Buffalo Chicken Dip

The first time I brought this dip to a Super Bowl party, I actually had to print out copies of the recipe because people kept asking for it. My friend Sarah stood by the baking dish for twenty minutes, double-dipping celery sticks and declaring she might never eat dinner. That's when I knew this wasn't just another appetizer.

Last winter, my husband requested this for his birthday dinner instead of cake. We ate it straight from the baking dish while watching movies in our pajamas, and honestly, it was perfect. Sometimes the best celebrations aren't fancy at all.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast: I love using a rotisserie chicken here because it already has that seasoned flavor, but leftover chicken works beautifully too
• 225 g softened cream cheese: Let this sit out for thirty minutes before mixing to avoid any lumpy spots in your dip
• 1/2 cup hot sauce: Franks RedHot is my go-to, but whatever brand you love will work perfectly
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing: This tames the heat and adds that familiar creamy tang everyone expects
• 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing: If you have blue cheese haters in your life, just swap this for more ranch
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives you the best flavor punch against all that creaminess
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese: Totally optional, but those little pockets of intense blue cheese make it feel restaurant quality
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella: This creates that gorgeous golden blanket on top that makes everyone grab their phones to Instagram it
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives: These add a fresh bite that cuts through all the richness

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Get your oven warming to 180°C so it's ready when you are

Mix the creamy base:

Beat together the cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch, and blue cheese dressing until everything's silky smooth

Add the chicken and cheese:

Fold in your shredded chicken, cheddar, and crumbled blue cheese until every piece is coated in that spicy, creamy mixture

Transfer to baking dish:

Spread everything into a 1.5 to 2 liter baking dish, creating an even surface for that cheese topping

Add the mozzarella crown:

Sprinkle your mozzarella evenly across the top, right to the edges

Bake until bubbly:

Slide it into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, watching for those gorgeous golden spots and the edges bubbling up

Let it rest briefly:

Give the dip five minutes to cool slightly so it's the perfect temperature for dipping

Garnish and serve:

Scatter those fresh chives on top and set it out with celery sticks, tortilla chips, or whatever your crew likes to dip

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My sisterinlaw now makes this for every family gathering, and watching people gravitate toward the bubbling dish has become its own kind of tradition. Food that brings people together is the best kind.

Make It Yours

My cousin makes a version with pepper jack cheese and jalapeños for extra kick, while my mom prefers using gorgonzola instead of blue cheese. The beauty of this recipe is how well it adapts to whatever flavors your family loves most.

Serving Suggestions

Beyond the classic celery and chips, I've served this with toasted baguette slices, bell pepper strips, and even as a filling for slider rolls. It's surprisingly versatile for something so simple.

Timing And Prep

You can absolutely assemble this up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add about five extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.

• Let the dish sit at room temperature for twenty minutes before baking if you have time
• The smell will have everyone gathering in the kitchen before the timer even dings
• Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave for lunch the next day

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Every time I make this now, I think about how the simplest recipes often create the happiest moments. Hope this dip becomes part of your story too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

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

→ What can I substitute for blue cheese?

If you're not a fan of blue cheese, use additional ranch dressing instead of blue cheese dressing, and swap the crumbled blue cheese for more cheddar.

→ How do I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture or use a hotter hot sauce variety. You can also drizzle extra hot sauce on top before baking.

→ What are the best dippers for this?

Celery sticks, tortilla chips, sliced baguette, crackers, or even carrot sticks work perfectly. The cool crunch of celery balances the heat nicely.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time. Just shred about 2 cups of the meat and you're ready to go.