Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip

The first Super Bowl party I ever hosted taught me something unexpected about appetizers. I spent hours on fancy sliders and homemade wings, but what disappeared first was a simple buffalo chicken dip my friend Sarah brought in a humble baking dish. Now whenever I smell hot sauce and melting cheese together, I'm instantly back in that crowded kitchen, watching people huddle around the dip with celery sticks like it was gold.

Last winter my neighbor texted at 5 pm asking what to bring to a last minute gathering. I walked her through this recipe over the phone, and she texted back an hour later saying the host had already demanded the recipe twice. There's something about that first bubbling, golden brown emergence from the oven that makes people momentarily forget whatever else is on the table.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Two cups of shredded breast works perfectly, and rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor
• Cream cheese: Let it soften completely at room temperature for the smoothest texture and easier mixing
• Ranch and blue cheese dressing: Using both creates the perfect balance of creamy and tangy notes
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides that gorgeous stringy melt everyone loves
• Blue cheese crumbles: Half gets mixed in while the rest goes on top for those delicious salty pockets throughout
• Hot sauce: Franks RedHot is the classic choice, but any cayenne based sauce works beautifully
• Garlic powder and black pepper: These humble spices ground the rich ingredients with subtle depth
• Celery sticks: The crisp cool crunch is essential for cutting through all that creamy richness

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Set it to 375°F so it's ready when you are

Mix the creamy base:

Combine softened cream cheese, both dressings, hot sauce, garlic powder, and pepper until completely smooth

Add the chicken and cheese:

Gently fold in shredded chicken, mozzarella, and half the blue cheese crumbles until evenly distributed

Transfer to baking dish:

Spread everything into a 9 inch baking dish or ovenproof skillet

Top with remaining cheese:

Sprinkle the rest of the blue cheese crumbles across the surface

Bake until bubbly:

Cook for 20 to 25 minutes until everything is hot throughout and golden on top

Rest before serving:

Let it sit for 5 minutes so it sets slightly and is easier to scoop

Save Pin

My sister made this for her book club and now requests for it appear on the group chat before they even pick the next month's book. Something about standing around a warm, bubbling dish makes people linger longer and talk deeper than they would over neatly plated appetizers.

Make Ahead Magic

You can assemble everything up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight, so it's the ultimate party prep time saver.

Serving Variations

While celery is the classic vehicle for a reason, don't shy away from offering carrot sticks, sturdy potato chips, or even warm tortilla strips for dipping.

Temperature Matters

This dip is best served warm but not piping hot, which can mask the nuanced flavors. Letting it rest those five minutes makes all the difference between good and absolutely craveable.

• Set out fresh celery sticks right before serving so they stay crisp
• Provide small plates or napels because this gets messy in the best way
• Consider doubling the recipe for larger crowds because it vanishes quickly

Save Pin

Every time I make this now, I think about how the simplest recipes often create the biggest moments around the table. Good food has a way of bringing people together that nothing else quite can.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best?

Shredded cooked chicken breast provides a tender texture and mild flavor, perfectly absorbing the spicy sauce.

→ Can I adjust the heat level?

Yes, add cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to increase spiciness, or use a milder sauce for less heat.

→ Is baking necessary?

Baking melts the cheeses and fuses flavors, creating a warm, bubbly dish that’s more enjoyable than serving cold.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

Crisp celery sticks are traditional, but carrot sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers offer great alternatives.

→ How to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat gently before serving.