Description
This mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy appetizer perfect for game days or casual get-togethers. Made on the stove with a smooth blend of cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, shredded chicken, and sharp cheddar, it’s flavorful and easy to prepare. Garnished with blue cheese and fresh parsley, and served with celery sticks for dipping, this dip offers the perfect blend of heat and creaminess.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dip:
- 0.75 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 16 oz cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (preferably Frank’s RedHot)
- 0.5 cup ranch dressing
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Tillamook Sharp Cheddar preferred)
- 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
For Garnish and Serving:
- 0.5 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Celery sticks, sliced into 3-inch lengths for dipping
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves and cut the cream cheese into 1-inch cubes to ensure even, rapid melting without lumps. Shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized 1/2-inch pieces and shred the cheddar cheese if using a block. Slice the celery into 3-inch sticks for dipping and chop fresh parsley for garnish. Having all ingredients ready ensures a smooth cooking process focusing on texture and flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 15 seconds only to release aroma without burning.
- Combine Cream Cheese, Buffalo Sauce, and Ranch: Add cream cheese cubes, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing to the pan simultaneously. Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk constantly for 8-10 minutes until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture is smooth and glossy, free of lumps.
- Add Chicken and Cheddar: Stir in shredded chicken and cheddar cheese. Continue cooking over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the cheddar melts and the dip is heated through with a rich, cohesive texture. Stir edges to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Spices and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat. Fold in the smoked paprika and blue cheese gently to keep some visible pieces for texture and flavor. Top with chopped fresh parsley. Transfer to a serving bowl if desired.
- Serve: Arrange celery sticks around the warm dip and serve immediately while creamy and hot. The dip retains warmth and texture for several minutes, making it ideal for casual snacking.
Notes
- Cutting cream cheese into small cubes ensures even melting and smooth dip without lumps.
- Whisking instead of stirring when melting cream cheese prevents lumps and creates a glossy texture.
- Cook garlic briefly to avoid bitterness, preserving a fresh aroma.
- Use Frank’s RedHot buffalo sauce for the classic flavor profile.
- Tillamook Sharp Cheddar melts well and adds depth; feel free to substitute with other sharp cheddars.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture; leftover dip can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Celery sticks add a refreshing crunch and are the perfect healthy dipping option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo chicken dip, spicy chicken dip, creamy appetizer, game day dip, party dip, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese dip
