Buffalo Chicken Dip
A classic Buffalo Chicken Dip – shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and lots of cheese! Great for parties and game days!
One of my oldest, best friends, Beth, definitely qualifies as a genius.
Five or six years ago, a couple of days before Christmas, she invited a bunch of girlfriends over for a “dip party”. It’s absolutely as awesome as it sounds. Everyone brings their favorite dip along with the recipe to share. Seriously brilliant. A small group of us sat around her kitchen island with bowls and plates of dip in front of us, sampling them all and chit chatting. It was such a great idea and a wonderful, low-key way for a bunch of girls to share some favorite recipes, hang out and, of course, eat. Which leads me to this buffalo chicken dip…
While I love wings, I always lean towards flavors like honey barbecue, teriyaki or garlic parmesan. I’ve never been a big fan of the buffalo/hot sauce flavor so I was never compelled to make (or even try!) this dip. Well, this is one of the dips that Beth contributed to her party and when I tried it for the first time, I loved it! I was sold immediately and had to have the recipe.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room here… this recipe uses ranch dressing and I know all the buffalo wing purists get up in arms about not using blue cheese. You can totally use blue cheese dressing if you’d like; not many people I know actually like blue cheese, and ranch has more of a broad appeal, so I always defer to ranch.
I made this a few weeks ago as an appetizer for Sunday dinner and really wasn’t sure how it would go over, but at the end of the day the pan was empty, and the chip bowl only had crumbs left. I was pleasantly surprised!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
An easy buffalo chicken that combines shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and lots of cheese!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded (or 4 12.5-oz cans of chicken breast, shredded)
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle hot sauce
- 16 ounces cream cheese
- 1 (16-ounce) bottle ranch dressing
- 6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 1½ cups)
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1½ cups)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the chicken with the bottle of hot sauce and spread in the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cream cheese and the ranch dressing over low heat until the cream cheese is completely melted and smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the cream cheese/ranch layer.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until bubbling and browned on top. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with celery sticks, other vegetables, tortilla chips or crackers.
Recipe Notes:
- You can substitute four (12.5-ounce) cans of cooked chicken, drained, for the chicken breasts.
- Feel free to use whatever hot sauce and ranch dressing you’d like; I used Frank’s Red Hot and Hidden Valley Ranch.
- If you’re a buffalo wing purist, feel free to substitute blue cheese dressing for the ranch.
- This can be prepared a day in advance, just cover and refrigerate overnight. You may need to add 5 or 10 minutes to the baking time.
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
All images and text ©
This recipe was originally published on February 1, 2011.
Great superbowl snack!
One of my girlfriends makes this dip and I agree it’s AMAZING!!!! If you haven’t already print the recipe and try it, RIGHT NOW. This dip is always being requested by my other friends now. IMO I think it’s better than eating chicken wings because it’s easier and less work (for those eating and easy to make in the crock pot which is how I do it and then just shred the chicken later) and their are no bones to figure out what to do with!
also after reading the other comments, I HATE blue cheese so I ALWAYS use ranch for buffalo wings and this dip. I really don’t think there is an “incorrect” way to make this dip…to each their own!
I need to get invited to a dip party!!! Or maybe I just need to have one?
Dip party sounds so much fun ! What a great idea. Can not believe I have never been invited to one or had one. I bet it won’t be long before I have one. Great Idea
I love buffalo chicken anything, and buffalo chicken dip sounds like an amazing thing to enjoy while cheering on the Steelers!:)
Wonderful superbowl snack!
Buffalo Dip has become a favorite for game day, poker night, game night or whatever!
Yummy!
This looks just like the recipe I have from Taste of Home! It’s a winner and everyone LOVES it. It’s super-easy, and people think you slaved all day… muahahah!!
Oh my gosh, my family would go gaga over this. Cheese, hot sauce and chicken? Perfect party food!
I have been making this dip for years and it IS awesome!!! I am not a wing fan either, but love this. If you have blue cheese fans you can use that in place of the Monterey Jack and use Blue Cheese dressing instead of Ranch.
This is what I’m making to take to our friend’s party, though slightly different. It’s my favorite!
Oh yeah baby! I make this too, except I use 1/2 ranch and 1/2 blue cheese dressing. YUM
What a great idea for a party! I have to try that out one day. Also great dip. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait for your other dips. this week.
i use blue cheese. buffalo anything is best with blue cheese.
What a great party idea! A bag of chips, and a dozen or so dips is my idea of a perfect meal. This one looks like a keeper!
