Description

Craving a spicy, creamy appetizer that’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering? What if you could whip up a crowd-pleasing dip with bold buffalo wing flavors in under an hour? Say hello to Buffalo Chicken Dip! This irresistible recipe combines canned chunk chicken with hot sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese, slow-cooked to bubbly perfection and served with celery sticks and crackers.

Ingredients

For the Dip

Chunk Chicken (2 10-oz cans, drained): Provides convenient, tender protein with a shredded texture.
Hot Pepper Sauce (¾ cup, such as Frank’s RedHot): Delivers the signature spicy-tangy buffalo flavor.
Cream Cheese (2 8-oz packages, softened): Creates a creamy, rich base for the dip.
Ranch Dressing (1 cup): Adds a cooling, tangy contrast to the heat.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups): Brings melty, cheesy goodness and sharp flavor.

For Serving

Celery (1 bunch, cut into 4-inch pieces): Offers a crisp, refreshing vehicle for dipping.
Chicken-Flavored Crackers (1 8-oz box): Provide a crunchy, savory complement to the dip.

Substitutions and Variations

Chunk Chicken: Use 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked chicken breast, or plant-based chicken for a fresher or vegetarian option.
Hot Pepper Sauce: Adjust to ½ cup for less heat or use a milder sauce like Texas Pete; add cayenne for extra spice.
Cream Cheese: Swap with low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or vegan cream cheese for dietary needs.
Ranch Dressing: Replace with blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo wing vibe or use a vegan ranch.
Cheddar Cheese: Substitute with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or vegan cheddar; use pre-shredded for convenience.
Celery: Swap with carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips for variety.
Crackers: Use tortilla chips, pita chips, or gluten-free crackers; serve with breadsticks or pretzels.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Use plant-based chicken, vegan cream cheese, vegan ranch, and vegan cheddar; ensure hot sauce is vegan.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers and ensure hot sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free.

Optional Additions

Spices: Add ½ tsp garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Garnishes: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, parsley, or blue cheese crumbles for color.
Heat: Mix in 1 tbsp diced jalapeños or sriracha for a fiery kick.

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:
- Gather 2 (10-oz) cans chunk chicken (drained), ¾ cup hot pepper sauce, 2 (8-oz) packages softened cream cheese, 1 cup ranch dressing, 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 bunch celery (cut into 4-inch pieces), and 1 (8-oz) box chicken-flavored crackers.
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds for easier mixing.
- Tip: Drain chicken thoroughly to avoid a watery dip; cut celery just before serving to maintain crispness.
Heat Chicken and Hot Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine drained chunk chicken and ¾ cup hot pepper sauce.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 3–5 minutes.
- Tip: Break up chicken with a spoon for a shredded texture; adjust heat to low if sauce splatters.
Add Cream Cheese and Ranch:
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 2 (8-oz) packages softened cream cheese and 1 cup ranch dressing.
- Cook and stir until the mixture is well blended and warm, about 3–5 minutes, ensuring no cream cheese lumps remain.
- Tip: Stir constantly to prevent sticking; use a whisk for smoother blending if needed.
Incorporate Cheddar Cheese:
- Stir in ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese (half of the total) until melted and fully incorporated, about 1–2 minutes.
- Tip: Reserve the remaining ¾ cup cheddar for topping; stir gently to maintain a creamy texture.
Slow Cook the Dip:
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker (2–3 quart size works well).
- Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover and cook on Low until the dip is hot and bubbly, about 35 minutes.
- Tip: Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even heating; switch to Warm setting if serving over a longer period.
Serve:
- Stir the dip gently to blend the melted cheese topping, and keep the slow cooker on Warm for serving.
- Arrange celery sticks and chicken-flavored crackers on a platter or in bowls alongside the dip.
- Serve hot with small spoons or ladles for scooping, offering extra hot sauce or garnishes on the side.
- Pair with a cold beer, soda, or iced tea for a complete party spread.
- Tip: Provide small plates and napkins for easy dipping; replenish celery and crackers as needed.