Mouthwatering Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip Recipe for Game Day
I’m so excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite party appetizers – Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip. This dip has everything you crave in a good party food: It’s creamy, tangy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. This classic American dish has become a staple in every party I host, and I guarantee that it will be a hit at your next gathering too.
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I’m always on the lookout for crowd-pleasing recipes that can be prepared quickly and easily. Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip ticks all those boxes and then some. It’s ready in no time, requires minimal effort, and is made with simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, a backyard barbecue, or just want to indulge in some lip-smacking goodness on the weekend, this dip is the perfect recipe to have in your arsenal. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen, you cooking enthusiasts and party animals out there! If you are a fan of chicken dip, then you need to add this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip recipe to your arsenal. Trust me when I say that your taste buds will thank you for it.
Let me tell you why this recipe is worth the hype: the combination of buffalo and ranch flavors is like the king and queen of the dip world throwing an epic party in your mouth. The creamy and tangy blend of ranch seasoning mix with hot sauce is a flavor explosion that can make even the blandest chicken come alive. And guess what? That’s exactly what we have done here – we’ve taken shredded chicken and turned it into a dip by mixing it with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and all those bold flavors. It’s a truly transformative dish!
Whether you’re hosting a game night or just starting your dinner party, this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip is sure to impress your guests. They won’t be able to resist the crispy celery and crackers paired with this deliciously creamy dip. Plus, the versatility of this dish allows you to adjust the spice level according to your preference, making it perfect for everyone at the gathering.
So take a step towards being crowned as the host with the most and add this recipe to your collection. I promise once you make this buffalo ranch chicken dip once, it will become a staple at all future engagements.
Ingredient List
Gather These Fantastic Flavors
- Rotisserie Chicken or Shredded Chicken: 2 cups
- Cream cheese, Softened: 8 oz
- Ranch Dressing Mix/ Seasoning: 1 packet (1 oz) or use Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix.
- Hot Sauce: 1/2 cup, divided.
- Buffalo Sauce: 1/4 cup.
- Medium Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated: 2 cups.
- Gruyere Cheese, freshly grated: 1 cup.
- Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated: 1/2 cup.
- Celery, diced: 1/2 cup.
- Shallot, minced: 1 medium-sized.
- Olive Oil: 2 teaspoons.
- Fresh Chives, finely chopped: a handful.
Get your shopping list ready; you don’t want to go running to the store in the middle of making this delectable dish! This buffalo ranch chicken dip recipe is begging for shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breast that’s been shredded. The chicken needs to be joined with softened cream cheese, grape tomatoes, and diced celery topped with spicy hot sauce and buffalo sauce. The dish is brought together with an assortment of shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere and parmesan cheese.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the juicy part of this recipe: How to make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip. This is where things start getting interesting!
Preparing the Chicken
First things first, we need to get our chicken ready for the dip. You can use rotisserie chicken, canned chicken or boneless chicken breast; as long as you have 2 cups of shredded chicken- that’s what matters.
Pro tip: Using a pre-cooked chicken saves a lot of time and effort, and also adds more flavor to the dish!
Mixing the Dip
Our next step involves preparing the dip itself. Take 8 oz of cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup of ranch dressing and 1/4 cup of hot sauce in a large mixing bowl. Ensure that all ingredients are well combined using a hand mixer or whisk.
Pro Tip: Use Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning mix to get that signature ranch taste.
Adding the Chicken
Once you have a smooth and fluffy base, add the 2 cups of shredded chicken into it. Along with that, add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese (a mix of Gruyere, Medium Cheddar or any other cheese you like) and 1/2 cup finely chopped celery and shallot.
Mix everything up until perfectly combined.
Pro Tip: Reserve some cheese and veggies to top your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip just before baking – it creates an irresistible crunchy crust!
Baking The Dip
Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish, top with a handful of Parmesan Cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F or until the edges are golden brown and bubbly.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time or don’t have an oven, this delicious dip can also be made quickly in a crockpot or in an Instant Pot!
Now that your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip is out from the oven, garnish it with some fresh chives, green onions or cracked black pepper if desired! Serve with some tortilla chips or crusty bread slices.
And voila! Your scrumptious buffalo ranch chicken dip is now ready to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to recipes, there’s always room for customization. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this buffalo ranch chicken dip recipe. Here are some substitution ideas and variations to try:
– Cheese: Swap out the gruyere cheese or medium cheddar for your favorite cheese, such as pepper jack or even blue cheese crumbles.
– Vegetables: If you’re not a fan of celery or shallot, try adding in other veggies like peppers, onions, or even diced jalapenos for an extra kick.
– Protein: While rotisserie chicken and shredded chicken breast work great in this recipe, you can also switch things up by using canned chicken or boneless chicken thighs.
– Heat level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking. Use less for a milder flavor or more for a spicier kick.
