Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works best)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your spice level)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: Chopped green onions or crumbled blue cheese for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the dip bakes evenly and comes out hot and bubbly.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, ½ cup of cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and smooth. The softened cream cheese will help the ingredients blend more easily.
Step 3: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, ensuring it is distributed well.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the dip cool slightly before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions or crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
1. Preparing the Chicken
- Rotisserie chicken is the easiest option, as it is already cooked and seasoned. Simply shred it using two forks.
- If using raw chicken, you can boil or bake it before shredding. To boil, place chicken breasts in a pot of water and simmer for about 15 minutes until fully cooked. To bake, season and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, then shred.
2. Softening Cream Cheese
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes to soften. If short on time, microwave it in 10-second intervals until it becomes spreadable.
3. Adjusting Spice Levels
- If you are sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and mix in extra ranch dressing or a bit of Greek yogurt to mellow the heat.
- For extra heat, try adding chopped jalapeños or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
4. Ensuring a Smooth and Creamy Texture
- Stir the ingredients thoroughly to avoid clumps of cream cheese. A hand mixer can help create an extra smooth consistency.
- If the dip seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up before baking.
5. Making Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dip in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each until heated evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes