Andy Montoya
Buffalo chicken dip is a popular dish for parties and game days. It is made with shredded chicken, hot sauce, and cheese, and baked in the oven or cooked in a slow cooker. The dish is often served with celery sticks, crackers, or chips. While there are many variations of the recipe, most include cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese. Some recipes also include blue cheese dressing, while others suggest substituting Greek yogurt for cream cheese and ranch dressing to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish type | Dip |
| Main ingredients | Chicken, cheese, hot sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing |
| Other ingredients | Sour cream, buffalo sauce, blue cheese dressing, green onion, mozzarella cheese, Colby Jack cheese, celery, bacon |
| Chicken type | Shredded chicken, canned chicken, rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, chicken breast, chicken thigh |
| Taste | Spicy, tangy, creamy, cheesy |
| Texture | Gooey, bubbly, crunchy |
| Temperature | Hot |
| Occasions | Parties, game days, potlucks, Super Bowl |
| Storage | Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months |
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What You'll Learn
Buffalo chicken dip ingredients
Buffalo chicken dip is a popular dish for parties and game days. It is easy to prepare and cook and has a creamy, tangy, and spicy taste. The ingredients are simple and affordable, and the dip can be made in a slow cooker, crockpot, or oven.
Chicken
The chicken in buffalo chicken dip should be cooked and shredded. You can use canned chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poached chicken breasts, thighs, or leftover turkey. If you are using canned chicken, Swanson is a popular brand. If you are using raw chicken, you can poach it by adding it to a pot of boiling water and letting it cook for approximately 25 minutes. You can also cook the chicken in a slow cooker with salt and pepper for 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks or a mixer.
Cream Cheese
Full-fat block cream cheese is recommended for buffalo chicken dip as low-fat cream cheese may separate when baked. You can also use Greek yogurt cream cheese to cut down on calories. If you are using cream cheese, it should be softened before adding it to the dip.
Cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese is a popular choice for buffalo chicken dip, but you can also use shredded mozzarella cheese or Colby Jack cheese. You can also add blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor.
Dressing
Ranch dressing is a common ingredient in buffalo chicken dip, but you can also use blue cheese dressing or a combination of the two. If you are using ranch dressing, Ken's Ranch Dressing is a good option.
Hot Sauce
Hot pepper sauce, such as Frank's RedHot, adds spice and heat to the dip. You can use more or less hot sauce depending on your preference for spice. You can also add red chili pepper flakes for extra heat.
Other Ingredients
Some other ingredients you can add to your buffalo chicken dip include sour cream, green onion, and celery. You can also get creative with your add-ins, such as using leftover Thanksgiving turkey or adding real bacon pieces.
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How to make buffalo chicken dip
Buffalo chicken dip is a classic party food that's easy to make and can be prepared in advance. It's a creamy, cheesy, zesty dip that's perfect for serving with crackers, celery sticks, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients
- Canned chicken or cooked shredded chicken
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Ranch dressing
- Hot sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot Sauce)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Optional ingredients:
- Sour cream
- Blue cheese dressing
- Mayonnaise
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Bacon pieces
Method
First, heat the chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also use a slow cooker to prepare the chicken, cooking it on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Then, shred the chicken with two forks or a mixer.
Next, mix in the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook and stir until well blended and warm. You can also add in sour cream, mayonnaise, and blue cheese crumbles at this stage for extra creaminess.
Once combined, transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. If you're using the oven, lightly butter a baking dish and preheat it to 350-375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until incorporated. If you're baking the dip, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
If using a slow cooker, cook on low until bubbly. If baking, cook for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is golden and the dip is bubbly.
Serve the dip warm with your choice of dippers. Buffalo chicken dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months, although the texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
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How long to bake buffalo chicken dip
There are several ways to make buffalo chicken dip, and the cooking time varies depending on the method and the recipe. Here are some common methods and the approximate cooking times for each:
Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Transfer the dip mixture to an oven-safe dish.
- Bake uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden, and the dip is bubbling.
Slow Cooker/Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip:
- Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker or crock pot.
- Heat on low for 1 hour to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the dip is hot and all the ingredients are combined.
- If using a larger crock pot, it may take less time, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Stovetop Buffalo Chicken Dip:
- Heat the chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through.
- Add the remaining ingredients and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, stirring until well blended and warm.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and sprinkle with cheese.
- Cook on low until the cheese is melted and the dip is bubbling, about 35 minutes.
Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to stir the dip occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. Additionally, the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your preferred level of spiciness and creaminess. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired consistency and taste.
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How to store buffalo chicken dip
Storing buffalo chicken dip depends on whether it has been cooked or not. If you have made the dip but not cooked it, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before cooking and serving. If you have cooked the dip and have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It is important to note that buffalo chicken dip should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, and it is best to allow the dip to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator.
You can also freeze buffalo chicken dip, both before and after cooking. To freeze the dip, allow it to come to room temperature, then place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer. Frozen buffalo chicken dip will last for up to three months in a standard freezer and up to six months in a deep freezer. To thaw frozen buffalo chicken dip, place it in the refrigerator to slowly defrost, then reheat it slowly on the stove or in the microwave in short intervals. It is important to note that the texture of the dip may change after freezing and thawing due to the cream cheese and ranch dressing.
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Best cheeses for buffalo chicken dip
Buffalo chicken dip is a popular dish, perfect for parties, game days, and potlucks. It is a combination of spicy, saucy, and cheesy flavours, scooped up with crunchy chips, crackers, or bread. While there are many variations of the recipe, most include shredded cheese. Here are some of the best cheeses to use for a delicious and creamy buffalo chicken dip:
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a must-have ingredient for buffalo chicken dip. It adds a creamy texture and tanginess to the dish. It is recommended to use full-fat block cream cheese, as low-fat cream cheese may separate when baked. Before using, make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy incorporation into the dip.
Cheddar Cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese is a popular choice for buffalo chicken dip. It melts into the dip, creating a gooey texture and a cheesy flavour. Sharp shredded cheddar cheese is a great option, adding a more intense flavour to the dish.
Colby Jack Cheese
Finely shredded Colby Jack cheese is another excellent option for buffalo chicken dip. It melts perfectly in a crockpot or slow cooker, ensuring a creamy and smooth texture.
Mozzarella Cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese is a versatile option that can be used in buffalo chicken dip. It melts well and contributes to the creamy and stretchy consistency of the dip.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is not a typical ingredient in buffalo chicken dip, but it can be used as a dressing or garnish. Drizzling blue cheese dressing over the top of the dip adds a unique flavour and a creamy texture.
The combination of these cheeses creates a mouthwatering, indulgent, and irresistible buffalo chicken dip that is perfect for any gathering or party.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese is a key ingredient in buffalo chicken dip.
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or blue cheese.
This depends on the size of your batch and your personal preference. A common recipe calls for one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, in addition to other ingredients.
It is not recommended to use low-fat cream cheese in buffalo chicken dip as it may separate when baked.
Freezing is not recommended as the cheese mixture may become chalky and lose its creamy texture. However, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
