Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip

Name: Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup ranch dressing; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional); 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip for gatherings and game days! The savory combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and that spicy buffalo sauce always brings a smile to everyone's face. I enjoy serving this dip hot with crispy tortilla chips or freshly sliced veggies, making it a hit with my friends and family. Plus, the best part is how quick and easy it is to whip up; it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Trust me, this dip will be the star of your next party!

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-01-20T02:40:06.506Z

When I first made Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip, I wasn't sure how well the flavors would meld together. To my surprise, the combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and spicy buffalo sauce created an explosion of flavor that was simply irresistible. I particularly love adding a splash of ranch dressing to balance the heat, making every bite rich and creamy.

Over time, I’ve perfected my method by cooking the chicken first to enhance its juiciness. Baking it all together allows the cheeses to melt beautifully, creating that gooey texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Make sure to serve it hot for the best experience!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Spicy and creamy flavor combination that’s utterly addictive
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion
Hearty and satisfying, sure to please a crowd

      

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

One of the key components of Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip is the harmony between the spiciness of buffalo sauce and the creaminess of the cheeses. The buffalo sauce provides a fiery kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cream cheese and ranch dressing. It's essential to choose a buffalo sauce that matches your preferred spice level; some brands are milder while others pack a serious punch. You can also consider making your own sauce to control the heat, mixing melted butter with hot sauce to your desired taste.

Adding ranch dressing not only enhances the dip’s creaminess but also brings in herbaceous notes that balance the boldness of the buffalo sauce. Since dressing brands vary in flavor, I recommend taste-testing the mix before baking. If you find the dip too spicy, a touch more cream cheese can tame the heat without sacrificing creaminess.

Texture and Appeal

The texture of this dip is just as important as its flavor. Baking the dip until the cheese is bubbly and golden creates a pleasing contrast between the creamy interior and the crunchy top. Keep an eye on the dip during the last few minutes of baking; watch for bubbling edges and a golden crust to ensure it doesn't dry out. I find that using a shallow baking dish helps in achieving an even bake and allows for a more generous crunchy topping.

For added texture, you might consider mixing in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots. Not only do they add a nice crunch, but they also introduce additional flavor. Just be sure to thoroughly dry any added vegetables to avoid excess moisture in the dip.

Ingredients

For the Dip

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.

Add to Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and blue cheese (if using) on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot with your favorite dippers.

Enjoy your delicious dip!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños to the mix before baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip is excellent for meal prep! You can assemble the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, but be aware that the texture may change a bit upon reheating.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on low power in short intervals, stirring in between, to retain creaminess while warming.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip hot, paired with an array of dippers to elevate the experience. Tortilla chips are a classic option, but consider offering options like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even sliced baguette. These not only provide a nice contrast in texture but can also help tone down the spiciness of the dip.

For a fun twist, set up a 'Buffalo Dip Bar' where guests can customize their servings. Offer a variety of toppings, such as extra green onions, chopped cilantro, or even drizzles of ranch or blue cheese dressing. This interactive touch makes it even more inviting and allows everyone to tailor the dish to their liking!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it fresh before serving.

→ Can I freeze leftover dip?

Absolutely! Place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

→ What can I serve with the dip?

Tortilla chips, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables like celery and carrots work great!

→ Is this dip spicy?

It has a moderate spice level, but you can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste.