Creamy Rotisserie Buffalo Chicken Ranch Dip

The Ultimate Rotisserie Buffalo Chicken Dip with Ranch: Easy, Creamy, and Flavor-Packed

Prepare for the ultimate crowd-pleaser with this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious Rotisserie Buffalo Chicken Dip. Crafted with succulent rotisserie chicken, a bold and tangy Buffalo sauce, savory ranch seasoning, and a luscious blend of melted cheeses, this dip is a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or a casual get-together, its irresistible cheesy, ultra-creamy texture and spicy kick will have everyone reaching for more. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal effort. Serve it with classic tortilla chips, crisp celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices, but be warned: this addictive appetizer disappears lightning fast!

Golden, bubbly Ranch Buffalo Chicken Dip with Rotisserie Chicken in a skillet, topped with drizzled ranch dressing and chopped green onions. A tortilla chip is being dipped, showing the gooey, cheesy pull.
Yield:Prep Time:Cook Time:Total Time:
12 servings10 minutes20 minutes30 minutes

Craving a slower cooked version? Explore our fantastic Crockpot Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip for another easy option.

Key Ingredients for the Best Buffalo Chicken Dip

Crafting the perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip starts with a handful of essential ingredients that combine to create its signature rich, spicy, and creamy profile. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the irresistible flavor and texture that makes this dip a fan favorite.

  • Shredded Cooked Chicken: The foundation of the dip. Rotisserie chicken is highly recommended for convenience and flavor.
  • Classic Buffalo Sauce: Provides the iconic tangy heat. Frank’s RedHot Original is a popular choice.
  • Cream Cheese: Crucial for an incredibly smooth, velvety, and rich base.
  • Shredded Cheese Blend: Contributes to the gooey, melty texture and adds savory depth. Cheddar and mozzarella are excellent choices.
  • Ranch Dressing (Optional): Incorporates a cool, tangy creaminess that beautifully complements the spice.
  • Ranch Seasoning (Optional): Enhances the overall flavor profile with a burst of herbaceous, savory notes.
rotisserie chicken, grated cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch, and shredded chicken in separate bowls

Choosing the Right Chicken for Your Dip

The chicken is the heart of your Buffalo Chicken Dip, so selecting the right type and preparing it properly is crucial for a fantastic outcome. Each option offers unique benefits, allowing you to tailor the dip to your preference for flavor, texture, and convenience.

Rotisserie Chicken: The Ultimate Time-Saver

  • Why it’s the best: Rotisserie chicken is a true game-changer for this recipe. It’s not only pre-cooked, making prep incredibly easy, but it’s also remarkably juicy and packed with savory, seasoned flavors that elevate the dip immediately. Using rotisserie chicken means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
  • What to use: For the best texture and a mix of flavors, shred both the breast and thigh meat. The breast provides lean, tender bites, while the thigh meat adds richness and ensures the dip remains moist and satisfying.

Chicken Thighs: For Maximum Richness

  • Why they’re great: If your priority is an exceptionally rich and moist dip, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice. Their naturally higher fat content translates to an even more flavorful and succulent end product.
  • How to prep: Simply cook the thighs (you can boil, bake, or pan-fry them) until they are thoroughly done and easily shreddable. Then, shred them into bite-sized pieces before mixing them into the dip base.

Chicken Breasts: The Leaner Option

  • Why choose them: For those who prefer a lighter dip or a less fatty protein, shredded chicken breast is a perfectly valid and healthy alternative. It offers a clean chicken flavor that pairs well with the bold buffalo sauce.
  • Tip for best results: Chicken breast can be prone to drying out. To maintain its moisture, ensure it’s mixed thoroughly with the creamy buffalo sauce and cream cheese base. Poaching chicken breasts is an excellent method to keep them tender and juicy before shredding.

Canned Chicken: A Convenient Alternative

  • When to use: While not typically my first recommendation, canned chicken offers unparalleled convenience in a pinch. It’s already cooked and shredded, making it the quickest option for assembling your dip.
  • Important note: If you opt for canned chicken, it is crucial to drain it exceptionally well to prevent a watery dip. You might even consider a quick rinse under cold water to reduce sodium, followed by squeezing out as much excess liquid as possible.

