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Best Loaded Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe for Game Day

loaded buffalo chicken dip - featured image

This loaded buffalo chicken dip is creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive, featuring tender shredded chicken, a blend of cheeses, crispy bacon, and a secret ingredient for extra creaminess. Perfect for game day gatherings, it comes together in under 30 minutes and is sure to be the star of the party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 large chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if cooking your own chicken)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (3/4 cup and 1/4 cup)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 1/3 cup)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or soft pretzel bites for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the bacon: Place bacon slices in a cold skillet and turn heat to medium. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble into small pieces.
  3. Prepare the chicken: If cooking fresh chicken, season breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then shred with two forks. If using rotisserie chicken, shred directly into a bowl.
  4. Mix the cream cheese base: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add sour cream and ranch dressing, and beat until fully combined.
  5. Add buffalo sauce and seasonings: Pour in buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until evenly incorporated.
  6. Fold in chicken and cheese: Add shredded chicken, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, and all of the mozzarella cheese. Fold together gently but thoroughly.
  7. Transfer to baking dish: Spoon mixture into a 9-inch baking dish or skillet. Spread into an even layer. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes: Place dish in preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, until hot and bubbly around edges and cheese on top is melted and golden. For a browner top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and drizzle with extra ranch dressing if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or soft pretzel bites.

Notes

For best texture, ensure cream cheese is truly softened. Shred your own cheese for smoother melting. Balance heat by adjusting buffalo sauce amount. Dip can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. For a slow cooker version, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 2 hours. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

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