Save to Pinterest The first time I brought this dip to a Super Bowl party, I honestly thought it might be too much effort. Wrong. The dish came home scraped completely clean, and my friend texted me the next morning asking if there was any left in her refrigerator. Now I make a double batch and hide a small container for myself before heading anywhere.
I started making this during college when we needed something impressive but dead simple for impromptu gatherings. The beauty is how something so effortless can make people assume you spent all afternoon in the kitchen. My roommate once asked for the recipe after eating it three days in a row.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves so much time
- 225 g cream cheese softened: Room temperature cream cheese blends silky smooth into the sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce: Franks RedHot is the classic choice but your favorite hot sauce works beautifully
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Balances the heat and adds that familiar creamy flavor everyone loves
- 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing: Use all ranch if blue cheese is not your thing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese: Totally optional but adds those delicious salty pockets
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that gorgeous golden bubbly topping
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives: Fresh green onion brings color and a mild bite
Instructions
- Warm up the oven:
- Preheat to 180°C 350°F while you prep everything else
- Make the creamy base:
- Beat the softened cream cheese hot sauce ranch and blue cheese dressing until completely smooth
- Add the good stuff:
- Fold in shredded chicken cheddar and crumbled blue cheese until every piece is coated
- Get it ready for baking:
- Spread the mixture into a 1.5 to 2 liter baking dish and press down lightly
- Add the cheesy topping:
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the top so every bite gets some
- Bake until bubbly:
- Let it go for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and the dip is hot through
- The hardest part:
- Let it rest for 5 minutes because molten hot cheese is no joke
- Finish and serve:
- Scatter chives on top and bring it out while still warm
Save to Pinterest Last New Years Eve I made three different dips and this was the only empty bowl by midnight. Someone actually asked if they could take the tiny leftover bit home. Watching people crowd around the bubbling dish dipping and laughing is what hosting is all about.
Make Ahead Magic
You can assemble everything up to two days before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going into the oven. This has saved me so much stress before parties.
Heat Level Hacks
Start with less hot sauce if you are feeding a mild crowd. You can always serve extra on the side for the heat seekers. I once made it with ghost pepper sauce for friends who love fire and they were sweating and happy.
Serving Ideas That Work
Celery sticks are classic for a reason and they cool down the spice perfectly. Tortilla chips scoop up generous amounts and sturdy baguette slices never get soggy. For something different try bell pepper strips or even mini toasted bread rounds.
- Keep some extra crackers nearby because this goes fast
- Small spoons help people get every last bit from the corners
- A small warming tray keeps it at the perfect temperature for hours
Save to Pinterest There is something genuinely satisfying about watching a room full of people gather round one dish. That is the kind of cooking I love most.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it refrigerated. Bake just before serving for the best results.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter hot sauce variety. You can also increase the amount of hot sauce to 3/4 cup.
- → What can I substitute for blue cheese?
Swap blue cheese dressing and crumbles for additional ranch dressing and more cheddar cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
- → What's the best way to serve this?
Serve warm with celery sticks, tortilla chips, pita bread, or sliced baguette. Keep it warm in a slow cooker on low setting.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. A store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves even more time. You'll need about 2 cups of shredded meat.