This is one of my favorite dips!
This is one of my favorite dips! I like to serve it with blue corn tortilla chips that I sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles and pop under the broiler. Yum!
A dip party!!!! *swoon*
What a fabulous Idea!!! This is one of my favorite dips too!! But I use Blue Cheese.
It’s not Buffalo Dip if the hot sauce is anything but Frank’s. Ranch is NEVER acceptable for Buffalo anything, only blue cheese dressing. Likewise, no cheese of any kind allowed but blue. This isn’t buffalo chicken dip. It’s a sorry wannabe.
I’ve actually been to a lot of wing places and restaurants that serve buffalo chicken wraps with ranch dressing and cheddar cheese. And most places serve wings with a side of blue and ranch. I think it’s personal preference; a lot of people don’t like blue cheese (and actually, my sister is allergic to it).
It doesn’t matter what they serve them with, or what they call it when they serve it wrong, it’s still not “Buffalo Chicken” anything. And as for allergies, the blue cheese can be left off, but never, ever, substituted.
RELAX,RELAX!!! I didn’t hear anyone say this is a true authentic wing dip! Just a fun thing to enjoy and have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tomatoe Tomato, I didn’t know there was an actual “Buffalo Dip” Police or guidelines.
Michelle- thank you for the recipe. I made it for the game and it was a big hit! No one cared that it did not contain Blue Cheese or Blue Cheese dressing.
Keep up the great work!
xoxo
ohh yeah and I used a roasted chicken I picked up from the deli. Hopefully i dont get a ticket for not using “chicken wings” 🙂
It is an awesome recipe. The recipe that I have calls for either Blue Cheese or Ranch. I made it the first time with the Blue Cheese (even though I cannot stand Blue Cheese) and it was okay. LOVED it made with the Ranch. Don’t think it really matters…it’s just a name AND the flavor really comes from the hot sauce. Love the recipe and the blog!! 🙂
I feel bad for you and your obvious obsession with buffalo chicken dip 🙁 you ok?????
Allrecipes has a modification of this dip for sandwiches made in the crock pot. If you love the dip, try the sandwiches! it’s a a great potluck dish and easy to make!
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Buffalo-Chicken-Sandwiches/Detail.aspx
Oooh, this looks delish! I just made buffalo wings the other day, but I’ll have to try this soon. Thanks for sharing this great recipe.
This looks so good! Like ridiculously good!
They serve this at Pearl Street Grill in Buffalo and it’s my favorite appetizer! Yum! Ranch sounds like a good choice, because that much blue cheese would be super overpowering. I like this recipe!
I love this dip and I always eat too much of it. Guess that’s what treadmills are for!
Love the idea of a dip party! How fun!
OMG i know a similar recipe that uses Blue Cheese Dressing but basically it is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! Yours looks fantastic as well, I absolutely love it, for anyone hesitant to try this out: throw caution to the wind and do it!
I am a sucker for dips – wish I was at that party with you! Your dip sounds really good – would go really good with those pretzels I am planning to make for game day :).
Ahhh, the quintessential western Pa dip! I love it!
Ok, I could dive right in and not come out until it was all gone! YUM! I have a favorite brand of garlic wing sauce that is whispering to me … “Use me in this … do it!” I just may!
My husband makes a very similar dip and it’s divine!!! Will definitely be making it this weekend 🙂
Um, yes please? I would like some of this dip. It’s now on the menu for a get-together I’m having this weekend. 😀
Also – GO PENS!!! (From a fan in St. Louis)
Lisa
Yay, GO PENS! I’m going to the game tonight 🙂
OMG, goalie fight! >_< My husband and I were watching on TV and our jaws dropped when we saw Johnson coming across the ice, and then DePietro (?) dropping his gloves too. Best game I've seen in a while, just for that. Lucky you, actually being there! 🙂
Honestly, that was one of the best hockey moments I have seen live. It was insane, the crowd went nuts. They fought right in front of our section. I was watching the scrum and then saw Johnny come flying down the ice. One punch knockout? Pure awesomeness.
Wow, one punch knockout is being praised? Here in Oz it’s now against the law and there are advertising campaigns warning against it. I know hockey is a sport prone to fights (I grew up in Canada) but this acceptance of it normalises it and makes it seem OK. I’m not sure this is the best example or best message to send to young people.
This looks amazing. What hot sauce would you recommend using?
Hi Rachel – I use Frank’s hot sauce.
