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Cozy Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese and Ranch – Easy 20-Minute Appetizer

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This cozy Buffalo chicken dip with cream cheese and ranch is the perfect recreation of a legendary sports bar dip. It’s got that perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and creamy that just hits different when the weather turns cold or you’ve had a rough week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (two 8-ounce blocks)
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or extra hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
  3. Shred the chicken using two forks into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups).
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides.
  5. Add the hot sauce, ranch seasoning, butter, garlic powder, and onion powder to the cream cheese. Beat again on medium speed until well combined and smooth.
  6. Fold in the shredded chicken using a spatula until every piece is coated.
  7. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese. Fold gently until evenly distributed.
  8. Transfer the mixture to an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and just starting to brown around the edges.
  11. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a slow cooker version, add all ingredients to a slow cooker, stir well, and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes after baking to set up. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. If the dip is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth. For extra heat, increase hot sauce to 3/4 cup or add cayenne pepper.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, cream cheese, ranch, easy appetizer, game day, party dip, spicy, cheesy, comfort food

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/cozy-buffalo-chicken-dip-with-cream-cheese-and-ranch-easy-20-minute-appetizer/