Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken Dip:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed

• 1½-3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

• ½-1 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)

• ½-1 cup ranch dressing

• 1-2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix

• 1½-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• 1-1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, divided

• ½ cup sour cream (optional)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ½ cup chopped green onions or chives

For Serving:

• Tortilla chips for dipping

• Celery sticks and carrot sticks

• Crackers or pretzel chips

Instructions

Oven Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350-375°F and spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

3. Stir in shredded chicken, green onions, and half of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

4. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining cheeses.

5. Bake for 20-30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and cheese is melted and golden. For extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

6. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional green onions.

Slow Cooker Method:

7. Add all ingredients except half the cheese to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

8. Add remaining cheese 30 minutes before serving and cook until melted.

Instant Pot Method:

9. For cooked chicken: Combine all ingredients (reserve ½ cup cheddar) in Instant Pot. Cook on Manual High for 0 minutes, then quick release and stir.

10. For raw chicken: Cook chicken with 1 cup water for 10 minutes, then shred and combine with other ingredients.

Serving and Storage Tips

Tortilla Chip Pairing: Sturdy restaurant-style tortilla chips work best as they won’t break when loaded with the thick, creamy dip. Blue corn tortilla chips add visual appeal and extra crunch.

Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dip completely and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

Chicken Shortcuts: Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves significant prep time. Simply shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Spice Level Control: Start with less buffalo sauce and adjust to taste – you can always add more heat but can’t take it away. For milder versions, use less hot sauce and add extra ranch.

This recipe serves 8-12 people as an appetizer and provides approximately 263 calories per serving. The combination of creamy cheese, tangy buffalo sauce, and tender chicken creates an addictive dip that disappears quickly at any gathering. Serve hot with plenty of tortilla chips and watch it become the star of your party spread.