Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip

The first Super Bowl party I hosted, I completely forgot to make actual food and just put out chips. Everyone was too polite to complain, but I noticed people kept eyeing the empty kitchen counter. That next year, this buffalo chicken dip became my redemption arc. Now people actually show up early to secure a spot near the serving bowl.

My roommate used to make this during football season, and the whole apartment would smell like butter and hot sauce for days. We'd eat it straight from the baking dish with whatever utensils were clean. Those messy, cheese-pull moments are exactly what comfort food should be.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, or use leftover grilled chicken thighs for extra flavor
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened: Let it sit on the counter for at least an hour so it blends smoothly into the sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tang that cuts through the richness of all that cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing: The secret ingredient that makes everyone wonder why yours tastes better than other versions
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives you that classic flavor everyone expects from buffalo chicken dishes
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): Only add this if you love blue cheese, otherwise more cheddar works perfectly
• 1/2 cup hot sauce: Franks RedHot is traditional, but any vinegar-based hot sauce will work
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: This little bit of fat helps carry the spicy flavor throughout the dip
• 6 large celery stalks, cut into sticks: The crisp, cool crunch is non-negotiable for balancing all that heat and creaminess

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Get it to 375°F (190°C) so you're ready to bake as soon as everything's mixed

Make the creamy base:

Whip together the cream cheese, sour cream, ranch, hot sauce, and melted butter until smooth

Add the good stuff:

Gently fold in the shredded chicken and both cheeses until every piece is coated

Get it ready for the oven:

Spread everything into an oven-safe dish or cast iron skillet

Bake until bubbly:

Let it go for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dip is hot through

Give it a moment:

Let it rest for five minutes so it sets up slightly

Dive in:

Serve it warm with those celery sticks while everyone hovers around the dish

Save to Pinterest

Last New Year's Eve, I made a double batch and it disappeared in under fifteen minutes. Someone actually scraped the baking dish with a spoon while everyone else pretended not to notice. That's when I knew this wasnt just a recipe, it was a friendship test.

Make It Ahead

You can assemble everything up to 24 hours before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and get better overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold.

Serving Suggestions

Beyond celery sticks, try carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or sturdy tortilla chips. My friend swears by toasted baguette slices, and honestly, she's not wrong. The key is having something that can hold up to a heavy scoop.

Spice Adjustments

Start with less hot sauce if you're unsure. You can always stir in more after baking, but you can't take it out. For extra heat, a pinch of cayenne changes everything without adding more vinegar taste from additional hot sauce.

• Taste the raw mixture before baking to gauge the spice level
• Remember that cheese and cream temper the heat significantly
• Keep hot sauce on the table for guests who want to turn it up

Save to Pinterest

This dip has saved more gatherings than I can count, mostly because it's impossible to be stressed around something this cheesy and delicious. Make it once, and you'll understand why it never lasts long enough for leftovers.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast works well as it blends smoothly and absorbs flavors effectively.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Yes, reduce or increase hot sauce and consider adding cayenne for extra heat if desired.

→ What can I serve instead of celery sticks?

Carrot sticks, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices are great alternatives for dipping.

→ Is it necessary to use blue cheese?

Blue cheese is optional; you can substitute with additional cheddar for a milder flavor.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to three days and reheat before serving.