This Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is the best out there! Made with smooth cream cheese, Ranch dressing, spicy Frank’s hot sauce, gooey cheese, juicy chicken, and no Bleu Cheese, this oven-baked recipe is tantalizing and cooked to perfection.
In the mood for a tangy and cheesy dip filled with fiery buffalo flavors? You will want to dip everything in this easy and comforting appetizer recipe. The flavors of this ranch chicken dip will knock your socks off!
This hot buffalo chicken dip is one of the best Appetizer Recipes for any occasion, ball game, or holiday that calls for great food. That is why this retro dip has been so popular for generations.
The perfect balance of spicy and savory, this buffalo recipe is something you will want to make again and again.
Whether I am making my Chorizo Dip, Jalapeño Popper Dip, or Hot and Cheesy 7-Layer Dip, there is always an excuse to celebrate with delicious food.
Table of Contents
Why Is It Called Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Although this creamy and popular style of dip does not have any relation to buffalo or bison, the name actually originates from a local family restaurant in Buffalo, New York. The restaurant was named Anchor Bar and was bought by the Bellissimos in the 1930s.
Since this dip contains spicy buffalo flavors, it is only fitting to name this recipe buffalo chicken dip.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy: Ready in a little over 30 minutes, this recipe is simple, straightforward, and so easy to throw together for a Sunday evening or weeknight meal. In only a handful of steps, you will have a divine cheesy dip ready in no time.
- Versatile: Want to switch things up? This recipe is highly versatile meaning you can easily customize it to your preference and swap out different ingredients.
- Satisfying: Thanks to the flavorful chicken, melted cheese, hot sauce, and ranch dressing, this recipe contains a group of well-rounded ingredients that give this recipe the ultimate balance of flavors.
Why This Recipe Works
You will love everything about this recipe. From how easy it is to how juicy the chicken is, this warm dip is best served whenever you’re craving something appetizing and filling.
- This recipe is way better than the rest of the buffalo chicken dip recipes out there because it is made with four different types of cheeses: wow!
- Creamy ranch dressing and Frank’s Red Hot sauce come together to create classic buffalo flavors that are timeless and tasty.
- This dip is slowly roasted making the chicken and cheese mixture succulent, moist, and easy to bite into.
How To Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
Equipment
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Ingredient Notes
Below, I discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions if you don’t have a specific ingredient. However, if you are looking for the specific measurements of each ingredient, scroll down to the bottom of this article, just above the comments, for the printable recipe card, which includes all the ingredients and the specific amounts of each one.
- Chicken – For this recipe, we used large boneless and skinless chicken breasts because they are so flavorful and juicy.
- Hot Sauce – We are huge fans of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce because of its bright and tangy flavors.
- Cream Cheese – Want extra creaminess in this recipe? Don’t skip out on the cream cheese. The cream cheese adds the perfect subtle balance to this buffalo dip.
- Ranch Dressing – Mmm, rich in flavor and mildly tangy, this buffalo chicken dip would not be complete with ranch dressing. Make your own ranch or, for a shortcut, use your favorite store bought ranch dressing.
- Seasoning – You will need garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can’t go wrong with these ingredients!
- Green Onions – Green onions add a fresh aspect to this recipe and are mixed throughout the dip and on top.
- Shredded Cheese – There is more than one type of cheese for this recipe including mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. The more the merrier!
- For Serving – Tortilla chips, fresh veggies such as celery sticks or carrots, crackers, or even toasted bread.
Easy Instructions With Photos
For the complete detailed instructions, scroll down to the bottom of the article, just above the comments, for the recipe card.
- In a pan, cook the chicken on the stove until it is well done. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Chicken should be cooked to 165 F.
- Next, in a saucepan, heat the hot sauce, then add the cream cheese slowly until it is melted fully.
- Now add in the ranch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring that everything is mixed well.
- Remove the sauce mixture from the heat and add it to the chicken. In addition, you will also add about half of the green onions and different shredded cheeses. Stir to combine everything together.
- Now simply place the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the rest of the cheeses and green onions.
- Bake the chicken dip for 20 to 30 minutes. You want to make sure it is heated all the way through- this means all of the cheese will have melted and the mixture should start to bubble on the sides.
