Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip

$To make baked buffalo chicken dip, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust for heat) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste - Tortilla chips or celery sticks for serving You can easily swap some ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist. - Replace buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce if you prefer a milder flavor. - Try using a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for a different taste. - You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. Choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients matters. Here’s how to ensure you get the best: - For chicken, opt for organic or free-range options if possible. - Choose cream cheese that is full-fat for a richer texture. - Look for buffalo sauce made with natural ingredients and no added preservatives. - Pick fresh green onions that are bright green and firm. Using quality ingredients enhances the dip's taste and makes your dish shine. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the dip cook evenly. 2. Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. You can adjust the buffalo sauce for more or less heat. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend until it is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps. 3. Incorporate Chicken & Cheeses: Next, gently fold in 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken. This step ensures the chicken mixes well with the creamy base. Then add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir everything together until well combined. 4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully pour the mixture into an oven-safe dish or a cast-iron skillet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. This creates a smooth surface on top for baking. 5. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. You will know it is ready when the dip bubbles around the edges and has a nice golden-brown crust on top. 6. Garnish and Serve: After baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle additional chopped green onions on top for a fresh look. Serve the warm dip with crispy tortilla chips or crunchy celery sticks. Enjoy the bold flavors! To make your dip creamier, use room temperature cream cheese. Softening it helps blend better. You can also add more sour cream or cream cheese. This gives a rich texture. For a twist, try adding a splash of ranch dressing. This will enhance creaminess and flavor. Bake your dip at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Look for bubbling edges and a golden crust. If your dip is not bubbling, it needs more time. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it. You want it hot and gooey, not overcooked. Serve with tortilla chips or celery sticks for a fun touch. You can also add veggies like carrots or bell peppers. For a festive look, garnish with extra chopped green onions. This adds color and freshness. Make sure to have plenty of dippers for everyone! Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: Tailor the buffalo sauce to your taste preference. If you like it mild, use less sauce, or choose a milder brand. Use Leftovers: This dip is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. Make it Ahead: Prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it before serving for an easy appetizer. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for added flavor or creamier textures by adding more cream cheese. {{image_4}} You can make Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip even hotter! Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. These spicy additions will kick up the heat. You can also try using spicy buffalo sauce. Just remember to taste as you go. Heat levels can vary widely. If you're looking for a lighter dip, swap some ingredients. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist. You can also use low-fat cream cheese. For a lower calorie option, try shredded chicken breast. These changes keep the flavor while cutting calories. You can serve this dip with many dippers. Tortilla chips are a classic choice, but don’t stop there! Try fresh veggies like carrots and bell peppers. They add crunch and color. You can also use bread or pita chips. Each option offers a unique taste and texture. To keep your baked buffalo chicken dip fresh, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it. When you’re ready to enjoy your dip again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dip in an oven-safe dish. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm. Stir it halfway through to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. To freeze, portion the dip in smaller containers. This makes it easy to thaw just what you need. Seal the containers tightly and label them with the date. The dip can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To make this dip less spicy, reduce the buffalo sauce. Start with 1/4 cup. You can also add more cream cheese or sour cream. These will mellow the heat. Mixing in extra cheese helps too. You can try a milder sauce. Look for brands labeled "mild" or "sweet." Taste as you go. This way, you find your ideal heat level. Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great choice! It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken before mixing it in. This dip works well with any cooked chicken. You could use leftover grilled chicken too. Both options keep the dish simple and tasty. For the best dip, try tortilla chips and celery sticks. Tortilla chips add crunch and flavor. Celery sticks provide a fresh, crisp taste. You can also use carrot sticks or cucumber slices. Some like to use pita chips for a different twist. Choose whatever you enjoy most! This guide covers all you need to make a tasty baked buffalo chicken dip. You learned about the key ingredients and their best substitutes. I shared tips for choosing fresh items and how to prepare them step by step. We explored ways to make the dip creamier and served it perfectly at parties. You also discovered fun variations to switch things up. Remember to store leftovers correctly for later enjoyment. With these tips, you’re set to create a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!$

A creamy and spicy dip made with shredded chicken, cheeses, and buffalo sauce, perfect for parties.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
0.5 cup sour cream
0.5 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for serving tortilla chips or celery sticks

Instructions

Preheat your oven to a temperature of 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and buffalo sauce. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring that there are no lumps.
Gently fold in the shredded chicken until fully coated. Next, add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with the chopped green onions. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Carefully pour the creamy chicken mixture into an oven-safe dish or a cast-iron skillet. Use a spatula to spread the dip evenly, creating a smooth surface on top.
Place the prepared dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. The dip should be bubbling around the edges and have a golden-brown crust on top when it's done.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle additional chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve the warm dip alongside crispy tortilla chips or crunchy celery sticks for an enjoyable dipping experience.

Notes

Adjust the buffalo sauce for desired heat level.

Keyword appetizer, buffalo chicken dip, party food