Save to Pinterest This flavorful buffalo-style dip blends shredded chicken with a creamy mix of cheeses, hot sauce, and tangy seasonings. Baked until bubbly and warm, it's perfect for game day or gatherings. Crisp celery sticks add a refreshing crunch for dipping, balancing the heat with cool freshness. Simple to prepare, this dish combines smooth textures with bold, spicy notes that complement each other perfectly, making it a crowd-pleasing addition to any appetizer spread.
The first Super Bowl party I hosted, I made seven-layer dip and no one touched it. My friend Sarah quietly whispered, you should have made buffalo chicken dip. Three years later, it is the only thing people request.
Last winter my neighbor texted at 11pm saying she smelled something incredible through our shared wall. It was just this dip bubbling away. She brought over tortilla chips and we ate half the pan standing in my kitchen laughing about nothing.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, just shred it with two forks
- Cream cheese: Make sure it is fully softened or you will have lumps in your dip
- Sharp cheddar: The extra flavor makes a difference, do not use mild cheddar
- Hot sauce: Franks RedHot is classic but any Louisiana-style sauce works beautifully
- Ranch dressing: This tames the heat and adds a familiar comforting flavor
- Celery sticks: The cool crunch is the perfect contrast to the warm spicy dip
Instructions
- Mix your base:
- Beat the cream cheese until completely smooth before adding anything else, this prevents any lumps in your finished dip
- Build the flavor:
- Stir in the sour cream, hot sauce, ranch, and spices until everything is evenly combined
- Add the good stuff:
- Fold in the chicken and both cheeses gently, keeping some texture rather than mashing it all together
- Get it ready:
- Spread everything into your baking dish and use the back of a spoon to make the top slightly uneven for those crispy cheesy edges
- Bake until bubbly:
- Let it go the full 25 minutes if you can, watching for the cheese to start turning golden in spots
- Rest and serve:
- Give it five minutes before serving, otherwise it will be too hot and too thin to scoop properly
Save to Pinterest My brother-in-law who claims to hate blue cheese once ate this with a spoon standing at the counter. Later he admitted he had no idea it was buffalo anything. Sometimes the best dishes are the ones that trick people.
Making It Ahead
You can assemble everything the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and get better overnight. Just add an extra five minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going into the oven.
Heat Levels
I have learned that everyone says they want it spicy until they actually taste it. Starting with the recommended half cup of hot sauce is perfect for most crowds. You can always pass extra hot sauce at the table for the brave souls.
Serving Ideas Beyond Celery
While celery is classic and adds that necessary fresh crunch, do not limit yourself. The right dippers can elevate this from good to unforgettable.
- Fritos Scoops are structurally superior to regular chips
- Toasted baguette slices add a nice crunch and hold up well
- Bell pepper strips stay crisp longer than carrots
Save to Pinterest There is something deeply satisfying about a dish that makes people gather around the oven door, watching and waiting. This dip is that kind of food.
