Buffalo Chicken Dip - Homemade Hooplah (2024)

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What’s in buffalo chicken dip?

To make your own hot dish of buffalo chicken dip, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Cream Cheese: This ingredient is essential for creating a smooth, rich base that binds all the flavors together. Softened cream cheese works best for easy mixing.
• Cooked Chicken: Half of the namesake of this recipe! You can use any type of cooked chicken – roasted, boiled, or even canned chicken works well. If you have leftover chicken, this recipe can be a tasty way to use it.
• Colby Jack Cheese: This cheese adds a mild, creamy flavor with a slightly tangy kick, perfect for melting into the dip.
• Cheddar Cheese: Known for its sharp, distinct taste, cheddar cheese adds depth of flavor and a gooey texture to the dip when melted. Feel free to use mild, medium, or sharp.
• Ranch Dressing: It brings a creamy, herb-infused dimension to the dip, complementing the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is the star ingredient for that classic, tangy buffalo flavor. You can opt for a store-bought variety or whip up your own homemade version.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These seasoning staples are used to enhance and balance the flavors of the dip. Adjust according to your taste preference.
• Celery: A crisp, refreshing choice for dipping that’s a classic pick for buffalo wing flavor. It contrasts nicely with the rich, spicy flavors of the dip.

Can you use canned chicken?

The absolute best part of whipping up a hot and bubbly cheesy dip is that it’s quick and easy. But, if you’re anything like me, it’s not every day that you have cooked chicken in your kitchen, and especially on short notice. Leftover rotisserie chicken is another great option for this recipe, but again, it’s not like you’ll always find yourself with some extra rotisserie chicken lying around.

So, when I was in a pinch, I experimented with using canned chicken in this recipe – and I can now say with absolute confidence that yes, you can use canned chicken for the shredded chicken in this buffalo chicken dip recipe. Just make sure to drain the chicken thoroughly (or, if you prefer, you can even do a quick water rinse of the chicken, then pat it dry) before shredding it and mixing it in.

Should you shred your own cheese?

When making buffalo chicken dip, the texture and meltability of the cheese play a crucial role in achieving that perfect, creamy consistency we all crave.

Opting for pre-shredded cheese might save time, but it’s important to note that these cheeses often contain additives like potato starch. These additives are great for preventing clumping in the bag but can slightly alter how the cheese melts, potentially leading to a less smooth texture in your dip.

So, for a dip like this, which relies heavily on the creaminess of melted cheese, shredding your own cheese from a block can make a noticeable difference. It ensures a smoother, more velvety texture that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients. Yes, it does mean a bit more effort in preparation, but for cheese enthusiasts and those who prioritize texture, it’s a step worth taking.

Can you make your own buffalo wing sauce?

Yes, you totally can!

Check out this recipe for buffalo wing sauce if you don’t currently have any sauce on hand.

What else can you add?

Aside from the classic combination of chicken, cheese, ranch, and buffalo wing sauce, there are plenty of additions you can add to make this buffalo chicken dip uniquely your own, such as:

• Blue Cheese: Add 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese for a tangy twist. Mix it in with the other cheeses before baking, or add it as a crumbled topping either before or after baking.
• Green Onions: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped green onions on top after baking for a fresh, vibrant kick.
• Bacon Bits: Stir in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor. Add it to the cheese mixture before baking.
• Hot Sauce: For those who like it extra spicy, an additional tablespoon or two of hot sauce can be mixed in with the buffalo sauce.
• Diced Jalapenos: For a bit of heat and crunch, mix in 1/4 cup of diced jalapeños with the cheeses.
• Red Onion: A 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion can add a hint of sweetness and texture. Mix it in before baking.
• Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top after baking adds a fresh, herby dimension.
• Extra Cheese on Top: Before baking, top the dip with an additional 1/4 cup of shredded cheese for a gooey, cheesy crust.

What can you serve with a party dip?

When it comes to party dips, there are so many options! This dip is best served with celery or other crisp green veggies, but you can also serve it with different types of crackers and snacks.

