This is a super tasty and easy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or any occasion. It has a creamy and cheesy base loaded with shredded chicken and spicy buffalo sauce. It’s great for those who love bold flavors and enjoy dipping snacks. You can serve it up with crackers, chips, bread, or veggies.
Buffalo chicken wing dip is a twist on the classic buffalo chicken wings – those deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a hot sauce and butter mix. This dish originated in Buffalo, New York, back in the 1960s and has since gained popularity all across the United States and Canada. The dip version features cooked chicken mixed with cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese. It’s typically slow-cooked in a crockpot or slow cooker to perfection. For an extra touch of deliciousness, you can top it off with blue cheese crumbles and green onions. Some folks even love to add sour cream, celery sticks, or carrots to the mix!
You will need the following ingredients and equipment:
A slow cooker or crockpot
8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup of ranch dressing
1/4 cup of buffalo sauce (you can use more or less depending on your spice preference)
2 cups of shredded cooked chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken, chicken breasts, or any leftover chicken you have)
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup of blue cheese crumbles (optional)
2 tablespoons of chopped green onions (optional)
Crackers, chips, bread, or veggies for dipping
Cooking:
1. In a big bowl, mix the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce until they’re well combined. You can use a whisk or fork to do this. This will be the base of your dip.
2. Add the shredded chicken and half of the cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Stir it well so that the chicken gets coated with the sauce. This will give your dip more texture and flavor.
3. Spray some cooking spray on your slow cooker or crockpot, or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent your dip from sticking to the bottom and make cleanup easier later on.
4. Transfer the chicken mixture to your lazy cooker or crockpot, spreading it evenly over the bottom. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust on your dip.
5. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or on top for 1 to 2 hours, until the cheese is all melty and bubbly. You can stir the dip now and then if needed, so it cooks evenly without getting burned.
6. If you’re using blue cheese crumbles and green onions, sprinkle them over the dip before serving to add some extra flavor and color. And if you prefer it spicier, feel free to drizzle in more buffalo sauce.
7. Serve your dip nice and hot or warm with your choice of crackers, chips, bread, or veggies. Enjoy this mouthwatering crockpot recipe for buffalo chicken wing dip!
Tips:
– Use a fancy serving dish or platter that matches the color and shape of your dip. You can also opt for a slow cooker or crockpot insert if you want to keep your dip warm.
– Arrange your crackers, chips, bread, or veggies around the dip in an organized and visually appealing manner. Feel free to mix it up with different shapes, sizes, and colors for added contrast and variety.
– Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top of your dip as a garnish to enhance its freshness and flavor.
– Use a spoon or spatula to create swirls or patterns on the surface of your dip for an appetizing and inviting look.
The nutritional value:
It’s got good protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. However, it’s also pretty high in fat, calories, and sodium because of the cheese, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Consuming excessive amounts of fat, calories, and sodium can lead to health issues like obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
So it’s best to enjoy this dish in moderation while balancing it out with other nutritious foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
This dish tastes amazing when served hot or warm, as it has a creamy texture with a cheesy kick and a spicy, savory flavor. If you let it cool down too much though, it might become hard, dry, and lose some of its deliciousness.
You can always reheat it in the microwave or oven if needed, but be careful not to overcook, as that could result in burning or curdling.
Notes:
– Make sure to use softened cream cheese, as it’ll be easier to mix with the other ingredients. You can soften it by leaving it at room temperature for about an hour or microwaving it for a few seconds.
– Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice tolerance. You can also try different types of hot sauce, like sriracha, tabasco, or barbecue sauce to change the flavor of your dip.
– Shred your chicken using a fork or hand mixer. Alternatively, you can chop it into small pieces if you prefer. Any cooked chicken works well, such as rotisserie chicken, chicken breasts, or leftover chicken. If you’re in a hurry, canned chicken is also an option, but make sure to drain it properly.
– Make sure not to overcook your dip, as it might end up burning or curdling. Keep an eye on it and stir it if necessary. If it becomes overly thick or dry, add some water or milk to adjust the consistency.
– If blue cheese isn’t your thing, feel free to skip it or substitute it with another type of cheese like mozzarella, feta, or parmesan. You can also adjust the amount of cheese according to your taste preferences.
You can prepare this dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving, and you can add extra cheese if desired.
The origin:
As I mentioned earlier, this dish is a twist on the classic buffalo chicken wings that first originated in Buffalo, New York, back in the 1960s. According to one popular story, it was Teressa Bellissimo who came up with this delicious creation at her restaurant called the Anchor Bar, which she ran together with her husband Frank.
One night, when their son Dominic and his buddies dropped by for a late-night snack, Teressa decided to whip up something special using some leftover chicken wings meant for soup.
She deep-fried them until crispy perfection, then generously coated them in a mouthwatering mixture of hot sauce and butter before serving them alongside celery sticks and creamy blue cheese dressing.
The dish was a big hit and quickly became a regular item on the menu at the Anchor Bar. It also caught on at more restaurants and bars in Buffalo and spread to different cities and even countries. This dish is super popular among Americans, especially during major sports events like the Super Bowl, World Series, or NBA Finals.
According to the National Chicken Council, Americans devoured around 1.4 billion chicken wings during the 2020 Super Bowl weekend alone – enough to circle the Earth three times!
Canadians are also large fans of this dish and usually enjoy it with fries and gravy or poutine. The active voice version of the original sentence would be:
“It has been incorporated into many cuisines and cultures, including Korean, Chinese, Indian, and Mexican styles.”
Related dishes:
Buffalo chicken pizza;
buffalo chicken salad;
buffalo chicken nachos;
If you want to learn other dishes from me, just keep an eye on me. I’ve got loads of recipes and tips to share with ya. Thanks for choosing me as your cooking assistant. I hope you stick around for more inspiration!