You know what was unique about this weekend?
The temperature outside was actually less than the number of days until Christmas.
From today, there’s 16 days until Christmas. On Saturday, it was 12 degrees outside!
Whhhaaattt? Brrrrr.
Trust me. I’m not complaining. A friend wrote to say it was -22 degrees. Negative!
Just so you know…IMO…negative should not even be a # when it comes to the weather! That’s crazy cold!
Yet here, we’re all good. The cards are mailed, the presents are wrapped and the packages are sent. And, at 12 degrees, it seemed like a good time to cuddle up and stay inside.
So, on this chilly weekend, we definitely needed some stick-to-your-ribs kind of goodness! And, this spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip was the perfect comfort food.
Rich, spicy and filling, we loved this when served with celery sticks. We also tried it with Chicken-flavored crackers and slices of chewy bread – but the crispy snap of the celery sticks seemed to be a perfect fit for this rich and creamy buffalo dip!
It serves a lot, so it would be greatto serve as a holiday appetizer for a crowd or, even better, at a tailgate party (wait ’til summer)!
And, the best part? You can make it a day ahead and just heat it in the oven to serve the day of! A stress-free holiday and/or party appetizer.
Enjoy!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 2 8-ounce packages 1/3 less fat cream cheese
- 1 cup Buttermilk Ranch dressing
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup hot pepper sauce e.g. Frank's Red Hot
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese divided
- 1 bunch celery rinsed and cut into 4” pieces
- 1 8 ounce box chicken-flavored crackers
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese and ranch dressing together in a medium sized bowl with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Combine shredded chicken, 3/4 cup of shredded cheese and hot sauce in a medium bowl.
- Layer the bottom of a baking dish with the cream cheese/dressing mix. Top with shredded chicken mixture and top with remaining 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve with celery sticks and crackers.
Adapted from All Recipes @ Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Johlene says
Wow how organized are you.. “..the presents are wrapped..” We haven´t even started!! Although here in Spain people normally exchange gifts on the 6th of January (being 3 Kings day) but because I grew up with presents on Xmas Eve/Day, we exchange gifts twice 🙂 🙂
pd. this does look like perfect comfort food for those chilly (I love them) days!! Xx
Kristi says
Oh my gosh Johlene – if I’m not done with Christmas shopping by Thanksgiving, I’m a stressed out nervous wreak! Have a great week! And enjoy the extended time you have to go shopping! 🙂
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ says
Cool warming recipe 🙂 12 degrees are not bad at all, in London we’re having 8 degrees as a maximum temperature!
Kristi says
Oh my gosh Daniela! I’m going to wish for warm weather for you. Brrrr! I can’t imagine 8 – 12 is bad enough!
Kelly says
It’s been cold around here too and this buffalo dip sounds like just the heat we need to warm up 🙂 Looks delicious, we love buffalo chicken and this sounds perfect while watching a game or serving up to holiday guests. So glad to hear that you got the holiday cards and gifts done too 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Kelly! Next time, I think I might try it with Blue Cheese & maybe 1/2 buffalo sauce along with the Frank’s! Have a great week!
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs says
It’s super cold here as well, and I could definitely do with some crackers and this lovely appetizer. It looks super delish! ;–)
Have a great week (and stay warm!) x
Kristi says
Thanks Consuelo! I’m not a huge fan of cold weather anyway – although, it does make me want to stay home and cook!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
I guess I shouldn’t tell you that it has been in the 80’s here. I am actually looking for some slightly cooler weather. And I would love to dig into this dip!
Kristi says
Oh my Ashley – I am so jealous right now. I wore a coat at work all day I was so cold!
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
This looks so delicious and perfect for this crazy cold weather we are having. My guys have been out of school since last wed!! Help…hurry send me some of this Buffalo Chicken Dip! I am in need some serious comfort food 😀
Kristi says
Hahaha! I wish I could make it for you and give you a stress break! Have a great week!
Monet says
This does look like the perfect appetizer! And it has been COLD here too. We’re do to move out of freezing temps tomorrow though! Thank you for sharing!
Kristi says
Lucky you! I don’t mind the cold when I get to stay home. Hopefully ours will break soon. Have a great week!
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
Yay!!!!! It’s actually getting quite chilly here too and I am not complaining! 😀 This dip looks soooooo good Kristi! I could eat this all day!!!!!!
Kristi says
Thanks Samina! It makes a LOT, so you just might get to eat it for days! Haha! Have a wonderful week!
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
Oh dear, I wouldn’t even want to leave the house if the temp is in the negative. Heck, I don’t even feel like leaving the house if it’s in the 30s or 40s, ha! Your dip sounds like a fabulous comfort food. Love that you can make them ahead. Just what I need for when I entertain. I hope you beamed some of this goodness to your friend ’cause she sure can use it! 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Anne! I wish our weathers bottomed out at 30 or 40 degrees! It doesn’t usually get this cold, but when it does we are not used to it! Next time I make this dip, I might try 1/2 buffalo wing sauce and 1/2 Frank’s Red Hot for a change. And, I think I’ll also try Blue Cheese dressing in place of the Ranch dressing and see if that gives it even better flavor! Stay warm!
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
-22?! I shouldn’t be complaining about the 30 degree weather I’m getting here in CT! I’ve been wanting to make a dip like this for a while now and I simply must try your version. 🙂 Delish!!
Kristi says
So glad you like it Tina! Right…I’m not complaining about 12 degrees either! Not now anyway!
[email protected] says
Brrrrr! I won’t complain about it being cold here anymore! Love the dip. It would definitely warm me up!
Kristi says
Thanks Christin! It finally got a bit warmer today. I’m very happy about that!