The BEST Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe for game day is creamy, cheesy and spicy. Mine has caramelized onions, garlic, chive cream cheese, pickled buffalo sauce, all mixed in with shredded chicken thighs. This Buffalo Chicken Dip is flavored packed & perfect for any game day appetizer!
Game Day Approved – Buffalo Chicken Dip
In Nata’s kitchen, I’m all about flavor. So when recreating this traditional Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe, I wanted to go not your average route. This recipe is a little more gourmet, with complex flavors. The best place to start is with the chicken!
- Don’t use rotisserie chicken or canned chicken! Cooking chicken is simple and best of all – you can control the seasonings/flavors. Considering using chicken thighs (dark meat) for that extra juiciness. Also, don’t limit the cooking techniques. Try partially searing the chicken first, finishing it by boiling in stock and then shred it.
- Don’t be afraid of aromatic mix-ins. When chicken is on the menu, adding garlic and caramelized onions are the perfect combination.
- Take advantage of flavored cream cheeses. With so many delicious options, using a flavored cream cheese in Buffalo Chicken Dip is the way to go. It’s convenient and most of all it ADDS a ton of flavor complexities. I chose a chive and onion cream cheese. SO GOOD!
- Skip the basic buffalo sauce & read the ingredients. Sauces that are high in vinegar or pickling juice, add an extra depth of flavor, while also packing the heat!
How to Make Creamy, Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip
I think it’s obvious that a perfect Super Bowl or Game Day Buffalo Chicken Dip is creamy and cheesy. I already covered my secret to some flavorful creamy elements, so let’s focus on the cheese.
The ideal cheesy cheese for Buffalo Chicken Dip is mild to sharp in flavor, has easy meltability, and a bit of spice. Some of my favorite options are:
- Habanero Cheddar Cheese: https://amzn.to/3uxdn0w
- Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese: https://amzn.to/3uyod6p
- Monterey/Pepper Jack Cheese: https://amzn.to/3HCsSb5
- Monterey Jack – Ghost Pepper Cheese (SPICY): https://amzn.to/3B34iOe
Game Day Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups shredded chicken thighs (homemade is preferred)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup caramelized onions
- 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
- 1/2 -3/4 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 1/4 cup homemade chicken broth (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces chive and onion cream cheese (or plain cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup Monterey jack or Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup jalapeno or habanero cheddar cheese
- chopped chives or green onions (garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by marinating, searing, boiling and then shredded it into thin pieces. Reserve chicken stock from boiling process. *Skip this step if using precooked chicken*
- Next, preheat oven to 375 degrees (F)
- In a skillet, melt the butter and slowly cook down the onions until caramelized. Roughly 10 – 12 minutes on medium low heat.
- Quickly add the chopped garlic and saute' until fragrant. Then, add the shredded chicken and toss until warm. Add more butter if needed.
- Once the chicken is warm and infused with the caramelized onions and garlic, add in the buffalo sauce. Simmer for 2-5 minutes. If sauce thickens too much, you may add chicken stock to thin it out.
- Remove from heat and slightly cool. Next fold in the cream cheese, sour cream and combine well.
- Add mixture to a casserole, top with cheese and bake until edges are bubbling. Garnish with chives or green onions and enjoy!
K. Jonas says
WOW, WOW, WOW. I tested this recipe before the big game, just in case my family didn’t like it. And I have NOTHING to worry about! lol It was delicious, easy and my picky kids loved it. Can’t wait to make it again for the super bowl.