Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip

The first Super Bowl party I hosted, I made way too much food except this dip which disappeared in ten minutes flat while people hovered around it like it might run away. Now I always make double.

My brother-in-law still talks about the day he forgot to bring his usual store-bought party dip and tried this instead. He texted me at midnight that same night demanding the recipe.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves so much prep time on busy days
• Cream cheese: Let it sit on the counter for at least thirty minutes so it blends seamlessly into the sauce without lumps
• Sour cream and ranch dressing: This duo creates that restaurant-style creaminess that coats every single shred of chicken
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives you that perfect salty contrast against the heat from the hot sauce
• Hot sauce: Franks RedHot is the classic choice but whatever brand you love will work its magic
• Melted butter: The butter mellows out the vinegar in the hot sauce just enough to let the other flavors shine through
• Celery stalks: Cut these right before serving so they stay snappy and crisp

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Get it to 375F so the dip goes from bubbling to golden without any waiting around

Mix the creamy base:

Whip together the cream cheese, sour cream, ranch, hot sauce and butter until no white streaks remain

Add the chicken and cheese:

Fold everything together gently so the chicken stays in nice shreds rather than turning mushy

Transfer to baking dish:

Spread it into an even layer so every bite gets that gorgeous golden top

Bake until bubbly:

Twenty to twenty-five minutes is perfect timing for that gorgeous golden crust and hot center

Let it rest briefly:

Five minutes helps everything set slightly and makes scooping so much easier

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Friends who swore they hated blue cheese tried this at my annual game day gathering and went back for thirds. Sometimes the right ratios of ingredients can change entire perspectives in one bite.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this dip foundation is how it adapts to whatever spice level your crowd can handle. Some weeks I dial up the heat until people are reaching for water.

Dipper Options Beyond Celery

Celery will always be the classic choice because that cool crunch balances everything perfectly. But I have also seen this disappear alongside tortilla chips.

Serving Strategy

Keep this dip warm in a small slow cooker on the lowest setting if your party stretches over hours. The consistent heat keeps it at that perfect scoopable texture that makes everyone hover nearby.

• Set out fresh celery halfway through if the first batch starts to wilt
• Have a backup serving spoon ready because the first one often disappears
• Consider making two batches if your group loves spicy food

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Hope this dip becomes the star of your next gathering. Every party deserves that one dish nobody can stop talking about.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ Is blue cheese necessary in this dish?

No, blue cheese is optional. You can substitute it with extra cheddar if preferred.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

Celery sticks are traditional, but carrot sticks, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices also complement well.

→ How spicy is this buffalo blend?

The level of heat depends on the hot sauce used; adjust with more or less hot sauce or add cayenne for extra spice.

→ Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, using gluten-free hot sauce and dressings ensures it remains gluten-free.