Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

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Cook Time: 40 minutes

Few appetizers bring a crowd together quite like warm, ooey-gooey, utterly irresistible Buffalo chicken dip. This easy recipe with canned chicken has earned over 4,000 rave reviews and is perfect for any gathering. Here's how to make it!

Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients

• 2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
• cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 bunch celery, cut into 4-inch pieces
• 1 (8 ounce) box chicken-flavored crackers

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip

You'll be surprised how quickly this dish comes together. Heres a step-by-step guide:

1. Heat the chicken and hot sauce: Place the drained chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
2. Mix in the cream cheese and ranch dressing: Add softened cream cheese and ranch dressing to the skillet. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth, warm, and well combined, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate the cheese: Stir in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, ensuring it melts into the mixture. Once everything is well blended, transfer the dip mixture to a slow cooker.
4. Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese over the top of the dip in the slow cooker.
5. Cook the dip: Cover and cook on Low for about 35 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly. Stir occasionally for a smoother texture.
6. Serve: Serve the Buffalo chicken dip with celery sticks and chicken-flavored crackers. For an extra touch, try pairing it with toasted baguette slices or homemade pita chips.

How to Store Buffalo Chicken Dip

Once the dip cools down, transfer it to an airtight and store in the fridge for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Can You Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?

Yes, you can freeze this dip for up to three months. To freeze:

1. Spread the cooled dip on a lined baking sheet, then cover and freeze until solid.
2. Once frozen, cut the dip into serving-sized chunks and transfer them into freezer-safe s.
3. To reheat, thaw the dip overnight in the fridge. Warm it up on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well before serving.

Note: Since cream cheese and ranch dressing dont freeze perfectly, the texture might change slightly after thawing, but it will still be delicious!

Community Tips

Here are some ideas from the Allrecipes community:

• "Weve been making this for years. At every party, it's requested," says AngKN. "We use rotisserie chicken and blue cheese instead of ranch just because we dip our regular wings in blue cheese!"
• "Ive always liked the IDEA of Buffalo wings, but not the actual cooking or eating," says Lindsay Anderson. "This dip solves my problem its rich, and I can enjoy the Buffalo flavor without the mess!"
• "Everyone gobbles this up every time," raves Kim. "I took the advice of others and used a blend of cheeses instead of just Cheddar. There's never any left!"

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1/20th of the recipe):

• Calories: 284
• Total Fat: 23g (29% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 9g (45% DV)
• Cholesterol: 54mg (18% DV)
• Sodium: 552mg (24% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 9g (3% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% DV)
• Total Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 11g (22% DV)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (2% DV)
• Calcium: 98mg (8% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (5% DV)
• Potassium: 161mg (3% DV)

Buffalo Chicken Dip is a popular American appetizer that brings together the bold flavors of Buffalo wings in a creamy, cheesy dip format. Often served at gatherings, it combines shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and melted cheese, making it the perfect game-day snack or party dish. Heres a deeper look into its origin, regional variations, and fascinating facts about this beloved dip.

History of Buffalo Chicken Dip

The origins of Buffalo Chicken Dip can be traced back to Buffalo, New York, the home of the famous Buffalo wings. While Buffalo wings themselves were created in 1964 at the Anchor Bar by Teressa Bellissimo, the dip that bears the same spicy flavors likely emerged much later, as a way to bring the essence of Buffalo wings into an easy-to-serve dip form. The recipe for Buffalo Chicken Dip began gaining popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, spreading across the United States as a go-to party appetizer. Though its exact origins are unclear, its widely accepted that the dip is a modern American creation, born out of the popularity of Buffalo wings and the desire to serve a more convenient, shareable version of this spicy treat.

Regional Features

Buffalo Chicken Dip is most commonly associated with the Buffalo region of New York, but it has spread far beyond. As the dip grew in popularity, different regions began adding their own twists. In some areas, blue cheese dressing is substituted for ranch dressing, catering to those who prefer the tangy flavor of blue cheese often paired with Buffalo wings. In the Midwest, it's common to serve the dip with tortilla chips or celery sticks, while in other regions, crackers or even toasted baguette slices are popular choices. The dip's flexibility means it can easily adapt to local preferences, whether by adjusting the heat level or choosing a different type of cheese. Some variations even incorporate additional ingredients like bacon or jalapeos to add more flavor complexity.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Buffalo Chicken Dip shares a similar flavor profile with Buffalo wings, but it differs significantly in terms of presentation and texture. While Buffalo wings are deep-fried and served with a side of dipping sauce, Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, gooey spread thats perfect for scooping with chips or vegetables. Its essentially a deconstructed version of Buffalo wings, minus the mess of eating chicken wings. Unlike other dips that might rely on a variety of flavor bases like guacamole or spinach-artichoke, Buffalo Chicken Dip stands out for its intense heat and creamy texture, offering a unique blend of spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors.

Where Buffalo Chicken Dip Is Typically Served

Buffalo Chicken Dip is a staple at casual gatherings like tailgates, Super Bowl parties, potlucks, and family get-togethers. Its popularity soared with the rise of football and other sports events, making it a classic dish for any occasion involving snacks and appetizers. The dip is often served as part of a larger spread of finger foods and dips, alongside chips, vegetables, and other easy-to-eat items. Because of its warm, comforting nature, it is also commonly featured at holiday parties, picnics, and even barbecues. Some restaurants and bars that specialize in comfort food or American cuisine also serve variations of Buffalo Chicken Dip as an appetizer on their menus.

Interesting Facts

• The Buffalo Chicken Dips core ingredientshot sauce, ranch dressing, cream cheese, and chickenare all pantry staples that are easy to store and make it a convenient dish to prepare for unexpected guests.
• Some people choose to use rotisserie chicken rather than canned chicken, adding a smoky depth to the flavor. This also provides a healthier and fresher alternative.
• Despite being a popular snack, Buffalo Chicken Dip can be modified for various dietary needs. Low-fat cream cheese and low-sodium ranch dressing are often used to make a healthier version of the dish.
• While the dips origin story is not well documented, its rise to fame was likely influenced by the growing popularity of game-day food culture in the United States.
• The dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it a great option for meal prep or planning parties in advance.
• Buffalo Chicken Dip is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a versatile dishsome people even bake it on top of macaroni and cheese or use it as a topping for nachos.

Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving something spicy and creamy, Buffalo Chicken Dip is a dish that never fails to impress. Its rich history, regional variations, and widespread popularity make it a favorite appetizer across the United States.

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