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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Ranch Dip: Easy Game Day Appetizer

buffalo chicken ranch dip - featured image

This creamy, spicy, and cheesy buffalo chicken ranch dip is the ultimate game day appetizer. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will disappear before halftime.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing (thicker refrigerated brand like Hidden Valley preferred)
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ribs celery, finely diced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Let cream cheese soften at room temperature.
  2. In a small skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté minced garlic and diced celery for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. Stir until smooth.
  4. Add shredded chicken, sautéed garlic and celery, half of the cheddar cheese (about 3/4 cup), and all of the mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
  5. Transfer mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly around the edges and cheese is melted and starting to brown. For a deeper golden crust, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving.

Notes

For best results, soften cream cheese before mixing, shred your own cheese for smoother melting, and use rotisserie chicken to save time. To adjust heat, start with 1/3 cup hot sauce and add more to taste. The dip can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; add 5-10 minutes to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, ranch dip, game day appetizer, creamy dip, spicy dip, easy appetizer