Save to Pinterest This creamy, spicy dip combines tender shredded chicken with hot sauce, cream cheese, and melted mozzarella for a rich, tangy flavor. Blue cheese adds depth, while crisp celery sticks offer a refreshing contrast. Baked until bubbly and warm, this dish is ideal for gatherings or casual snacking. Quick to prepare and packed with bold tastes, it’s a crowd-pleasing option that pairs well with crisp lagers or pale ales.
My friend Sarah brought this to a Super Bowl party years ago and honestly, nobody touched the seven-layer dip next to it. That's when I learned buffalo chicken dip isn't just food, it's basically mandatory gathering fuel.
I've made this for everything from baby showers to Tuesday nights when comfort is the only requirement. My brother once ate half the dish standing directly in front of the oven because he couldn't wait the five minutes I asked him to.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves so much time, but leftover grilled or baked chicken gives great texture too
- Cream cheese: Soften it on the counter first or you'll fight lumps that never quite smooth out
- Ranch and blue cheese dressing: Use both if you love blue cheese, or swap for all ranch if you're not convinced yet
- Hot sauce: Frank's RedHot is classic but whatever you keep in your fridge door works fine
- Mozzarella and blue cheese: The mozzarella stretches beautifully while blue crumbles on top get those crispy golden bits
- Garlic powder and pepper: Simple seasonings that let the tangy flavors shine without competing
- Celery sticks: The crisp cooling crunch is basically essential for cutting through all that rich cheese
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 375°F and grab whatever baking dish makes you happy, though a 9-inch one or cast iron skillet works perfectly
- Make the creamy base:
- Beat together the cream cheese, both dressings, hot sauce, garlic powder, and pepper until completely smooth
- Add the good stuff:
- Fold in the shredded chicken, mozzarella, and about half the blue cheese crumbles, keeping some texture to the chicken
- Spread it out:
- Transfer everything to your baking dish and press it into an even layer so it heats consistently
- Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining blue cheese over the top, which will create those irresistible crispy patches
- Bake until bubbly:
- Let it go for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top has those golden spots we're all here for
- The hard part:
- Let it cool for exactly five minutes before serving because molten cheese teaches harsh lessons
Save to Pinterest This became my go-to the year I hosted every single holiday gathering and needed something that felt indulgent but didn't keep me trapped in the kitchen. People started requesting it specifically, which is basically the highest compliment a dip can get.
Make It Yours
My sister doubles the hot sauce because she treats spice levels like a personal challenge. I've also added crumbled cooked bacon on top before baking, which nobody has ever complained about.
Serving Suggestions
Sometimes I set out carrot sticks and tortilla chips alongside the celery because variety keeps everyone happy. A cold beer is basically required, but any crisp drink works to balance all that richness.
Make Ahead Magic
You can assemble everything the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator, then just pop it in the oven when people are already arriving. The flavors actually meld together even better this way.
- Sprinkle the final blue cheese topping right before baking so it doesn't get soggy overnight
- Add a minute or two to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge
- Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in the microwave for lunch the next day
Save to Pinterest Hope this brings as much joy to your gatherings as it has to mine, though I can't promise any will be left by the final whistle.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What kind of chicken works best for this dip?
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Shredded cooked chicken breast works well. Rotisserie chicken can be a convenient and flavorful choice.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness of the dip?
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Yes, adding cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce increases the heat level to your preference.
- → What substitutes can I use for blue cheese?
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You can use all ranch dressing instead, or omit blue cheese if preferred to lighten the flavor.
- → How should I serve this dish?
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Serve warm with celery sticks, carrot sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers for a satisfying crunch.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
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Yes, as long as all ingredients are certified gluten-free, this dip is safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
