Buffalo ranch chicken dip is a creamy, cheesy, spicy baked dip made with chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheese in just 30 minutes with 5 ingredients!
This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion.
The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and shredded chicken is simply irresistible. This dip is sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck!
You get heat from the buffalo sauce, richness from the cream cheese, and a cool, herby contrast from the ranch.
When baked, it turns into a bubbly, golden-topped dip that is perfect with chips, bread, or vegetables.
It has since become a staple at our gatherings, and I can't help but smile when I see my friends eagerly digging into this addictive dip.
If you love a good dip, be sure to also try Mexican Ranch Dip and Mango Corn Salsa. I love bringing a few very different dips to a party or game day, so why not try all three?
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Why You Should Make This Recipe
- The combination of buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheese creates a sensational flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more.
- With just 5 simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a breeze to make, even for beginner cooks.
- Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip can be served with a variety of dippers, including tortilla chips, breadsticks, celery sticks, or carrot sticks, making it suitable for different dietary preferences.
- This dip is guaranteed to be a hit at parties, family gatherings, and potlucks. It's a go-to recipe that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken serves as the protein base for this dip, adding a savory and tender texture.
- Buffalo Sauce: I prefer using Franks Buffalo Sauce for its authentic and tangy flavor, providing the perfect level of heat.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese brings a creamy and luscious element to the dip, balancing out the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
- Ranch Dressing: The rich and tangy ranch dressing complements the buffalo sauce, adding a cool and refreshing component to the dip.
- Cheddar Cheese: This melty and gooey cheese adds a savory and satisfying element to the dip, enhancing its overall richness. Try swapping cheeses for a different flavor - smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, pepper jack etc...
Optional toppings
- Blue Cheese (optional): For those who enjoy an extra burst of flavor, crumbled blue cheese can be added to the dip, offering a slightly tangy and salty note.
- Green Onions (optional): These fresh and vibrant green onions add a pop of color and a subtle onion flavor to the dip.
See the recipe card for the full method and quantities.
How to shred chicken
Shredding chicken is a simple process. Here's how to do it:
- Start by cooking your chicken until it is fully cooked and tender. You can boil, bake, or use a slow cooker to cook the chicken.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Using two forks, hold one fork in each hand and pierce the chicken with the forks. Pull the forks in opposite directions to shred the chicken. Continue pulling until all the chicken is shredded to your desired consistency.
Instructions
If you're wondering how to make this buffalo ranch chicken dip recipe, don't worry, it's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Shred or dice your cooked chicken, then add it to a bowl and stir in the buffalo sauce.
Stir in the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing, then stir in half of the cheese.
Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe 9x13-inch baking dish.
Spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dip. If desired, you can also sprinkle crumbled blue cheese for added flavor.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden.
Once cooked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions, if using.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tortilla chips for a classic option.
- Pair with celery sticks for a traditional buffalo wing feel.
- Offer carrot sticks for a crunchy, fresh contrast.
- Use toasted baguette slices for a more substantial bite.
- Spoon onto baked potatoes for a hearty twist. (Try Microwave Baked Potato).
- Serve inside wraps or sandwiches.
- Add on top of nachos for a loaded snack.
- Use as a filling for quesadillas.
- Spread on flatbread or pizza base.
- Serve with crackers for an easy appetizer.
Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
- Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing for a more traditional buffalo flavor.
- Add mozzarella for extra stretch and meltiness.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier version.
- Stir in cooked bacon for a smoky element.
- Make it low carb by serving with vegetables instead of chips.
- Use Greek yogurt in place of some cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Turn it into a slow cooker buffalo chicken dip instead of baking.
- Make it dairy free with plant-based cream cheese and cheese alternatives.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If reheating, add a splash of milk or ranch if it seems too thick.
- You can assemble the dip ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
- Freezing is possible, but the texture may change slightly due to the dairy content.
Recipe Tips
- Cooked Chicken: Use leftover roasted or grilled chicken for this recipe to save time. You can also use rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
- No leftover chicken? Just poach a few chicken breasts until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer), then shred them with forks.
- Softening Cream Cheese: To quickly soften cream cheese, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can soften it in the microwave using the defrost setting for 10-15 seconds.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your personal preference for spiciness. You can add more or less depending on how hot you like it.
- Garnish Options: Besides chopped green onions, you can also sprinkle some crispy cooked bacon bits or crumbled blue cheese on top of the dip for added flavor and visual appeal.
FAQ
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled dip.
I would not recommend freezing this dip, as the texture of the cream cheese and dairy-based ingredients may change upon thawing, resulting in a less desirable consistency. It's best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Certainly! While cheddar cheese works beautifully in this recipe, you can experiment with other melty cheeses such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Feel free to get creative and combine cheeses for a unique twist.
📖 Recipe
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13-inch baking pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- ½ cup buffalo sauce I use Franks
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
Optional
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese optional
- ¼ cup chopped green onions optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shred or dice your cooked chicken, then add it to a bowl and stir in the buffalo sauce.
- Stir in the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing, then stir in half of the cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dip. If desired, you can also sprinkle crumbled blue cheese for added flavor.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden.
- Once cooked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions, if using.
- Serve the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for dipping.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Kim says
This buffalo ranch chicken dip is the perfect fusion of flavors! The ranch dressing really balances out the buffalo sauce.
Casey says
It was really good. I added crumbled blue cheese on top and served with slices of pita bread. Our new ultimate game-day treat!
Tayler says
I'm always looking for new dips to serve at our get togethers, and I"m so glad I found this one on pinterest! It was so easy and so good. A new go-to!
Shay R. says
I'm always on the lookout for delicious party appetizers, and I"m so glad that this buffalo ranch chicken dip caught my attention! It was a hit with my friends and family at our neighborhood cookout this month.
Luna says
Wow...what an amazingly delicious dip recipe. Everyone loved it! I added lots of hot sauce cos we looove spicy!