Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip Recipe

This bubbly, cheesy Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip is made with tender shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and cooling ranch dressing, and is ready in just 30 minutes. The rich layer of melted cheddar creates a perfect golden crust that begs for a tortilla chip. I always bring this to game day parties because the bowl is scraped clean every time.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to order buffalo chicken dip at sports bars, assuming there was some secret kitchen trick to getting that perfect cheese pull. The reality is much simpler, but the balance of ratios is crucial to avoid a greasy, separated mess.

My first attempt at home resulted in a pool of orange oil because I used low-quality cheese and didn’t mix the base thoroughly. Once I switched to block cheese and blended the cream cheese with the ranch before adding heat, the texture became indistinguishably professional.

Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works best)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is standard)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

How To Make Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip

1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add Proteins and Cheese: Fold in the shredded chicken, mozzarella, and half of the cheddar cheese until everything is well combined.
4. Bake the Dip: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spread it evenly, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
5. Finish and Serve: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, then garnish with fresh green onions before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Soften the Cheese: If your cream cheese is cold, the dip will be lumpy; let it sit out for 30 minutes or microwave it briefly before mixing.
• Shred Your Own: Pre-shredded bagged cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, so grate a block of cheddar for the best texture.
• Drain the Chicken: If using canned chicken, drain it thoroughly to prevent the dip from becoming watery and soupy during baking.

What To Serve With Buffalo Chicken Dip

Serve this dip hot with sturdy tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot slices to cut through the richness. Sliced baguette or crackers also work well if you prefer a crunchier vessel for scooping.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the dish back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through; freezing is not recommended as the dairy may separate.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is hot throughout.

Is this dip very spicy?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce brand you choose; Frank’s RedHot is medium, but you can use a mild wing sauce or add more ranch to cool it down.

Can I use blue cheese instead of ranch?
Absolutely, swap the ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing and add some crumbled blue cheese on top if you enjoy that pungent flavor profile.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 980mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 4g
• Protein: 18g

Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip

Recipe by Emily Mitchell

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Total time

35

minutes

Creamy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip combines spicy buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, and melted cheddar for a gooey appetizer ready in 30 minutes. This easy crowd-pleaser uses simple ingredients like cream cheese and ranch dressing for ultimate flavor. It makes the perfect game day snack or party starter.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works best)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is standard)

• 1/2 cup ranch dressing

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

• Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
• Mix the Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Add Proteins and Cheese: Fold in the shredded chicken, mozzarella, and half of the cheddar cheese until everything is well combined.
• Bake the Dip: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spread it evenly, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
• Finish and Serve: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, then garnish with fresh green onions before serving.