Mastering the Heat: Buffalo Sauce Selection

The unmistakable kick and tangy flavor of Buffalo Chicken Dip come from the star ingredient: Buffalo sauce. Frank’s RedHot Original is the quintessential choice, beloved for its balanced heat and distinct vinegary tang that defines classic buffalo flavor. However, don’t feel limited to just one option!

Your choice of Buffalo sauce allows you to customize the dip’s spice level to your exact preference. Many brands offer mild, medium, or extra spicy variations, giving you full control over the heat. For a fiery dip, consider sauces with a higher Scoville rating, or for a milder version, opt for those specifically labeled “mild.” Beyond just heat, different buffalo sauces can offer subtle flavor variations—some may have more garlic notes, others a smokier undertone. Experiment with different brands to find your perfect match, ensuring the sauce complements the creamy cheese and savory chicken harmoniously.

The Ultimate Cheese Factor: Melty Perfection

Cheese is a fundamental component of Buffalo Chicken Dip, contributing significantly to its rich flavor and that irresistible, gooey texture. While classic cheddar is a standard and readily available choice, don’t hesitate to explore other cheese varieties to elevate your dip to new levels of cheesy perfection.

  • Cheddar Cheese: A popular and accessible choice, cheddar offers a robust, sharp flavor that beautifully complements the tang of buffalo sauce.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Essential for achieving that coveted “cheese pull” and an extra creamy, stretchy consistency. Its mild flavor ensures the buffalo and ranch notes remain prominent.
  • Gruyère Cheese: For an elevated dip experience, Gruyère is a fantastic addition. It melts exquisitely, imparting a sophisticated nutty, earthy flavor and an unparalleled velvety creaminess.
  • Smoked Gouda: Introduce a delightful smoky depth and a unique twist by incorporating smoked Gouda. Its distinctive flavor adds another layer of complexity that harmonizes wonderfully with the spice and richness.
  • Other Excellent Options: Don’t shy away from Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses. The key is to select cheeses known for their good melting properties and flavor compatibility with the other ingredients.

Expert Cheese Tips for a Flawless Dip:

  • Always Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: This is a non-negotiable tip for the best dip. Pre-packaged shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that prevent them from melting smoothly. This can result in a grainy or clumpy texture. Taking a few extra minutes to shred your own cheese will yield a significantly creamier, smoother, and more appealing dip.
  • Cream Cheese is Your Best Friend: Incorporating cream cheese into your mixture is crucial for achieving that luxurious, ultra-creamy consistency. It also plays a vital role in balancing the vibrant heat of the buffalo sauce, mellowing it into a harmonious flavor.
  • Layer for a Golden, Bubbly Top: For an irresistible finish, be sure to sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top of the dip before baking. As it bakes, this cheese melts into a golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy crust that adds an incredible textural contrast and enhances the overall deliciousness.

How to Make This Irresistible Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip

This Rotisserie Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, especially when utilizing the convenience of a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Follow these simple steps for a cheesy, creamy, and spicy dip that will be ready to impress in no time. Detailed measurements and comprehensive instructions can be found in the full recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  1. Season the Chicken: Start by shredding your cooked chicken. In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with a portion of the ranch seasoning. This step ensures that the chicken itself is infused with flavor, creating a more cohesive and delicious dip.
  2. Combine All Ingredients: In the same large mixing bowl, add the seasoned chicken along with the softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing (if you’re using it), the remaining ranch seasoning, and approximately half of your freshly grated cheese blend. Stir all these components thoroughly until they are well-incorporated and the mixture appears smooth and creamy.
  3. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the creamy chicken mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish or a 10-12 inch oven-safe pan or skillet. Ensure it’s spread in an even layer for consistent baking.
  4. Top with More Cheese: Generously sprinkle the remaining half of your shredded cheese over the entire surface of the dip. This layer will melt into a beautiful golden crust.
  5. Bake to Bubbly Perfection: Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is gloriously melted and lightly golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the dip to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This brief resting period helps the dip set slightly, making it easier to scoop and preventing any burned tongues!
Step-by-step process of making Buffalo Chicken Dip, showing shredded rotisserie chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and ranch seasoning being mixed in a glass bowl.
Buffalo chicken mixture being topped with shredded cheddar cheese before baking.

