Ingredients and preparation
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (optional, for a tangier flavor)
- 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Before you begin, make sure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poach some chicken breasts and shred them once cooked. Softening the cream cheese is also important, as it will blend more easily with the other ingredients. Leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it for 15-20 seconds if you’re short on time.
For the buffalo wing sauce, you can adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a bit more. If you’re serving a crowd with varying spice tolerance, you can start with 1/2 cup and offer extra sauce on the side.
Once your ingredients are prepped, you’re ready to move on to the next step: combining everything in the crock pot for a slow, flavorful cook.
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Step-by-step cooking instructions:
Now that your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to bring everything together in the crock pot. Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, spicy, and irresistible buffalo chicken dip:
- Step 1: Layer the base ingredients – Start by adding the softened cream cheese to the bottom of your crock pot. Spread it out evenly to create a smooth base. This will ensure that the cream cheese melts uniformly and blends well with the other ingredients.
- Step 2: Add the chicken and sauces – Next, add the shredded chicken on top of the cream cheese. Pour the buffalo wing sauce over the chicken, followed by the ranch dressing (and blue cheese dressing if you’re using it). Stir gently to combine the chicken with the sauces, but don’t worry about fully mixing everything just yet. The slow cooking process will help meld the flavors together.
- Step 3: Add the cheeses – Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. These cheeses will melt beautifully during cooking, creating a rich and gooey texture that makes this dip so irresistible.
- Step 4: Slow cook – Set your crock pot to low heat and cook the dip for 2 to 3 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 1 to 1.5 hours, but keep an eye on it to prevent the edges from burning. Stir the dip occasionally to ensure the cream cheese and shredded cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into the mixture.
- Step 5: Final stir and garnish – Once the dip is hot and bubbly, give it a final stir to make sure all the ingredients are well combined. If you’re using crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions or parsley for garnish, sprinkle them on top just before serving. The blue cheese adds a tangy bite, while the green onions or parsley provide a fresh pop of color and flavor.
And that’s it! Your buffalo chicken dip is now ready to serve straight from the crock pot, keeping it warm and melty for your guests to enjoy.
Serving suggestions and tips
When it comes to serving your buffalo chicken dip, there are plenty of creative and delicious options to consider. Here are a few ideas to make sure your dip is the star of the party:
- Classic dippers: Serve the dip with sturdy dippers like tortilla chips, pita chips, or crackers. These options provide a satisfying crunch and are strong enough to scoop up the cheesy, creamy dip without breaking.
- Vegetable sticks: For a lighter, fresher option, offer an assortment of vegetable sticks such as celery, carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper slices. The crispness of the veggies pairs perfectly with the rich, spicy dip, and they add a nice contrast in texture.
- Toasted bread or crostini: Thinly slice a baguette or other crusty bread, brush with olive oil, and toast in the oven until golden and crispy. These make for a more substantial dipper and add a rustic touch to your spread.
- Sliders or sandwiches: For a heartier option, use the buffalo chicken dip as a filling for mini sliders or sandwiches. Simply spoon the dip onto small buns or rolls, and top with a bit of extra cheese or a drizzle of ranch dressing for a fun twist on a classic sandwich.
- Nachos: Turn your dip into a full meal by layering it over a bed of tortilla chips and topping with extra shredded cheese, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. Pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese, and you’ve got buffalo chicken nachos that are sure to impress.
Tips for keeping the dip warm: Since this dip is best enjoyed warm and melty, keep it in the crock pot on the “warm” setting during your event. This will ensure it stays at the perfect temperature without overcooking. If you don’t have a crock pot with a warm setting, you can transfer the dip to a heat-safe serving dish and place it over a warming tray or in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) to maintain its heat.
Make-ahead and storage tips: If you’re preparing the dip in advance, you can assemble all the ingredients in the crock pot, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to serve, simply follow the cooking instructions, adding an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the dip in the microwave or return it to the crock pot on low until heated through.
With these serving suggestions and tips, your buffalo chicken dip will be a hit at any gathering, whether it’s game day, a potluck, or a casual get-together with friends and family. Enjoy!