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Creamy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip with Easy Ranch Drizzle

buffalo chicken dip - featured image

This creamy, cheesy buffalo chicken dip is thick, scoopable, and perfectly balanced with a tangy ranch drizzle. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot Original)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing (for the dip)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing (for the drizzle)
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
  • Tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or crusty bread for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, remove skin and bones, then shred the meat with two forks. If cooking your own, poach two boneless, skinless chicken breasts in simmering water for 15-20 minutes, then shred.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Combine the base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and 1/2 cup of ranch dressing. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
  5. Add the buffalo sauce and seasonings: Pour in the buffalo wing sauce, add the sautéed garlic, onion powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.
  6. Fold in the chicken and cheeses: Add the shredded chicken, 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar, and 3/4 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese. Gently fold together with a spatula until evenly distributed. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup of each cheese for topping.
  7. Transfer to the baking dish: Spoon the mixture into a greased oven-safe skillet or baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  8. Top with the remaining cheese: Sprinkle the reserved cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. If using blue cheese crumbles, sprinkle them on now.
  9. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
  10. Make the ranch drizzle: While the dip is baking, whisk together 1/2 cup of ranch dressing with 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Stir in the chopped chives if using.
  11. Finish and serve: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle the ranch mixture over the top in a zigzag pattern. Garnish with extra chives or parsley if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks.

Notes

Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth dip. Shred your own cheese for the best melting. Don’t over-bake to prevent separation. The ranch drizzle should be added just before serving for the best presentation. This dip can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance (without top cheese and drizzle) and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, creamy buffalo dip, ranch drizzle, game day dip, party appetizer, easy buffalo dip