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture

The secret to an incredibly creamy, smooth Buffalo Chicken Dip lies in one crucial ingredient and its preparation: room temperature cream cheese. This simple step is absolutely vital and makes all the difference in achieving that luxurious, velvety consistency everyone craves in a dip.

When cream cheese is allowed to reach room temperature, it becomes soft and pliable. This state makes it effortlessly easy to mix and blend evenly with all the other ingredients. It melts smoothly and integrates seamlessly into the dip, creating a uniform, lump-free base that is the hallmark of a truly great, restaurant-quality dip. The warmth from the oven further helps it to meld perfectly, ensuring every spoonful is pure, creamy bliss.

In stark contrast, cold cream cheese is stiff, dense, and difficult to work with. Attempting to mix cold cream cheese into your dip will inevitably result in stubborn lumps and an uneven texture. It won’t incorporate well with the buffalo sauce, chicken, and other cheeses, leading to a less cohesive, less appealing, and ultimately less satisfying final product. To guarantee the best possible outcome, plan ahead by letting your block of cream cheese sit out on the counter for at least 30-60 minutes before you start assembling your dip.

A spread of Buffalo Chicken Dip surrounded by tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks, perfect for dipping.

Quick Tips to Soften Cream Cheese Fast

Forgot to take the cream cheese out of the fridge ahead of time? Don’t let that delay your delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip! There are several quick and effective tricks to get your cream cheese to room temperature in a flash, ensuring your dip remains perfectly creamy and smooth.

  • Microwave Method: This is often the fastest way. Cut your block of cream cheese into smaller chunks or cubes. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on LOW power (or a defrost setting) for 15-20 seconds. Check for softness; if it’s still firm, microwave in additional 5-10 second intervals. The goal is soft and pliable, not melted into a liquid.
  • Warm Water Bath: Keep the cream cheese sealed in its original foil wrapper. Place the wrapped block in a bowl of warm (not hot) water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The gentle heat from the water will warm the cream cheese through, making it perfectly pliable and ready to mix.
  • Quick Cube & Spread: For a slightly less immediate but still effective method, cut the cream cheese into small, uniform cubes. Spread these cubes out on a plate, increasing their surface area exposed to the air. This significantly speeds up the softening process, and they should reach room temperature much faster than a solid block, typically within 15-20 minutes.
A spread of Buffalo Chicken Dip surrounded by tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks, perfect for dipping.

Customize Your Dip: Substitutions & Add-in Ideas

While this Rotisserie Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is a standout on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile and forgiving! Feel free to experiment with these substitutions and exciting add-ins to tailor the flavors and textures to your specific preferences, ensuring you create a unique and memorable dip every time.

Cheese Variations:

Beyond cheddar and mozzarella, explore these options to change the flavor profile:

  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Offers a mild, buttery flavor and exceptional melting qualities, adding to the dip’s creaminess.
  • Smoked Gouda Cheese: Infuses a sophisticated smoky depth and a wonderfully creamy texture, perfect for a gourmet touch.
  • Blue Cheese Crumbles: For true buffalo wing aficionados, a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles (either mixed in or on top) provides a pungent, tangy kick that perfectly complements the buffalo sauce’s heat.

Flavor Boosters & Spice Enhancers:

Take the flavor up a notch or add more heat with these:

  • Ranch Dressing: While optional in the main mix, a generous drizzle over the top before serving adds an extra layer of cool creaminess and a delicious herbaceous counterpoint to the spice.
  • Bacon: Crispy crumbled bacon bits stirred in or sprinkled on top deliver a fantastic salty, smoky crunch that is always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Pepperoni: Finely chopped pepperoni can bring a savory, slightly spicy, and Italian-inspired twist to your dip.
  • Jalapeños or Habaneros: For an additional layer of fresh heat and vibrant flavor, finely dice fresh or pickled jalapeños (or habaneros for a fiery kick!) and mix them into the dip.

