This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer! Spicy buffalo chicken dip is a creamy, tangy dip made with tender shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and gooey melted cheese — and it’s oh-so-delicious, ideal for parties, game days, and any time a flavorful snack strikes your fancy.
The rich, tangy heat from the buffalo sauce melds perfectly with the cream cheese to create a dip that’s both filling and impossible to resist. Please don’t wait to serve it with crispy chips, crunchy celery or even slices of bread for dipping, and watch it disappear quickly. Easy to throw together and even quicker to tune out, this dip will become a staple of your next gathering!
Table of Contents
- The Origins of Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe: Where Did It Come From?
- Keys to Perfecting Your Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Health Benefits of Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe: Is It Good for You?
- Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe From OoohDelish!
- Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe: Is It Good for Weight Loss or Weight Gain?
- Why Homemade Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is Always the Best Option
The Origins of Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe: Where Did It Come From?
The Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe originated from the popular dish (Buffalo Wings) & it was created in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. The city is famous for its spicy chicken wings, usually bathed in a tangy hot sauce of cayenne pepper and butter. Over time, resourceful cooks adapted these flavors into new vessels, the Buffalo Chicken Dip among them.
This version, though, has shredded chicken stirred with creamy cheeses and hot sauce, so it’s a more decadent and shareable way to consume the essence of Buffalo wings.
Buffalo chicken dip is today’s mainstay of sports events, parties and holiday gatherings. It’s simple, absolutely delicious and plentiful for sharing with family and friends.
Keys to Perfecting Your Buffalo Chicken Dip
To make the perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe, certain key elements must be balanced. Here’s how to get it right every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Use cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience. You’ll want full-fat cream cheese to get that rich, creamy texture.
- Spice and Tang Sauce: The hot sauce is the backbone of this dip. Be sure to use a good-quality hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce, which gives you just the correct ratio of heat to flavor.
- Cheese Selection: I prefer shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese for the ultimate melty texture and flavorful combination.
- Baking Time: Roughly halfway through baking at 350 degrees (175 degrees C), the dip should become hot and bubbly. The cheese should be golden and slightly crispy at the edges for a perfect finish.
- Toppings: Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or crumbled blue cheese for a flavor boost.
By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure your Buffalo chicken dip is creamy, flavorful, and full of that perfect spicy kick!
Health Benefits of Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe: Is It Good for You?
While the Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is indulgent, it can offer some health benefits if made with the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the health aspects:
| Nutrient | Benefit | Amount per Serving (1/4 cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Helps build muscle and keep you full | 7g |
| Vitamin A | Supports vision and immune health | 5% of daily value |
| Calcium | Good for bone health | 10% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | Boosts immunity | 2% of daily value |
- Protein: The shredded chicken provides a solid protein source, making this dip a satisfying snack.
- Calcium: With the creamy cheese and yogurt (if added), the dip contributes to healthy bones.
- Vitamins: Buffalo chicken dip offers small amounts of vitamin A and C, which are essential for vision and immune function.
But bear in mind that Buffalo chicken dip can be high in fat and calories, especially with full-fat dairy products and extra cheese. If you’re counting calories, you might consider lighter swaps — such as low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt — to cut out some fat but maintain the flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe From OoohDelish!
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Spoon or spatula for mixing
- 1 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar)
- Oven (or microwave for a quicker option)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese yourself)
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce Frank’s RedHot recommended
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for greasing
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt optional, for a lighter version
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Skip this step if you are using a microwave.
- Prepare the chicken: Shred 2 cups of cooked chicken (rotisserie or your chicken works perfectly).
- Make the dip: In a large mixing bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ranch (or blue cheese) dressing, buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt (optional), and 1/2 of each shredded cheese (mozzarella and cheddar).
- Add chicken: Fold the shredded chicken into the mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Transfer to baking dish: Grease your dish with olive oil and pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on the dip.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
- Garnish: After baking, remove from the oven and top with chopped green onions (optional).
- Serve: Serve warm with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies like carrots and celery for dipping.
Notes
Make it lighter: Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream to reduce calories.
Prep ahead: This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Stove-top option: If you don’t want to bake it, you can heat the dip in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the dip is hot and bubbly.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe: Is It Good for Weight Loss or Weight Gain?
When it comes to weight management, Buffalo Chicken Dip can be both a blessing and a challenge depending on how it’s prepared and how much you consume.
- Weight Loss: Moderation is essential if you are working to lose weight. Buffalo chicken dip is sometimes a culinary treat when eaten with portion control. To make it lighter and more weight-loss friendly, recipes should include lighter foods like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or full-fat cream cheese. Moreover, fresh veggies such as carrots and celery should be used instead of chips to accompany them, helping to add fiber and cut calories.
- Weight Gain: Buffalo chicken dip is excellent for healthily gaining weight. This dish is very high in calories due to the cheese and all the creamy ingredients, so it is perfect for someone who needs to increase their caloric intake. You’ll get even more calories if you eat it with whole-grain crackers or tortilla chips.
Why Homemade Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is Always the Best Option
While store-bought versions of Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe exist, making it at home has several advantages:
- Control: With homemade Buffalo chicken dip, you can customize the spice level creaminess and start with fresh ingredients. You can modify the hot sauce and cheese to your taste.
- Freshness: Homemade dips offer more freshness and flavor. The best taste and texture when making this recipe comes from using freshly cooked chicken and the best ingredients.
- Healthier Options: You can control the ingredients used when making Buffalo chicken dip at home and avoid using low-fat cream cheese and organic chicken.
- Inexpensive: Store-bought versions can be costly for a large crowd. It is cheaper at home, and you can create larger batches to share with friends and family.
Homemade Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is also much more satisfying because it’s made with love and care, ensuring every bite is full of flavor and comfort.
We’d love to hear about your unique Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe twist! If so, do you put your unique twist on it to amp up the flavor, or is there a secret ingredient in your dip that sets it apart from all the others? Or you’ve found a lighter version that still delivers all the tasty gusto! Let us know your thoughts, tips, and variations in the comments! Let’s discuss and inspire each other to create the ultimate Buffalo chicken dip! Plus, if you try this recipe, don’t forget to let us know how it turned out — we’d love to see your delicious creations!
References
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