Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a game-day party, a family gathering, or just looking for a comforting snack. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the perfect balance of heat and tang. Unlike other party dips, this one is hearty and filling, thanks to shredded chicken and a rich, melty cheese blend.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Creamy & Spicy – The perfect balance of heat from hot sauce and creaminess from cheese and ranch dressing.
- Easy to Make – No complicated steps, just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Perfect for Gatherings – A guaranteed hit for parties, game nights, or potlucks.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level, cheese blend, or add extra mix-ins like bacon or blue cheese.
Ingredients
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Boiled and shredded for the best texture. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed – Creates a rich, creamy base. Let it soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- 1 cup ranch dressing – Provides a cool contrast to the heat. Use store-bought or homemade for extra flavor.
- 1 cup hot sauce – Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but you can adjust the amount to taste.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle bite.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a savory depth to the dip.
- ½ cup green onions, chopped – For a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided – Creates a gooey, stretchy texture.
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided – Adds a rich, sharp flavor to balance the mozzarella.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
If your chicken is not yet cooked, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the chicken breasts and return to a boil. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the chicken poach for 25 minutes. Once done, remove from the pot and let it rest until cool enough to handle. Shred the chicken using two forks or your hands. (Skip this step if using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.)
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar-sized pan) with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add the cubed cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and the mixture becomes smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the shredded chicken, green onions, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar to the saucepan. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of cheddar over the top. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges start to bubble.
For a golden-brown finish, switch the oven to BROIL for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Remove from the oven immediately.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Let the dip cool slightly before serving. Pair it with tortilla chips, celery sticks, crackers, or sliced baguette. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dip, cover, and refrigerate it uncooked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
What are some variations I can try?
For extra flavor, mix in crumbled blue cheese, cooked bacon bits, or chopped jalapeños. You can also swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing for a tangier taste.