Freshness & Texture Additions:

Add vibrant color, refreshing notes, or an interesting texture with these ingredients:

  • Avocado: Diced avocado, added just before serving, provides a cool, creamy contrast and healthy fats.
  • Black Beans & Corn: These can instantly give your dip a “Southwestern” flair, contributing texture, a hint of sweetness, and earthy notes.
  • Pickles: Chopped dill pickles might seem unconventional, but they add a surprising tangy crunch that many people find delightfully addictive.
  • Green Onions or Chives: A classic garnish, freshly chopped green onions (scallions) or chives add a mild oniony freshness and a beautiful pop of color to the finished dip.
  • Diced Celery: Finely diced celery can be mixed directly into the dip for a refreshing crunch, echoing the traditional celery stick accompaniment to buffalo wings.
Hot and cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip in a black cast-iron skillet, garnished with fresh green onions and a drizzle of ranch dressing, ready to be served.

Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip: Adaptations

For those avoiding dairy, it’s entirely possible to create a rich and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Dip that’s just as satisfying as the traditional version. With a few thoughtful substitutions, you can enjoy all the creamy, spicy goodness without any dairy ingredients.

  • Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: The market now offers excellent plant-based cream cheese alternatives. Look for varieties made from almonds, cashews, or soy, as many brands successfully mimic the texture and tangy flavor of traditional cream cheese.
  • Shredded Vegan Cheese: The selection of vegan shredded cheese has significantly improved. Choose a brand specifically known for its good melting properties, as some vegan cheeses can be reluctant to melt smoothly. Vegan cheddar and mozzarella-style shreds are widely available and work well.
  • Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing: Opt for a vegan ranch dressing. These are typically made with plant-based milks and oils and deliver the familiar tangy, herbaceous flavor profile of classic ranch.

Always double-check the labels of all other ingredients, such as your chosen buffalo sauce and any chicken broth used in preparing your chicken, to ensure they are completely dairy-free for a fully compliant dish.

Cream Cheese Alternatives for Buffalo Dip

If you find yourself without cream cheese or simply wish to explore slightly different flavor profiles and textures, there are several substitutes that can work well in your Buffalo Chicken Dip. Be aware that these alternatives may subtly alter the dip’s overall richness and consistency.

  • Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Both plain Greek yogurt and sour cream can be substituted for cream cheese at a 1:1 ratio. They will lend a similar tangy creaminess to the dip. Greek yogurt will offer a tangier, slightly lighter texture, while sour cream will provide a richer, more indulgent feel. Keep in mind that these might make the dip a little thinner, so you might need to adjust the quantities of other liquids or cheeses accordingly.
  • Full-Fat Coconut Cream: This is an excellent dairy-free and vegan alternative to cream cheese. For best results, use the thick cream that separates and rises to the top of a can of full-fat coconut milk after it has been refrigerated overnight. Start with an amount equal to the cream cheese called for and add more if you prefer a thicker consistency. Coconut cream provides a wonderful richness, though it will impart a subtle coconut flavor, which can be a delightful addition for some palates.
A tortilla chip lifting a scoop of gooey, melty Buffalo Chicken Dip with a perfect cheese pull.

What to Serve with Your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip

The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Dip lies in its versatility as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with a diverse array of dippers, offering various textures and flavors that complement its creamy, spicy, and savory goodness. Here are some of the best accompaniments:

Crispy Dippers:

  • Tortilla Chips: A classic and sturdy choice, perfect for scooping up generous amounts of the rich dip.
  • Crackers: Butter crackers, wheat thins, or even hearty multi-grain crackers offer a delightful crunch and a mild counterpoint.
  • Pretzels: Pretzel crisps or small pretzel twists add a fantastic salty, crunchy contrast that is highly addictive.
  • Pita Chips: Hearty, flavorful, and robust, pita chips are excellent for a more substantial scoop.

Fresh & Crunchy Vegetables:

These provide a refreshing, crisp coolness that expertly cuts through the dip’s richness and heat, mirroring traditional buffalo wing accompaniments.

