Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip

The first time I brought this buffalo chicken dip to a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah actually abandoned her usual seat on the couch to hover over the baking dish. She kept claiming she was just making sure it didnt burn, but I noticed her spoon kept finding its way back for just one more taste test.

Last winter during a particularly brutal cold snap, my roommate and I stayed in with a double batch of this dip and way too many tortilla chips. We ended up having the most ridiculous conversation about why buffalo sauce should be its own food group while the snow piled up outside.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast: I use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach two large breasts the night before
• 8 oz cream cheese softened: Room temperature cream cheese blends so much smoother without leaving lumpy pockets
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds that velvety texture that keeps everything creamy even after baking
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch against the tangy buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This creates those gorgeous cheese pulls everyone loves
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing: The classic cooling element that tames the heat beautifully
• 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce: Franks RedHot is my go to but any wing sauce works here
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Deepens the overall flavor without adding raw garlic bite
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper: Just enough to enhance everything else
• 1 bag tortilla chips: Sturdy chips are crucial since this dip is thick and hearty
• 2 green onions: Fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor on top

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 375F and move your oven rack to the center position for even heating

Mix the creamy base:

Beat together the cream cheese sour cream ranch Buffalo sauce garlic powder and pepper until completely smooth

Add the good stuff:

Fold in the shredded chicken and both cheeses being gentle to keep some texture

Spread and bake:

Transfer to your baking dish spread evenly and bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden and bubbling

Finish and serve:

Let it rest 5 minutes then top with green onions and serve warm with plenty of chips

Save

My dad who claims to hate anything spicy took one bite and proceeded to eat half the pan himself. He kept saying this dip has different kind of heat and asked me to write down the recipe on the spot.

Make It Your Own

Ive discovered that swapping blue cheese dressing for ranch transforms this into something entirely different. Both versions are fantastic but blue cheese gives it that authentic wing sauce vibe that people either love or love to hate.

Temperature Tricks

The dip stays hot for a surprisingly long time but I learned the hard way that putting it back in the oven for too long makes the cheese separate and get greasy. Short 10 minute warm ups are the way to go.

Serving Secrets

Beyond tortilla chips I keep discovering new vehicles for getting this dip into my mouth. Celery sticks work surprisingly well and buttery crackers somehow make it feel almost fancy.

• Serve with a small spoon for people who prefer not to double dip
• Keep a few extra hot sauce bottles on the table for heat lovers
• Make a double batch because leftovers rarely happen

Save

Whether its game day or just Tuesday this dip has a way of making everything feel like a celebration.

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of chicken is best for this dip?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast provides a tender texture and mild flavor that blends well with creamy and spicy ingredients.

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore warmth and texture before serving.

→ What can I use instead of tortilla chips for serving?

Sliced celery, carrot sticks, or gluten-free crackers offer crunchy alternatives that complement the creamy, spicy dip.

→ How can I adjust the heat level?

Adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper can increase spiciness, while substituting blue cheese dressing for ranch adds depth without extra heat.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, if you use gluten-free tortilla chips and verify that all sauces and seasonings are free from gluten-containing ingredients.