Buffalo chicken dip—it’s like the comfort food equivalent of a touchdown dance. You know, the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re sitting in a cozy stadium seat, wrapped in a warm jersey, even if you’re just sprawled out on your living room couch. It’s spicy, creamy, and has that irresistible allure that makes it the star of any party spread, or just a random Tuesday night craving. Just the aroma of it bubbling in the oven brings back memories of game nights with friends, where the dip was as much a part of the celebration as the actual game (if not more).
Steps
- Cook the Chicken: Boil a large pot of water and add the chicken breasts. Once boiling, remove from heat, cover, and let the chicken poach for about 25 minutes. Once cooked, let it cool before shredding.
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk continually until the mixture is smooth and the cream cheese is melted.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, green onions, one cup each of mozzarella and cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until well combined, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake the Dip: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a golden brown top.
- Serve: Enjoy with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or crackers. This dip is also great when wrapped in a tortilla with fresh greens.
Ingredients
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup ranch dressing (either homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot), plus more if desired
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup green onion, chopped
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
Nutritional Values
Calories: 4152 kcal | Carbohydrates: 108g | Protein: 192g | Fat: 324g | Saturated Fat: 120g | Cholesterol: 636mg | Sodium: 14988mg | Potassium: 1440mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 7080 IU | Vitamin C: 286.8mg | Calcium: 2436mg | Iron: 7.2mg
FAQ
- What type of chicken is best for Buffalo Chicken Dip?
- You can use any cooked chicken such as shredded poached chicken, baked chicken breasts or thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover turkey. Canned chicken works in a pinch, but it’s best to use pre-cooked chicken for ease.
- How can I reduce the greasiness of my Buffalo Chicken Dip?
- While it’s challenging to make this dip completely grease-free, using chicken breast (white meat) instead of chicken thighs (dark meat) can help reduce some excess fat.
- Can I substitute blue cheese dressing for ranch dressing?
- Certainly! Buffalo chicken dip tastes great with both ranch and blue cheese dressing. Opt for your preferred choice, but it’s suggested to use real dressing rather than any dry mixes.
- What’s the ideal baking time for Buffalo Chicken Dip?
- Bake the dip at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until it becomes golden, melted, and heated through.
- Is it possible to freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?
- Freezing is not recommended as reheating from frozen can result in a chalky texture, losing the creamy consistency that makes this dip so enjoyable.
Tips
- Pre-cook the Chicken: To save time on the day of your event, cook and shred the chicken ahead of time. You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or poach the chicken breasts, which takes about 40 minutes in total.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: For a smoother and creamier dip, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: To prevent the dip from becoming greasy or separating, opt for full-fat block cream cheese instead of low-fat alternatives, which may not hold up well when baked.
- Experiment with Dressings: Feel free to switch between ranch and blue cheese dressing based on your preference. Both work well with this recipe, but ensure you use a quality dressing for the best flavor.
Equipment
- 9×9-inch Baking Pan
- Medium Saucepot
- Non-stick Cooking Spray