This is one of my all time favorites! And, a dip party? Pure genius!
I host a similar party with my friends every year we call it ” Dip into Christmas” We look forward to it every year, and a version of this dip is always there!
oh man, my friend made this for a big party that we cooked for over last summer. it was a TREMENDOUS hit. i love that it’s so easy!
I make this with sour cream and blue cheese crumbles – 1 cup sour cream and throw in a container of blue cheese…the best!!
This looks amaaaaazing and I am totally going to both make it AND have a dip party! Rock on!
This looks spool good! I cannot wait to try it!
Looks delish! I’ll be tryin this one out today! Just found ts website today btw and love it!
Your recipe inspired me to make a version of my own today for the Superbowl!
Made this for the Super Bowl today! Future hubby and I both LOVED it! It’s funny, he absolutely hates ranch AND cream cheese, but together is totally different. Neither one of us could put this dip down!
I made this for the Superbowl and it was a huge hit! I’m thinking the leftovers (and there were only leftovers because I made way too much food ;)) will be great on a baked potato for dinner tonight.
I put the chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, and blue cheese dressing (my preference) in the crockpot and cooked it on low for ~6-7 hours. I mixed it up, shredded the chicken, and put it in a casserole dish and topped it with cheese. Super easy!
Holy Cow!!! Made this dip as a last minute addition to our Super Bowl Party menu, so glad!! This is seriously delicious 🙂
A dip party sounds like the best thing ever. Your friend is a genius! I’m going to be making this soon and I WILL have a dip party!
I definitely need to make this, my hubs loooooves buffalo chicken. He’d love this dip!
I made this dip for my boyfriends family party and now I have to bring it to every family party. HAHA THEY LOVE IT! I even blogged about it 🙂
http://yvettelovespinkcupcakes.blogspot.com/2010/09/buffalo-chicken-dip.html
So I saw the picture of this and thought it would be great for the upcoming Superbowl party I was going to – it was good, but I have a couple of things I’ll do differently next time I make this dish:
1. I won’t double the recipe – not necessary because it’s so rich (even when using light things!!) people don’t eat too much of it.
2. I would like to try stirring the cheese throughout the dip instead of just putting it on top – I ended up getting a thick layer of cheddar cheese that I had to pull off because I left it in the oven for the extra couple of minutes – if I had pulled it out at the 30 minute mark might have been better.
3. I won’t use real chicken breasts because:
a. It was pretty time consuming to cook the chicken breasts and shred them – I had to get the husband involved in the shredding process because shredding 8 chicken breasts (even 4 for that matter) really works the arms!! 🙂
b. I’ll use canned chicken because I don’t think people will be able to tell the difference after what’s gone into the recipe – delicious – don’t get me wrong!, and because I will be serving this to people that are drinking and paying more attention to the game on TV or to other sports related discussions or to their cards. 🙂
Got good reviews from people and will definitely make again.
Did you say dip party? Count me in. I love ’em. In fact, I’m trying to get the idea to catch on among food bloggers. The next time I host a weekly Dipstock I’ll let you know.
Oh, and buffalo chicken dip is the best. A serious crowd pleaser.
Years ago, my friend Laura made this dip knowing I would be at the party. I am known to be quite a chile-head, something I had in common with her husband. I was blown away by the dip so next time she came to my house she brought me the recipe. I have made it a couple of times since. I love it. It is always a hit when I make it. My husband is a huge buffalo wing fan and he loves it too. I usually make two kinds – one mild and one hot.
If you search for crack dip, this is what comes up 🙂 I like this dip, but for a muuuch lighter version I just mix cream cheese w/ the buffalo sauce. Not as fancypancy as this recipe but ppl love it and always ask where I found the dip 🙂
The recipes just keep getting better. Wow, this was such a great recipe to try. I understand what you meant when you said usually you just eat honey barbecue or teriyaki. Sometimes the taste of the hot sauce on buffalo wings can be a little over whelming. This recipe was just right and I love cheese, so it was perfectly the right amount of each ingredient. Thanks for sharing!
My boys loved this one!
Featured this in my Food Trends article today, looks delicious! http://www.recipelionblog.com/food-trend-buffalo-chicken-recipes/
I am making this dip right now but my question is: I don’t need to serve this dish until this evening and I have already prepared it except for baking it. Should I wait until I get to the party to pop it in the oven for 30 minutes or should I go ahead and cook it now and just heat it up later? Want to make sure it is done right. Trying to impress the boyfriend’s family. 🙂
Hi Evan, You could do it either way since you’ll need to heat it before eating anyway. I’d just wait to do it there, saves you doing it twice! Enjoy!
