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Kid-Approved Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip (Easy Budget-Friendly Recipe)

kid-friendly baked buffalo chicken dip - featured image

A creamy, tangy buffalo chicken dip that’s kid-friendly and budget-friendly, perfect for game days or family snacks. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (mild or medium)
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 1.5 lbs raw)
  • 1/2 cup reserved chicken broth (or water/milk)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • Tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or crusty bread for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Soften cream cheese: if cold, cut into cubes and microwave for 15-20 seconds until soft but not melted.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and fluffy (about 1 minute).
  4. Stir in buffalo wing sauce until the mixture is evenly pale orange. Taste and add more sauce if desired.
  5. Shred the chicken: if using rotisserie, pull meat off bones and shred with two forks. If using raw chicken, poach in water for 12-15 minutes until cooked through, then shred. If dry, mix in 2-3 tablespoons of broth or milk.
  6. Fold shredded chicken, 3/4 cup cheddar, and 1/4 cup mozzarella into the creamy buffalo mixture until evenly combined.
  7. Transfer mixture to the greased baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  8. Top with remaining 1/4 cup cheddar and 1/4 cup mozzarella. If using blue cheese, sprinkle over half the dish.
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes until edges are bubbly and top is golden brown.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

For a milder dip, use mild buffalo sauce or mix with a little ketchup or honey. Shred your own cheese for best melting. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; add 5-10 minutes to baking time. To double, use two 8×8 dishes instead of one 9×13 for even baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, baked dip, kid-friendly, budget-friendly, game day snack, easy appetizer