Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Oven

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s simple to whip up, you’ve come to the right place! My recipe for Buffalo Chicken Dip in the oven is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. This dip is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re gathering with friends for a football game or celebrating with family during the holidays. It combines creamy goodness with a spicy kick that everyone will adore.

What makes this dish truly special is its comforting nature. You can serve it up with crunchy veggies or crispy tortilla chips, and I promise it’ll be the star of the show. So gather your ingredients and let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this tasty dip ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults loves the creamy, cheesy flavors mixed with just the right amount of spice.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve, perfect for busy occasions!
• Versatile Dip: Enjoy it as an appetizer or pair it with your favorite side dishes for a light meal.
• Deliciously Cheesy: The combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses makes every bite wonderfully rich and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into this scrumptious Buffalo Chicken Dip! These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Gather these items and get ready to create something wonderful.

For the Dip

• 1 1/4 lbs. cooked chicken, shredded or rotisserie
• 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Plus an additional 2 tablespoons for topping)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Plus an additional 2 tablespoons for topping)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3-4 green onions, bottoms and tops separated (You want to make sure you have about 1/4 cup of the bottoms.)
• 1 packet dry ranch dressing (I use Hidden Valley)
• 1-2 tsp. garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1 cup hot sauce (I use Frank’s Original.)
• 1/4 tsp. fresh cracked black pepper (Or 1/8 tsp regular black pepper)

For Extra Flavor

• Optional: 1/4 cup Blue cheese crumbles for the topping.
• 1 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken broth
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tsp. garlic salt
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this Buffalo Chicken Dip in the oven is how flexible it is! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or even canned shredded chicken if that’s what you have available.
• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: If you like extra heat, add more hot sauce or mix in some diced jalapeños.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute vegan cream cheese and sour cream for a dairy-free version that still tastes amazing.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Oven

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dip bakes evenly and gets all melty and delicious.

Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, chopped green onion bottoms, ranch dressing mix, garlic salt, onion powder, hot sauce, and pepper. Mixing everything together creates a creamy base full of flavor.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Once everything is well combined, transfer your mixture into a greased baking dish. Spreading it evenly helps ensure that each bite gets nice and bubbly while baking.

Step 4: Top It Off

Sprinkle those extra tablespoons of cheddar and mozzarella on top for a golden crust that adds texture to your dip. If you’re using blue cheese crumbles as well, sprinkle those on top too!

Step 5: Bake Away!

Place your dip in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. Pair it with chips or fresh veggies and watch everyone enjoy this irresistible dip!

And there you have it—a warm, delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Oven

Making the perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip can be a breeze with the right techniques! Here are some tips to ensure your dip turns out creamy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.

• Use rotisserie chicken: Opting for rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. You’ll have tender, juicy chicken without any extra cooking!

• Let cream cheese soften: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture, avoiding lumps in your dip.

• Adjust hot sauce to taste: Depending on your heat preference, feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce. Start with less if you’re unsure, and you can always add more later!

• Mix cheeses for flavor: Combining cheddar and mozzarella not only enhances the taste but also gives your dip a delightful stretchiness that everyone loves.

• Bake until bubbly: Keep an eye on your dip while it’s in the oven; baking until it’s bubbly on top means it will be perfectly melted and delicious when served!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Oven

When it comes to serving Buffalo Chicken Dip, presentation can make all the difference! Whether you’re hosting a game day party or a cozy gathering, here are some fun ways to present this crowd-pleaser.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkling fresh green onions on top adds a pop of color and a fresh crunch that balances out the richness of the dip.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy an extra kick, garnish with sliced jalapeños. They add both flavor and vibrant color.
• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro can provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors of the dip.

Side Dishes

• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are classic companions for Buffalo Chicken Dip. Their texture complements the creamy dip perfectly.
• Celery sticks: For a healthy crunch, serve celery sticks alongside your dip. They offer a refreshing bite that pairs well with the spicy flavors.
• Carrot sticks: Sweet carrot sticks not only add color but also help cool down the heat from the hot sauce.
• Pita bread: Warm pita bread is another great option for dipping. It has a lovely chewiness that makes every bite satisfying.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, your Buffalo Chicken Dip in the oven will surely be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Buffalo Chicken Dip in the oven is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip it up ahead of time and enjoy it later, making it a fantastic option for busy days or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dip to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you have more than you can eat, consider portioning it out into smaller containers for easy access.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the dip cool completely first.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to label it with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• To reheat, place in a baking dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.
• Stir halfway through heating for even warmth.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Buffalo Chicken Dip in the oven!

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Oven?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred it and mix it into your dip.

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Oven?

You can serve this dip with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even toasted baguette slices. It’s versatile and pairs well with many dippers!

How do I make Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Oven less spicy?

To make your Buffalo Chicken Dip milder, use less hot sauce or opt for a mild version. Additionally, you can increase the amount of cream cheese or sour cream to balance the heat.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Oven without cheese?

While cheese adds creaminess and flavor, you can try using dairy-free cheese alternatives if you’re avoiding dairy. However, this may change the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Buffalo Chicken Dip in the oven a try! It’s not just easy to make but also bursting with flavor that everyone will love. Whether it’s game day or a cozy get-together at home, this dip is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to come back for more delicious recipes! Happy cooking!