If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and creamy texture, look no further than this Oven Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe. It perfectly marries tender shredded chicken, bold buffalo sauce, tangy ranch dressing, and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese into a warm, irresistible dip that everyone will be reaching for. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply craving a spicy snack, this dip promises a delicious and satisfying experience every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this dip is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building that rich, layered taste and inviting texture we’re after. From the cream cheese that brings creaminess to the sharp cheddar that adds a golden melty finish, every item counts.
- Cooked shredded chicken breasts (4 cups / ~24 ounces): The hearty, protein-packed base that makes the dip substantial and satisfying.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): Provides a luscious, creamy foundation that marries all the flavors.
- Buffalo sauce (3/4 cup): Brings that signature spicy kick and bold buffalo flavor everyone loves.
- Ranch dressing (1 cup): Adds a cool, tangy balance to the heat and a smooth texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (8 ounces): Half mixed in for gooey richness, half sprinkled on top for a perfectly melty, flavorful crust.
How to Make Oven Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal for gently warming the ingredients and allowing the cheese to melt perfectly without drying out the dip.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, room temperature cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and 6 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together thoroughly so every bite is packed with that iconic spicy, creamy blend.
Step 3: Prepare to Bake
Spread your mixture evenly into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Cover the top with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during the first part of baking, ensuring the dip stays tender and melty.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
Put the covered dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the dip to get warm all the way through.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Then return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once out of the oven, your Oven Buffalo Chicken Dip is ready to enjoy. Grab your favorite chips, crackers, or cut up some fresh veggies, and dig in while it’s warm and irresistibly gooey.
How to Serve Oven Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair and freshness, consider sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the top of the bubbling cheddar. These garnishes add a pop of color and a subtle oniony brightness that lifts the richness of the dip perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with something crunchy like tortilla chips or crisp celery sticks. You can also offer a variety of dippers such as pita chips, carrot sticks, or even toasted baguette slices to give your guests options for scooping up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your presentation stand out, try serving the dip directly in a hollowed-out round loaf of crusty bread. It creates a beautiful centerpiece and means no extra bowls to wash afterward! Another fun idea is to portion out the dip into mini ramekins for individual servings at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be a challenge!), transfer the cooled dip into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy as a snack or quick meal later.
Freezing
Oven Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe freezes brilliantly. To freeze, place the cooled dip in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, warm the dip in an oven-safe dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring occasionally to maintain that creamy consistency without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dip?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut that works perfectly well in this recipe. Just shred it up and you’re ready to go.
How spicy is the dip? Can I adjust the heat?
The heat level corresponds to the buffalo sauce you choose. Using a mild buffalo sauce will give a gentle kick, while a hotter variety amps up the spice. Feel free to tweak the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your palate.
Can I make this dip dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for creaminess and flavor, but you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese, ranch dressing, and cheddar-style cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and taste might vary slightly.
Is this dip okay to prepare ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix everything together, cover, and refrigerate the dip for a few hours (or overnight) before baking. It actually helps the flavors meld even more.
What are some good alternatives to cheddar cheese?
If you want to switch things up, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheeses can add delicious variation while still melting beautifully on top.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say you’re going to want to keep this Oven Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe on hand for every casual get-together, party, or cozy night in. It’s incredibly flavorful, easy to prepare, and loved by just about everyone who tries it. So go ahead, give it a whirl and watch how fast it disappears from the table – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Oven Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 13 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Oven Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy appetizer perfect for parties and game days. Made with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s rich and flavorful with an irresistible cheesy top. Serve warm with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts (approximately 24 ounces)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and 6 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is uniform.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a 2-quart casserole dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly inside. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered casserole dish into the oven and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Add Cheese Topping: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Take the dip out of the oven and serve warm with your choice of chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken leftover from a roast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the level of spiciness.
- Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature to ensure easier mixing.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- For a thicker dip, reduce ranch dressing slightly or add more cream cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
