About a year ago, I chanced upon buffalo chicken cheese dip, a delectable American delight from Western New York. Often referred to as Chicken Wing Dip by some, this scrumptious blend has swiftly secured its spot as my preferred indulgence.
What’s Inside this Luscious Dip?
At its core, Buffalo Chicken Dip embodies everything you adore from your classic buffalo wings but reimagined as a creamy, zesty dip. Imagine a delightful blend of tender shredded chicken, an abundant mix of blue cheese, rich cream cheese, tangy ranch, and just the right touch of hot sauce. To elevate it, handfuls of cheddar cheese are generously layered, reminiscent of a warm winter blanket during chilly times.
The revelation of this dip by our Buffalo-based cousins felt like unearthing a culinary treasure. I vividly remember its debut after their journey to New Jersey. Presented was a concoction that may not have looked perfect after the long trip, but one dip in and I was sold. Its uniqueness is unparalleled.
The Go-to Crowd Pleaser
As the Super Bowl nears, diverting momentarily from the festivities of the Chinese New Year, this cheesy American masterpiece takes center stage. Anticipating game day, a pot of this Buffalo Chicken Dip is always on standby. It pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, slices of freshly baked bread, and even your favorite veggies (think red bell peppers, celery, or carrots). Add a touch of freshly chopped scallions when it’s right out of the oven – it’s a game-changer!
Let’s dive into crafting this drool-worthy dip.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons butter (30g, melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- A dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces cream cheese (225g, at room temperature)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (120g)
- ½ cup milk (120 ml)
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (70g)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (250g, divided)
- 1½ tablespoons Ranch flavor mix
- ½ cup hot sauce (opt for a brand like Frank’s)
- 2 fresh scallions (finely sliced, separate the white and green parts)
Steps to Deliciousness:
- Start with the chicken. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Create a marinade using melted butter combined with minced garlic. Coat the chicken generously, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Roast for about 35-40 minutes.
- After roasting, let it cool, then shred the meat. Offer the skin to your eager pet, and consider using the bones for a quick chicken broth.
- In a large mixing bowl, merge the shredded chicken with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, blue cheese crumbles, ¾ cup cheddar, Ranch seasoning, hot sauce, and the white section of the scallions.
- Shift this mix into a baking dish. Top it off with the rest of the cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until the cheese forms a bubbly, golden layer. Finish with a sprinkle of the green scallion bits.
- Serve piping hot! Ideal companions include celery sticks, bell pepper slices, toasted bread, or even some crispy tortilla chips.
Embrace the delightful tastes and textures of this dip – a mix of creamy, spicy, and cheesy, promising to leave you and your guests craving for more!