Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 ounces (227g) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (120mL) buffalo style hot sauce
- ½ cup (120mL) ranch dressing
Chicken
- 1 to 1½ pounds (453-680g) cooked and shredded chicken (about 2½ to 3 cups)
Cheese
- 4 cups (452g) shredded cheese (a combination of cheddar and Colby Jack recommended), divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) to ensure it's ready for baking the dip evenly.
- Mix Cream Cheese, Hot Sauce, and Ranch: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo hot sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add Shredded Chicken: Add the cooked and shredded chicken to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly disperse the chicken throughout the creamy base.
- Incorporate Half of the Cheese: Add about 2 cups of the shredded cheese to the mixture. Stir well to blend the cheese evenly throughout the dip.
- Transfer to Baking Pan: Spread the dip evenly into an 8-inch or 9-inch tart or square baking pan, ensuring a flat, smooth surface.
- Top with Remaining Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the dip. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving. Leftover dip can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and served hot or cold.
Notes
- Chicken Options: Use any cooked chicken you prefer including chicken breasts, thighs, canned chicken, or leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Cream Cheese: Use block cream cheese (not whipped) in any fat content you prefer for best texture and meltability.
- Cheese Varieties: A mix of cheddar and Colby Jack is recommended, but feel free to use any cheese you like. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Baking Pan: Use any baking dish between 8 to 9 inches square or round; a 9”x13” pan also works if you adjust the baking time slightly.
- Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients except the last 2 cups of cheese in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, then top with remaining cheese and cook another 10 minutes on high or until cheese melts. Keep warm while serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American