Description

A spicy, creamy buffalo chicken dip with an extra-crispy cheese topping, designed for easy tailgating and game-day entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces (225g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened
½ cup (120ml) ranch dressing
½ cup (120ml) buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for base)
2 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g), cooked and shredded
2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter
½ cup (50g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
Optional: ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
Optional: 2 stalks green onions, sliced
Optional: Celery sticks for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook chicken breasts until tender (microwave or boil), let rest for 5 minutes, then shred into bite-sized chunks.
In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
Stir in shredded chicken, 1 cup shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Spread mixture evenly into an 8-inch baking dish or pie plate.
Sprinkle remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are bubbling.
Switch oven to broil. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with green onions and serve with celery sticks or chips.

Notes

Use full-fat block cream cheese, not the tub spreadable kind, to prevent a watery dip. Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes after broiling to allow it to set for easier scooping. This dip does not freeze well; store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 scoop with crispy
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 650
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 6
Fiber: 1
Protein: 22

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, tailgate recipe, game day food, crispy cheese dip, spicy appetizer, crowd pleaser