Going to make this tomorrow night, thanks for sharing. P.s laughing so hard at the buffalo dip police comments. Some people really need help! Lol!
I’m making this to take to my friend’s house this Sunday! I’ll let you know how it turns out!
Love this dip! I’m making it right now! I’ve made it many times following the recipe exactly as posted and it is always a huge hit. I’ve passed on the link to many people and everyone raves about it. Love all of your recipes!
I make this all the time – I use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch, and add some crumbled blue cheese in the mixture.. on super bowl, I accidentally picked up smoked blue cheese to crumble – and it was over the top – SOOOO delicious!
This is also great if you are on a low carb diet – I add some of the dip to romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, some chopped celery – no further dressing is needed – it is delicious!
OH – I’ve used canned chicken and that works – I’ve also gotten rotisserie chicken and shredded that as it is super easy too.
I like to use Tabasco buffalo sauce…or franks red hot buffalo. Try it.
I just made this dip for New Year’s Eve and it was a hit! Thanks for the great recipe 🙂
Made this with great success, but is there a way to prevent the cheddar from becoming too hard on top (after it’s baked and too late to mix in)?
Hi Cathy, As you can see, I didn’t really have a hard layer of cheese on my dip, but you could always stir the cheese into the mixture before baking so it’s mixed in throughout, instead of just being on top.
I’m making this immediately! Thanks 🙂
I have made this before using other recipes, but this is the only one I’ll ever make again. It is perfect!! I bought rye chips for dipping, and YUMMM!! Thank you!! ????
This is a staple at all of my parties and get togethers. I change it up by using different hot sauces (Quaker Steak and Lube’s Louisiana Lickers is my fave), sometimes adding crumbled bleu cheese, or dumping the whole thing into my crock pot so it stays nice and melted for hours. It’s always the first dip to go.
Hi Michelle. Wanted to say thank you for recently posting a recipe for Boston Cream Pie. Baked it this weekend for my daughter’s birthday. Oh. My. Word. What a hit. The yellow cake was so moist & fluffy. (I whipped the yolks separately then folded in the whites). The pastry cream & chocolate ganache topping were perfect additions to cake. Thanks for a keeper!
This is such a great recipe. I made it for a Super Bowl party this year, and served it with cut up veggies. I use blue cheese salad dressing, but I know a lot of people don’t care for blue cheese. I had some left over and would eat it for dinner with a big bowl of veggies. So, so good! You always post the best recipes, and I have made many of them over the years.
I love Buffalo chicken dip, but I absolutely hate blue cheese. This looks fantastic, and would be great with ranch versus the blue cheese. I also like that you use “real” chicken and not the canned chicken. This recipe will definitely go into my dip/appetizer rotation. Thanks for another fab recipe.
I’ve got a similar recipe that I got from my best friend. The one thing I do to mine is that I do half ranch dressing and half bleu cheese dressing. My friend did it because she didn’t have enough ranch and supplemented it with the bleu cheese. It’s my preference because I think it cuts down on the kick from the hot sauce a little more. I made it once for a New Year’s party at another friend’s house 4 years ago and her husband still raves about it.
Mmmmm, I’d want to eat this with a spoon! Interested that so many people have said they would do it with blue cheese…I love it and it makes a nice flavour contrast with the hot sauce, the creaminess of the cream cheese and the richness of the other cheeses. Yum!
Can I make this and freeze and then take out a day before and bake next weekend? Do you shred your own cheese or buy shredded?
Hi Carolyn, I’ve never tried freezing this, so I couldn’t say for sure how the textures would take to freezing/thawing. I shred my own cheese, always, unless it’s for tacos, then I buy the pre-shredded 🙂
Thanks Michelle….I finished the German Chocolate Cake last night and I will send pictures after our get together today! Fingers crossed!
OMG. LISTEN, I’VE MADE THIS MANY MANY TIMES. IT’S AS IMPORTANT HERE AS MILK AND TP!!!
BUT…. CRAZY US….WE RECENTLY PUT IN CUT IN HALF, JALAPENOS, THE ONES IN THE JAR!!!
OMG!!! All those times we ate it naked, without jalapenos. HOW SAD!!! NOW, IT’S PERFECTION.
A LITTLE BIT SPICY, BUT NOT HOT….YUM