life is better with cheese), additional ranch and green onions when serving.
These things are completely optional, but if you want to take your dip game to a whole new level don't be shy with the extras.
Time Saver Tip
Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is great for this dip recipe! It saves on having to bake chicken ahead of time and is cost effective as well.
FAQS
Yes, this dip can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored covered in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, cook dip according to recipe instructions. Alternatively, you can bake the buffalo dip and store in the fridge then re-warm in a crockpot for 2 hours on low before serving.
When buffalo dip is runny it usually means that you didn't add enough chicken and too much ranch dressing and hot sauce. Before baking the dip will be thick, so do not be fooled and add in more ranch or hot sauce.
Buffalo dip goes great with tortilla chips, crackers, pretzels, carrot sticks, celery stick or toasted bread. If you are wanting to mix it up, add this dip over top of baked potatoes, pasta or a sandwich for a fun spin on a classic. Check out my Buffalo Grilled Cheese and Smashed Buffalo Potatoes for more buffalo sauce recipes.
Personally, I do not like to freeze buffalo dip. The cream cheese in the dip will get a strange texture after it is thawed and be grainy.
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Happy Eating!
Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 2 ½ Cups Cooked Chicken Breasts Shredded
- 8 Oz Cream Cheese Softened
- 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese Shredded
- ½ Cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded (Optional)
- 1 Cup Ranch Dressing Plus more for topping
- ½ Cup Franks Hot Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 Pinch Sea Salt
Optional Toppings
- Sliced Green Onions
- Additional Ranch Dressing
- Additional Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is preheating, combine all ingredients into a large bowl. Stir and mash together until well combined.
- Pour into a 7x11 inch (or 9x9) baking dish and spread out evenly. You can add more cheddar cheese to the top if you wish or leave plain.
- Cook on the middle rack in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and melted throughout.
- Stir before serving with tortilla chips, celery, carrots, or whatever you are into! If you aren't going to eat immediately, place into a crock pot on warm to keep warm and fresh all day!
Video
Notes
- Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the microwave until warm (30-60 seconds), stirring to make sure heat is transferred. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until warm.
- Serving Suggestions: I like to serve my buffalo dip with tortilla chips, crackers, pretzels, baby carrots, or celery sticks.
Nutrition
Sharing is Caring!
Sara
Awesome recipe for parties! My fam loves it!
D
All this cheesy goodness is making me drool! Your recipe had me at cheese but then you said you add extra, wow, I need to make this and soon!
D, xo || from https://livedreamcreate-d.com
Leanne
Love ranch and hot sauce - this recipe looks like a crowd pleaser indeed!
Caitlyn Erhardt
It is a pretty amazing combo! Thank you for your comment 🙂
sheenam | thetwincookingproject.net
I have never had baked dip before. This look yum! Trying super soon.
Caitlyn Erhardt
It is so yummy! I hope you love it! 🙂
Colleen
Delicious dip! Buffalo dips are perfect for fall, and this one looks amazing!
Caitlyn Erhardt
Thank you! Agree they are my favorite in Fall!
Jillian
Appetizer ? I could eat this as a meal - YUM!
Caitlyn Erhardt
LOL Right?! My husband and I often do ha
Meredith
This is my favorite football party appetizer! I love how easy it is to make.
Caitlyn Erhardt
Same with our family!
Tisha
This is definitely my go to game day snack!!!
Danielle
This looks so tasty and perfect for football season! I love the colors and the flavor combination!
Caitlyn Erhardt
Exactly! This dip makes an appearance most Fall weekends!
Iryna
I'm drooling even from looking at this dip. Such a great idea for Game Day or any other occasion.
Caitlyn Erhardt
It is so good! Our favorite on football Sundays!