Try any (or many) of the options below and see which you like best:

• Celery: Highly recommended for its crispness and mild flavor to balance the dip’s richness.
• Carrots: Another crunchy veggie, carrots add a touch of sweetness.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful and sweet, they add a fresh contrast.
• Cucumbers: Their refreshing and hydrating nature complements the dip’s spiciness.
• Rye Chips: Their tanginess pairs well with the creamy, spicy dip.
• Pretzel Rods: Their saltiness and crunch make for a satisfying dipper.
• Baguette Slices: Lightly toasted, they provide a sturdy and neutral base.
• Triscuit Crackers: Their whole-grain, fibrous texture stands up to the dip’s thickness.
• Tortilla Chips: Their crispiness and neutral flavor let the dip’s taste shine.
• Focaccia: Seasoned with olive oil and herbs, it adds a flavorful dimension.

If you’d like even more dipping options (and many other useful tips), check out my ultimate guide for serving savory dips.

Can you make this dip in advance?

Yes, you can whip up this dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator until it’s ready to be baked.

Once assembled, this dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, depending on the freshness of the chicken used. When ready to bake, let the dip warm up on the counter for about 30 minutes, then bake per the recipe instructions.

How long is buffalo chicken dip good for?

Once baked and cooled, buffalo chicken dip can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two to three days.

Can you freeze buffalo dip?

Yes, buffalo chicken dip can be frozen both before and after baking, making it a convenient make-ahead option. Here’s how to do it:

Freezing Before Baking

• Prepare the dip according to the recipe, but don’t bake it.
• Transfer into a freezer-safe dish or container. Tightly cover the dish with a lid or wrap securely with aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 1-3 months.

Freezing After Baking

• Allow the baked dip to cool to room temperature.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top. Make sure to seal the container tightly.
• Freeze for up to 1-3 months.

When ready to eat, thaw the dip in the refrigerator overnight, then let it sit for 30 minutes at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating Buffalo Chicken Dip

To make the most of your make-ahead dip or leftovers, it’s important to reheat it in a way that preserves the flavor and texture. To do this, pick your favorite heating method and follow the instructions below:

Oven

• Preheat to 350°F.
• Place the dip in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying.
• Reheat for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Toaster Oven

• Set to 350°F.
• Place the dip in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying.
• Reheat for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Air Fryer

• Preheat to 300°F.
• Put the dip in an air fryer-safe container.
• Heat for 5-10 minutes.

Microwave

• Place dip in a microwave-safe dish.
• Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm.

Tip for Reheating from Frozen: If your buffalo chicken dip is frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This ensures even heating and helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dip.

How long can you leave out a party dip?

Whenever you serve a dip for your guests to enjoy, you should always keep track of how long it sits at room temperature.

For most foods, the general rule of thumb is that a perishable item should not be in the “danger zone” for more than two hours. And by “danger zone,” this is usually at or just above room temperature.

Since this dip will be served warm, that should give you another 30-60 minutes before needing to keep track of the dip.So, in total, this dip can be left out for an absolute maximum of three hours, depending on the temperature of the room. However, be sure to still check the dip every now and then and use your best judgment.

As you approach the recommended time limit, consider reheating the dip in the oven or storing it in the refrigerator or freezer as previously described.

For best results, I’d recommend using awarming tray so that the buffalo ranch chicken dip stays warm and above the “danger zone” temperature.

Want to dig deeper into food safety? Take a look at the USDA’s Food Safety Basics, especially the part about the above-mentioned “danger zone.”

Notes & tips for this easy buffalo dip recipe

• Like thebaking dishused in the photo? I got it atIKEA!

Step 1 – In a large bowl, add cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo wing sauce.

Step 2 – Stir until mostly combined.

Step 3 – Add chicken, Colby Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 4 – Give it another stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 5 – Pour dip into a baking dish of your choice, then smooth it out.

Step 6 – Bake!

Step 7 – Serve dip as pictured on this page, with veggies like fresh celery for dipping.

This deliciously spicy buffalo chicken dip is made with hot buffalo wing sauce, shredded chicken, ranch dressing, various cheeses, and served with crisp celery.

Author: Chrisy