Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bacon Dip Recipe

Zesty Buffalo Chicken Bacon Dip Recipe With Cheesy Goodness

Creamy, zesty buffalo chicken bacon dip offers a mouthwatering twist on classic game-day appetizers.

This crowd-pleasing recipe blends spicy and savory flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Sharp cheddar and tangy cream cheese create a rich, smooth base for tender shredded chicken.

Crispy bacon pieces add a delightful crunch to every single bite.

The buffalo sauce brings a bold kick that sparks excitement at any gathering.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly addictive, this dip transforms ordinary snack time into a flavor celebration.

Grab your chips and get ready to become the star of your next party.

FAQs

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and mix it into the dip as directed.

  • Is this dip spicy?

The buffalo sauce provides a mild to medium heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by using more or less buffalo sauce, or choosing a mild or hot sauce variety.

  • Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dip mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from cold.

  • What if I don't have ranch dressing?

You can substitute ranch with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both will provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dip.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 8

Chicken Bacon Dip Ingredient Breakdown

For Base and Creaminess:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers luxurious, velvety texture and rich foundation for the dip's smooth consistency.
  • Ranch Dressing: Adds tangy, herbal flavor profile and extra creamy dimension to the mixture.
For Protein and Flavor:
  • Shredded Chicken: Provides hearty protein and absorbs buffalo sauce's spicy kick perfectly.
  • Bacon: Introduces smoky, crispy element with irresistible salty crunch and depth of flavor.
For Cheesy Goodness:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Offers sharp, bold taste and helps create gooey, melty texture.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Contributes stretchy, mild cheese element with excellent melting properties.
For Spice and Garnish:
  • Buffalo Sauce: Delivers signature zesty, fiery heat that defines the recipe's character.
  • Green Onions: Brings fresh, mild onion bite and vibrant color as final garnish.

Tools to Whip Up a Savory Dip Everyone Loves

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients smoothly.
  • Baking dish or oven-safe skillet: Essential for baking the creamy dip.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
  • Cheese grater: Useful for shredding cheese if needed.
  • Sharp knife: Helps chop green onions and crumble bacon.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing and folding ingredients together.
  • Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

How to Bake a Dip That’s Warm and Meaty

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and grab a baking dish, giving it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

  • Blend the Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and whip together cream cheese, zesty buffalo sauce, and tangy ranch dressing until silky smooth and irresistible.

  • Mix the Flavor Explosion

Toss in shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar, and half the mozzarella. Stir everything until perfectly combined.

  • Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish, then crown it with remaining mozzarella. Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, melty wonderland.

  • Add the Crowning Glory

Pull the dip from the oven and scatter remaining bacon crumbles and fresh green onions across the top for a burst of color and crunch.

  • Dive In

Serve piping hot alongside tortilla chips, crisp veggie sticks, or chunks of crusty bread for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Add Heat or Ranch to Adjust the Kick

  • Add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha for extra heat lovers who want more kick in their buffalo chicken dip.
  • Replace traditional tortilla chips with crispy cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or pork rinds for a keto-friendly option.
  • Prepare the entire dip up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and flavor.
  • Swap chicken with shredded rotisserie turkey or canned tuna for a different protein twist that keeps the buffalo sauce excitement intact.
  • Use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on creamy texture and taste.

Serve with Bread, Crackers, or Chips

  • Party Platter Paradise: Arrange the dip in the center of a large wooden board surrounded by an array of dippable treats like crispy pita chips, crunchy vegetable sticks, and toasted baguette slices.
  • Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Serve in a small cast-iron skillet directly from the oven, keeping it warm throughout your sports viewing party with extra chips and fresh herbs scattered on top for a pop of color.
  • Spicy Sidekick Strategy: Offer small bowls of extra hot sauce, blue cheese dressing, and ranch on the side so guests can customize their dipping experience and adjust heat levels to their preference.
  • Leftover Transformation: Repurpose any remaining dip by spreading it on toasted bagels, stuffing into quesadillas, or using as a zesty sandwich spread for a delicious next-day meal.

Store Dip for Game Day Leftovers

  • Transfer leftover dip into an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dip stays fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and creamy texture.
  • Warm refrigerated dip in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain original consistency.
  • Wrap unbaked dip tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Keeps well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and bake directly from chilled state, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Divide dip into smaller serving containers before storing. This method prevents repeated reheating, preserves quality, and allows easy single-serving grab-and-go options for quick snacks or impromptu gatherings.
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Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bacon Dip Recipe

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Bacon Dip Recipe


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4.5 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Buffalo chicken bacon dip blends spicy, creamy flavors for an irresistible appetizer. Crispy bacon and tender chicken merge with zesty buffalo sauce, creating a crowd-pleasing party snack you’ll crave at game nights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300 g) shredded chicken
  • 6 slices bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup (240 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (60 g) mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) ranch dressing
  • ½ cup (120 ml) buffalo sauce
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and tenderly coat an oven-safe dish with a non-stick shield, priming the canvas for culinary magic.
  2. Flavor Foundation: Whisk cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing in a generous bowl until the mixture achieves a velvety, seamless consistency that promises rich, tangy delight.
  3. Ingredient Symphony: Gently fold shredded chicken, bacon fragments, sharp cheddar, and a portion of mozzarella into the creamy base, ensuring each element is harmoniously integrated for a robust flavor profile.
  4. Baking Performance: Elegantly spread the mixture into the prepared dish, creating an even landscape and crown it with the remaining mozzarella, transforming the surface into a molten cheese masterpiece.
  5. Oven Transformation: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the cheese melts into a golden, appetizing blanket, signaling the dip’s readiness.
  6. Final Flourish: Unveil from the oven and immediately garnish with reserved bacon crumbles and freshly chopped green onions, adding a vibrant crunch and visual appeal.
  7. Serving Suggestion: Present the dip steaming hot, surrounded by tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or rustic bread slices, inviting guests to dive into this irresistible appetizer.

Notes

  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control spiciness, perfect for different taste preferences from mild to fiery.
  • Prevent Dryness: Use freshly shredded chicken or rotisserie meat to maintain moisture and enhance overall texture of the dip.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese directly before mixing to ensure smoother melting and prevent clumping during baking.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the dip in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld; bake just before serving for maximum freshness and optimal taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 304
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 830 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 72 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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