Spicy Creamy Buffalo Chicken (Printable version)

Creamy, spicy blend of chicken, hot sauce, and cheeses baked until bubbly and golden.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main

01 - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (approximately 10.5 oz)
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
04 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing
05 - 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (optional, can substitute with all ranch dressing)
06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (approximately 4 oz)
07 - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, about 2 oz)

→ Topping

08 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (approximately 2 oz)
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (optional)

# How To Make:

01 - Set the oven to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and blue cheese dressing until smooth and homogenous.
03 - Gently fold in shredded chicken, shredded cheddar, and crumbled blue cheese if using, ensuring even distribution.
04 - Transfer the mixture into a greased 1.5 to 2 quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.
05 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the surface of the mixture.
06 - Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
07 - Remove from oven and allow the dip to cool for 5 minutes to set.
08 - Top with chopped chives or green onions if desired. Serve warm alongside celery sticks, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes with zero fancy technique, so you can actually enjoy your own party instead of stressing in the kitchen.
  • The tangy heat and creamy richness work together so well that one bite keeps leading to another—guests won't believe you didn't order it from somewhere.
  • You can make it ahead and just pop it in the oven when people arrive, which means less chaos on game day.
02 -
  • Softening your cream cheese first is non-negotiable—it's the difference between a smooth dip and one with frustrating little lumps that never disappear no matter how much you mix.
  • Don't skip the mozzarella topping; it melts faster and browns prettier than if you just use cheddar all the way, and that visual appeal actually makes people eat more of it.
03 -
  • Buy a block of cheddar and shred it yourself right before mixing—pre-shredded cheese has additives that keep it from melting into that silky, cohesive dip texture.
  • Taste the base mixture before baking and adjust the heat or creaminess then, not after, so you're not stuck with something that doesn't match your crowd.
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