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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip with Spicy Cheddar Crust

creamy buffalo chicken dip - featured image

A creamy, spicy buffalo chicken dip topped with a crispy, spicy cheddar crust, perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 280g)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225g)
  • ½ cup sour cream (120ml)
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce (120ml), e.g., Frank’s RedHot
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (150g), divided
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions (optional)
  • Ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add sour cream and buffalo sauce; mix until well combined and velvety.
  4. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Fold in the shredded chicken, ensuring it is well coated but still chunky.
  6. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Mix the remaining cheddar cheese with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  8. Sprinkle the spicy cheese blend evenly over the dip.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges bubble and the top is golden brown with crispy spots. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for extra browning, watching closely to avoid burning.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to set.
  11. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing. Adjust heat by varying buffalo sauce and cayenne pepper amounts. Freshly shredded cheddar cheese crisps better than pre-shredded. Let dip cool slightly before serving for easier scooping. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar with vegan alternatives. Leftovers store up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently in oven to preserve crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, spicy dip, game day snack, creamy dip, cheddar crust, party appetizer