Description
A spicy, creamy, and budget-friendly baked buffalo chicken dip that comes together in 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or feeding a crowd with pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 450g)
- 8 oz full-fat block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup full-fat ranch dressing
- ½ cup buffalo hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2–3 stalks green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (for drizzle)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (for drizzle)
- Cooking spray (optional, for greasing dish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Break the cream cheese into small cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Microwave for 20-30 seconds if needed to soften.
- Add ranch dressing, buffalo hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder to the cream cheese. Mix vigorously until smooth and creamy with no streaks.
- Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir until every piece is coated.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the chicken mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on the edges.
- While baking, mix ¼ cup ranch dressing with 1 tablespoon hot sauce to create a drizzle.
- Remove dip from oven and drizzle with the spicy ranch mixture.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately with tortilla chips, celery, or bread.
Notes
Use block cream cheese, not spreadable, for better melting. Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. If serving at a party, keep warm in a slow cooker on low. This dip does not freeze well due to dairy separation. For kids, make a separate bowl with less hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Protein: 22
Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, baked dip, budget recipes, game day food, weeknight dinner, spicy dip, family friendly, easy appetizer