  • Celery Sticks: The quintessential partner to buffalo flavors, offering a crisp texture and refreshing bite.
  • Carrot Sticks: Sweet and crunchy carrots are another fantastic and classic fresh option.
  • Bell Pepper Strips: Colorful and mildly sweet, bell pepper strips (any color) provide a delightful crunch.
  • Cucumber Slices: For an extra refreshing and cooling bite, cucumber slices are a great choice.

Bread Options:

For a heartier dipping experience or an elegant presentation:

  • Toasted Baguette Slices (Crostini): Elegant and sturdy, thinly sliced and toasted baguette rounds provide a satisfying crunch that holds up well to the dip.
  • Garlic Bread or Toast Points: Warm, buttery garlic bread or plain toast points are perfect for soaking up all the delicious dip.

Transforming Dip into a Meal

While this Buffalo Chicken Dip shines as an appetizer, its rich, savory, and satisfying profile also makes it an excellent base for a full, delicious meal. Don’t let any leftovers go to waste, or intentionally make a larger batch to transform this dip into a creative and satisfying main course!

  • Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Spoon generous amounts of the dip onto mini Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns, top with an extra slice of provolone or mozzarella, and bake until melted and the buns are lightly toasted for irresistible sliders.
  • Buffalo Chicken Tacos or Wraps: Fill warm corn or flour tortillas (or crisp lettuce wraps for a low-carb option) with the dip. Add your favorite taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, or extra hot sauce.
  • Quesadillas: Spread the dip evenly over one half of a large tortilla, sprinkle with extra cheese, fold, and cook in a lightly oiled skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Slice into wedges.
  • Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Split open a hot, fluffy baked potato, fluff the inside, then generously spoon the Buffalo Chicken Dip on top. Garnish with chopped green onions, a drizzle of ranch, and perhaps some crispy bacon bits for a hearty meal.
  • Nachos: Arrange a layer of sturdy tortilla chips on a baking sheet, dollop with spoonfuls of the dip, and cover with extra shredded cheese. Bake until bubbly, then add fresh toppings like pickled jalapeños, black olives, or a swirl of sour cream.
  • Pasta Sauce: Gently thin the dip slightly with a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth, then toss it with your favorite cooked pasta for a quick and incredibly flavorful buffalo chicken pasta dish.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This Buffalo Chicken Dip is an ideal recipe for entertaining because it can be largely prepared in advance, saving you time and stress on the day of your event. Proper storage also ensures any delicious leftovers remain fresh and enjoyable.

Make Ahead:

You can easily assemble the entire dip mixture (combining all ingredients except the final top layer of cheese) up to 24 hours in advance. Transfer the mixture to your chosen baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the fridge about 30 minutes prior to baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Then, simply sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dip is still quite cold.

Storage:

Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip stays fresh and wonderfully delicious when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the dip is fully cooled to room temperature before transferring it to the container to prevent condensation, which can affect its texture.

Reheating Your Buffalo Chicken Dip

Reheating this dip is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy leftovers that are just as creamy and flavorful as when it was first made. Here are the best methods:

  • Microwave: For individual servings or smaller portions, spoon the desired amount of dip into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the dip is heated through and creamy. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make it oily.
  • Oven: For reheating larger quantities, transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish. To prevent it from drying out, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly around the edges. If you prefer a re-crisped cheese topping, remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking.
  • Stovetop: For a wonderfully creamy reheat, place the dip in a saucepan over low to medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating until it is hot and smooth. You might find it beneficial to stir in a splash of milk, cream, or extra buffalo sauce to help restore its original creamy consistency.

Freezing Buffalo Chicken Dip: What to Expect

Freezing Buffalo Chicken Dip is a viable option for long-term storage, making it perfect for meal prep or saving leftovers. However, it’s important to manage expectations regarding texture, as dairy-based dips often undergo changes when frozen and thawed.

Texture Changes:

Due to the high dairy content from cream cheese, shredded cheeses, and ranch dressing, you may notice some separation or a slightly grainier texture once the dip is thawed and reheated. The initial silky-smooth creaminess might not be perfectly replicated. This is a normal occurrence with dairy products after freezing and doesn’t impact the delicious taste, only the consistency to a slight degree.

