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Creamy Smoky Buffalo Chicken Dip with Ranch Drizzle

creamy smoky buffalo chicken dip with ranch drizzle - featured image

This creamy smoky buffalo chicken dip with ranch drizzle is the ultimate party appetizer. It’s quick, easy, and packed with smoky flavor from smoked paprika and liquid smoke, with a cool, herby ranch drizzle that makes every bite perfect.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese, small curd
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing, plus extra for drizzling
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing (for drizzle)
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or crusty bread (for serving)
  • Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1/2 cup ranch dressing. Use a hand mixer on low speed until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the smoked paprika, liquid smoke (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
  5. Fold in the shredded chicken, 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese, and all of the mozzarella cheese using a rubber spatula. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly, with the cheese on top melted and starting to brown.
  8. While the dip bakes, make the ranch drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup ranch dressing, milk, dried dill, and dried parsley until smooth. Set aside.
  9. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
  10. Just before serving, drizzle the ranch mixture over the top in a zigzag pattern. Sprinkle with fresh chives or green onions. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for shredded jackfruit. To make it spicier, add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or use a spicier buffalo sauce. The dip can be assembled up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated; add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, smoky dip, ranch drizzle, game day appetizer, party dip, creamy dip