This creamy and spicy buffalo chicken dip blends tender shredded chicken with a bold wing sauce and creamy cheeses. It's baked until bubbly and golden, perfect for low-carb gatherings or as a flavorful appetizer. The combination of mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, and sour cream creates a rich texture, while garlic and onion powders add subtle depth. Garnished with green onions and blue cheese, it pairs well with fresh veggies or keto crackers.
Preparation is simple: mix ingredients, bake until hot, then enjoy a warm, satisfying dish with a hint of heat and tangy ranch notes. Ideal for quick meals or game day snacks with minimal fuss.
The first time I brought this buffalo chicken dip to a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah actually asked for the recipe before she even finished her first bite. I remember standing there watching it bubble away in the oven, that incredible spicy aroma filling the whole kitchen. Nobody believed it was keto-friendly, and honestly, neither would I have if I hadn't made it myself.
Last winter, my sister came over feeling pretty down about sticking to her low-carb diet during the holidays. I pulled this bubbling dish out of the oven, handed her a cucumber slice, and watched her face light up with that first bite. She ended up taking home the leftovers and texted me the next day saying she'd already made it twice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves so much time, but poached breast gives you complete control over the seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese softened: Room temperature cream cheese blends seamlessly into the sauce base without any stubborn lumps
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: This creates that gorgeous stretchy cheese pull everyone loves on top
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar: Sharp cheddar adds the deep savory note that balances the heat
- 1/2 cup sour cream: This tames the buffalo sauce just enough while keeping everything incredibly creamy
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: Frank's RedHot is my go-to for that classic tangy kick
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing: This adds a cooling contrast and rounds out all the bold flavors
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp onion powder: These build depth without adding any carbs
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds a little bite that cuts through the richness
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions: These add a fresh pop and color that makes everything look inviting
- 2 tbsp crumbled blue cheese: Optional but absolutely worth it if you love that classic buffalo pairing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F:
- This temperature gives you that perfectly golden top without drying out the creamy center
- Mix your creamy base:
- Beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, buffalo sauce, and ranch until you have a smooth, orange-tinted mixture
- Add your seasonings:
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until they're evenly distributed
- Combine everything:
- Fold in the shredded chicken and half your cheeses, mixing gently so the chicken stays tender
- Transfer to baking dish:
- Spread everything into a 1-quart dish and press it down slightly so it heats evenly
- Top with remaining cheese:
- Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and cheddar across the top in an even layer
- Bake until bubbly:
- Let it bake for about 20 minutes until you see the edges bubbling and the cheese is perfectly melted
- Broil for golden perfection:
- Switch to broil for just 2 minutes, watching closely so it gets golden without burning
- Rest before serving:
- Let it sit for 5 minutes so it thickens slightly and is easier to scoop
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with green onions and blue cheese, then serve warm with your favorite keto dippers
This dip has become my go-to for anytime someone says they're coming over, even if it's just a casual Tuesday night. There's something about gathering around a warm, bubbling dish that turns a regular evening into something special.
Make-Ahead Magic
You can assemble everything the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. I've done this countless times before parties, and it actually lets the flavors meld together even more beautifully.
Serving Ideas
Beyond the usual celery and cucumber, I've found that pork rinds make an incredibly satisfying crunchy vessel. Bell pepper slices work beautifully too and add a nice sweetness that balances the heat.
Spice Level Adjustments
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can customize the heat to your crowd. Start with less buffalo sauce if you're serving mild eaters, or add extra hot sauce if your friends like to live dangerously.
- Keep some ranch on the side for cooling down over-spiced bites
- Let guests add their own hot sauce at the table
- Remember the dip will taste milder than the sauce alone
Hope this becomes your new go-to for feeding a crowd without anyone feeling like they're missing out on anything.
Recipe FAQ
- → How spicy is this buffalo chicken dip?
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The dip has a moderate heat level from the buffalo wing sauce, but you can adjust by adding more hot sauce or using a milder wing sauce.
- → Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
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Yes, you can mix all ingredients and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Reheat until hot and bubbly before serving.
- → What are some good dippers for this dish?
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Fresh vegetables like celery sticks, cucumber slices, or keto-friendly crackers complement the creamy, tangy flavors well.
- → Is it possible to substitute cheeses in this dish?
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You can swap mozzarella and cheddar for similar melting cheeses, but the balance of creaminess and sharpness is key to the flavor.
- → How do I store leftovers?
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.