Buffalo Chicken Dip

The first time I brought this dip to a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah literally hovered over the bowl until she'd eaten half of it herself. She kept asking what was in it, and I honestly think the combination of ranch and blue cheese dressings is what makes it so dangerously addictive. Now whenever friends come over for game day, someone inevitably texts me ahead of time asking if 'that buffalo chicken dip' is on the menu. It's become the kind of dish that disappears before I even get a chance to sit down with a chip myself.

Last winter, my neighbor texted me at 7pm on a Friday saying she'd had the worst week and needed something comforting. I threw this together with a rotisserie chicken I'd picked up earlier that day, and we stood in her kitchen eating it straight from the baking dish with tortilla chips while her kids were asleep. She told me later that night turned everything around for her. Food has this way of doing that, you know?

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves so much time
• 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: Leave it out for an hour so it blends smoothly into the sauces without lumps
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot): This is the backbone of the classic buffalo flavor we all love
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Adds a cool, creamy contrast that tames the heat beautifully
• 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing: If you're not a blue cheese fan, just use all ranch instead
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch throughout the dip
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese: Totally optional, but those salty little pockets are magic
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that gorgeous golden, stretchy top everyone fights over
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions: Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F):

Get everything ready while the oven warms up

Mix the creamy base:

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and blue cheese dressing until completely smooth

Add the chicken and cheese:

Fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese until everything's evenly distributed

Transfer to your baking dish:

Spread the mixture into a 1.5 to 2-liter baking dish, smoothing the top with your spoon

Add the cheesy topping:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the entire surface

Bake until bubbly and golden:

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling, with some golden spots on top

Let it rest briefly:

Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes so it sets up slightly

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions, then serve warm with whatever dippers you love

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My brother-in-law, who claims to hate blue cheese in any form, ate this dip for ten minutes before asking what the crumbles were. When I told him, he just shrugged and said 'well, I guess I like it in this' and went right back to eating. That's the thing about this dip, it converts people. The flavors just work together so well that preconceived notions sort of melt away along with all that cheese.

Make It Ahead

You can assemble the entire dip up to two days before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld together even better this way. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're putting it in cold from the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Celery sticks are the classic pairing for a reason, that cool crunch balances everything perfectly. But honestly, tortilla chips, pita bread, or even sliced baguette all work beautifully depending on what your crowd prefers.

Adjusting The Heat

The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is to your spice tolerance. Start with the recommended amount of hot sauce, then taste before baking.

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you really want to turn up the heat
• Swap in a hotter sauce if you like things extra fiery
• Use a mild hot sauce or reduce the amount for sensitive palates

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Hope this becomes your go-to party pleaser just like it has for me. There's something pretty wonderful about watching a room full of people gather around a dish you made.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the mixture up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best results.

→ What can I serve with this dip?

Celery sticks, tortilla chips, sliced baguette, crackers, or carrot sticks all work wonderfully for dipping.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely. Use milder hot sauce for less heat, or add cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce for more kick.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds extra flavor. Just shred it before mixing.

→ Can I make this without blue cheese?

Definitely. Use all ranch dressing instead of blue cheese dressing, and substitute additional cheddar for the blue cheese crumbles.