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Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese and Ranch

easy buffalo chicken dip - featured image

This creamy, spicy, and tangy buffalo chicken dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, hot sauce, and shredded chicken, it comes together in under 20 minutes for a perfect weeknight snack or game day appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • Optional: chopped green onions or fresh chives for garnish
  • Optional: crumbled blue cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Stovetop Method: Place the block of cream cheese in a medium skillet over low heat. Let it soften for 2-3 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula and stirring until mostly smooth.
  2. Add the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing to the skillet. Stir until the mixture is uniform, creamy, and slightly orange-pink in color.
  3. Stir in the shredded chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just to warm the chicken through.
  4. Sprinkle in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until completely melted and the dip is thick and cohesive, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl or serve directly from the skillet. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese and garnish with green onions or blue cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
  6. Oven-Baked Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, shredded chicken, and 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
  8. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
  10. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish and serve.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and ranch dressing to prevent a watery or greasy dip. Soften cream cheese to room temperature for smooth melting. Adjust heat by using 1/3 cup buffalo sauce for milder or 3/4 cup for spicier. This dip can be made ahead and refrigerated; add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting cold. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, easy appetizer, game day dip, creamy dip, spicy dip, party food, quick recipe