Print

Ultimate Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip with Crispy Chips

creamy buffalo chicken dip - featured image

This creamy, balanced buffalo chicken dip stays thick and scoopable with a perfect ratio of cream cheese, hot sauce, and cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears at every party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/3 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 large chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken)
  • 1/4 cup reserved chicken cooking liquid or water
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded fresh
  • 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded fresh
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1 bag thick restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • Celery sticks and carrot sticks, for serving
  • Extra hot sauce and blue cheese crumbles, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until completely smooth.
  3. Add the shredded chicken and reserved liquid. Fold until every piece is coated.
  4. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar and half of the Monterey Jack. Reserve the rest for the top.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish or small skillet. Spread into an even layer.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack over the top.
  7. If using blue cheese, sprinkle the crumbles over the top now.
  8. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until edges are bubbly and top is lightly golden.
  9. Let it rest for 5 to 7 minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish with extra hot sauce and fresh blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.

Notes

Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth texture. Shred your own cheese for best melting results. Do not overbake; the dip is done when bubbly around the edges and the center is just set. Use sturdy tortilla chips to avoid breakage. Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, creamy dip, game day appetizer, party dip, buffalo sauce, chicken dip, easy appetizer