- Once melted and bubbly, remove the buffalo dip from the oven and serve with tortilla chips and fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
Variations
- Chicken – Instead of chicken breasts use chicken thighs. If you have a rotisserie chicken that you aren’t quite sure how to use the rest of, you could use that here as well. Plus it saves you the step of cooking the chicken.
- Dairy-Free – Want to make this buffalo dip dairy-free? Use your favorite dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheeses.
- Vegetarian – If you are trying to cut out meat, you could always substitute the chicken for cauliflower.
- Hot Sauce – Instead of Frank’s, use your favorite buffalo hot sauce. Just make sure it of the buffalo variety.
Recipe Tips
- Always be sure to use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken is cooked, but be careful not to overcook the chicken!
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of chicken breasts.
- Cook this dip in the Crockpot on low for four to six hours and finish off in the oven for the crispy topping.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for extra rich flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What To Eat With Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Serve this party dip with Tortilla chips, or Fritos, or fresh veggies such as celery sticks or carrots, crackers, or even toasted bread.
- For a party, serve it with:
Can I Make Baked Buffalo Dip Ahead of Time
- You can make this dip up to one to two days in advance to cut down on preparation time before serving.
Can You Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Yes and No. Yes, you can freeze the UNBAKED Buffalo Chicken Dip after it is prepared but before baking it. I don’t recommend freezing the party dip after it has been baked.
- Place the dip in an airtight freezer-safe container with a lid. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How To Store Leftover Buffalo Dip
- Before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allow the dip to fully cool.
How Long Does Buffalo Chicken Dip Last
- Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.
How To Reheat Buffalo Chicken Dip
- To reheat it, place in the microwave for one to two minutes or in a pan or skillet in the oven until just warmed through.
What Are The Calories in Buffalo Chicken Dip
- With just over 300 calories, you can enjoy this dip in moderation. Pair it with some healthy vegetables, like carrot sticks and vegetable sticks for a delicious snack, or share it with some friends as a party appetizer.
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Recipe
Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (with Cream Cheese)
Ingredients
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup ranch dressing (light ranch is ok)
- 1 cup Franks RedHot Sauce
- 1/2 cup diced green onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Place a skillet on the stove, over medium heat, Add chicken and cook until it is cooked through, (and it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees f), and the juices run clear.
- In a separate saucepan, over low heat, heat the Franks RedHot sauce, and add the cream cheese little by little until it melts and dissolves.
- Add the Ranch dressing, and garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
- Remove from heat and add the sauce to the chicken, along with half of the green onions, Mozzarella, Monterrey Jack and Cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Spoon the mixture in the baking dish and top with the extra cheese and green onion. Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, and the sides are starting to bubble.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips and/or fresh veggies.
Video
Notes
- Always be sure to use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken is cooked, but be careful not to overcook the chicken!
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of chicken breasts.
- Cook this dip in the Crockpot on low for four to six hours and finish off in the oven for the crispy topping.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for extra rich flavors.
Beth says
This recipe was so delicious and easy. I served it with celery because we are trying to watch our carbs, Thanks for the great recipe!
Michele says
Hi Beth,
Yes, this is great with celery for a low-carb appetizer!
Michele
Adrianne says
Oh wow, I have never had a chicken dip before. Yours with the combo of cream cheese and chicken sounds delicious! Can’t wait to give it a go, thanks for sharing.
Michele says
Andrianne,
You don’t know what you are missing! This is so flavorful, cheesy, and good!
Michele
Lucy says
This buffalo chicken dip is the perfect appetiser. Packed full of flavour with a delicious spicy taste!
Michele says
Hi Lucy,
I agree with you completely!
Michele
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
This is just full of great flavours and perfect for entertaining. Definitely making this one!
Michele says
Hi Amanda,
Yes, it is perfect for entertaining. It is one of our go-to recipes for whenever we have a party.
Michele
Jacqueline Meldrum says
I wouldn’t have thought of adding ranch dressing. *takes notes*
Michele says
Hi Jacqueline,
We love ranch dressing, and it goes perfectly with this dip.
Michele