Description
A crispy, spicy, and creamy buffalo chicken dip that’s an easy crowd-pleaser perfect for game days and parties. Features a golden melted cheese and crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 450g, rotisserie recommended)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (120ml, e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225g, full-fat)
- ½ cup ranch dressing (120ml)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (115g)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (115g, optional but recommended)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (50g)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (28g)
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- Optional add-ins:
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles (50g)
- Celery sticks or carrot sticks for serving
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese by microwaving for about 30 seconds until spreadable but not melted.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust buffalo sauce for desired heat.
- Fold in shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a prepared 9×9-inch baking dish (or 8×8-inch or small casserole pan). Smooth the top with a spatula.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dip, then cover with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions and blue cheese crumbles if using. Serve hot with celery sticks, carrot sticks, tortilla chips, or pretzel bites.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for best flavor and convenience. Don’t skip softening the cream cheese for smooth mixing. The crispy topping of panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter adds essential texture. Adjust buffalo sauce to control heat. Make ahead by assembling the dip a day before and refrigerating; add topping before baking. For gluten-free, substitute panko with crushed gluten-free crackers or omit and add extra cheese. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or ranch to maintain creaminess. Avoid reheating in original baking dish in microwave to prevent rubbery edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ½ cup per serv
- Calories: 340
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 22
Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, game day recipe, crispy buffalo dip, crowd-pleaser, easy appetizer, buffalo sauce, cheesy dip