– Ranch seasoning mix: Besides Hidden Valley, you can use other brands of ranch seasoning mix or even make your own blend using herbs and spices like dried parsley, dill weed, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this buffalo ranch chicken dip recipe. Mix and match ingredients to create a dip that’s perfect for your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve got your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip ready to go, it’s time to think about how to serve it up right. This dip is perfect for parties and gatherings, but can also be enjoyed as a snack at home. Here are some suggestions for how to serve and pair your dip:
To start, arrange a platter of celery sticks and sliced baguette that pairs perfectly with the tangy flavors of the buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning in the dip. You can also add some crumbled blue cheese or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
For those who aren’t fans of celery, crackers, tortilla chips, pita chips or even pretzels would be best served with this chicken dip. Just make sure to choose something sturdy enough to handle the thick dip without crumbling.
If you’re serving for a crowd, consider putting each type of dipping option in separate bowls so that guests can customize their plates. And for added presentation points, you can sprinkle some fresh chopped chives on top of the dip.
Regarding pairings, this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip pairs well with a variety of drinks. Reach out for a glass of cold beer or craft beer to soothe your tongue after a spicy buffalo bite. For wine lovers, choose white wine such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to balance out the heat yet still complementing the flavors.
Overall, this dip is versatile and pairs well with most anything you fancy. Whether it’s snacking at home or entertaining with friends, this dish sure to be a hit!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, listen up folks, because this is where the magic happens. Once you’ve made this buffalo ranch chicken dip, you’re going to want to hold onto your hats because it’s time for some make-ahead, storing and reheating tips that will knock your socks off.
Firstly, let me tell you about the make-ahead option. When I throw one of my infamous parties, I always have too many things to do on the day of the event. So, I like to make this recipe a day or two ahead. Simply prepare the dip according to the recipe instructions and then transfer it into an oven-safe dish. Pop it in the fridge for 24-48 hours before baking when ready to serve.
Now on to storing this heavenly dip. If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers (which let’s face it, is unlikely), then you’ll want to know how to store them properly. You can store this dip in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days. However, if you’re anything like me, it never lasts that long!
Finally, let’s talk reheating. You can reheat this dip easily by popping it back into the oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds until hot.
One more pro tip – if you want to keep the texture of the cheese and chicken just right while reheating, add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before heating up again.
With these tips in your arsenal, there’s no limit to how much buffalo ranch chicken dip you can make and keep on hand for all those impromptu parties and gatherings!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’ve got the ingredients list and steps to make this mouth-watering buffalo ranch chicken dip, here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results.
Firstly, using rotisserie chicken will save you time and effort, but if you prefer to use freshly shredded chicken breast, make sure it is fully cooked before adding it to the mixture. You can tell the chicken is cooked when its juices run clear.
Secondly, when mixing the ingredients, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to ensure that everything is well blended. This step will give your dip an even texture and blend flavors evenly throughout.
Thirdly, let the hot sauce and ranch seasoning sit in the cream cheese for about 10 minutes before mixing in other ingredients. Allowing these flavors time to meld will infuse every bite of the dip with a delicious kick.
Fourthly, for added flavor and complexity, consider mixing in some blue cheese crumbles or grated Parmesan cheese. Just be sure not to add too much as these cheeses can overpower all other flavors.
Fifthly, garnish your buffalo ranch chicken dip with finely chopped celery and fresh chives. The crunch of celery adds a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the dip while chives provide a mild onion flavor that pairs perfectly with buffalo and ranch seasoning.
Sixthly, if you find the dip too thick after refrigerating or storing overnight, you can thin it out by adding more ranch dressing or sour cream a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Lastly, be creative with what you pair this dip! From tortilla chips to sliced baguettes, from celery sticks to sweet pepper wedges – everything goes well with this buffalo ranch chicken goodness!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious appetizer that will leave your guests asking for more!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this buffalo ranch chicken dip recipe is a perfect choice for any party or gathering. With its irresistible blend of flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with the tips and variations provided, you can customize the dip to your liking and make it truly your own.
So whether you’re hosting a football watch party or just having friends over for a casual get-together, this buffalo ranch chicken dip is a delicious and easy option that is sure to impress. Don’t wait any longer to try it out – get into the kitchen and start whipping up this irresistible dip today!
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip #RSC Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2/3 cup hot sauce
- 1 cup Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 whole rotisserie-cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup medium cheddar, shredded
- 1/2 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- In a large skillet add the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is heated then add in the finely chopped shallots and celery, and the ground black pepper. Saute for 5 minutes. Add the cream cheese, and cook for 3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, and add the hot sauce, Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing, plain greek yogurt, rotisserie chicken, cheddar cheese, and gruyere cheese. Mix well.
- Pour mixture in to a greased 9X13-inch pan, and place in a preheated 350 degree F. oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the dish from the oven, and sprinkle with the chopped chives and parmesan cheese. Let dish sit for 10 minutes before serving.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!