Freezing Instructions:

  1. Allow the Buffalo Chicken Dip to cool completely to room temperature after it has been baked.
  2. Transfer the cooled dip into a freezer-safe, airtight container. Ensure there is minimal air space at the top of the container to help prevent freezer burn.
  3. Label and freeze for up to 3 months for optimal quality.

Thawing and Reheating:

  1. To thaw, transfer the frozen dip to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight.
  2. Once thawed, you can reheat the dip in the oven (at 350°F / 175°C, covered, until hot and bubbly) or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
  3. Stir the dip very well during reheating to help re-emulsify any separated ingredients and restore as much of the creamy texture as possible. If it appears too thick or dry, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk, cream, or extra buffalo sauce until your desired creamy consistency is achieved.

More Appetizer Inspiration

If you loved the ease and flavor of this Rotisserie Buffalo Chicken Dip, you’re in for a treat! Explore more fantastic appetizer recipes that are perfect for parties, game days, holiday gatherings, or simply a delicious snack any time.

  • Kings Hawaiian Sliders
  • Dry Rub Chicken Wings
  • Slow Cooker Crockpot Lil Smokies
  • Slow Cooker Crockpot Pulled Chicken

Rotisserie Buffalo Chicken Dip with Ranch – Full Recipe

Hot and cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip in a black cast-iron skillet, garnished with fresh green onions and a drizzle of ranch dressing, ready to be served.

Author: Brandi Crawford

This Rotisserie Buffalo Chicken Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, featuring succulent rotisserie chicken, zesty Buffalo sauce, and savory ranch seasoning, all enveloped in a rich, melted cheese blend. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet it delivers maximum cheesy, creamy deliciousness in just 30 minutes. Perfect for any gathering, serve it hot with your favorite dippers and watch it vanish!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 265 kcal

Equipment

  • 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet
  • Cast Iron Skillet (Optional: for serving)
  • 9×13 Baking Dish (Alternative to skillet)

Ingredients

(Amounts for 12 servings. Nutritional information is an estimate.)

  • 20 oz cooked chicken (shredded rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 2-3 teaspoons Ranch Seasoning (1 ½ teaspoons to season the chicken and 1- 1 ½ teaspoons to season the dip)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened at room temperature, diced into chunks for easier incorporation)
  • ½ cup Ranch Dressing (optional)
  • 1 cup Buffalo sauce
  • 2-3 cups freshly grated cheese (e.g., 1 ½ cups of cheddar and 1 ½ cups of mozzarella or Gruyère cheese)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Season the shredded cooked chicken with 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of ranch seasoning.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the seasoned chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing (if using), buffalo sauce, the remaining ranch seasoning (1-1 ½ teaspoons), and about half of the grated cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed and creamy.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish or a 10-12 inch oven-safe pan, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese generously over the top of the dip.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted and the dip is heated through.
  7. For an extra bubbly and golden crisp topping, carefully broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  8. Allow the dip to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes

If you don’t like ranch, you can omit the ranch seasoning and dressing entirely. Alternatively, for a classic buffalo wing flavor, consider using blue cheese crumbles in place of ranch or as a topping.

Feel free to use any of your favorite cheeses that melt well. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella provides a great balance of flavor and meltiness, but you can also use just cheddar or experiment with Gruyère or Monterey Jack.

Using room temperature cream cheese is crucial for a smooth, creamy dip. Cold cream cheese will result in lumps and a less uniform texture. Plan ahead, or use the quick softening tips below.

How to Soften Cream Cheese Fast (Quick Reminder)

Forgot to take it out ahead of time? Try these tricks:

  • Microwave: Cut cream cheese into chunks and microwave on LOW power for 15-20 seconds.
  • Warm Water Bath: Keep the cream cheese sealed in its wrapper, place it in a bowl of warm water, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  • Quick Cube: Cut cream cheese into small cubes, spread them out on a plate, and let them sit at room temperature—they’ll soften much faster.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 0.5 cup

Calories: 265 kcal

Carbohydrates: 2g

Protein: 19g

Fat: 20g

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.