Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip with Ranch Crust

This dip takes the classic game-day favorite and gives it a chef’s touch: slow-simmered chicken thighs tossed in tangy Buffalo sauce, folded into a ri...

6 servings
American Cuisine
🟡Intermediate★★★☆☆
Oct 19, 2025
22 views

Ingredients

🥩

1 pound

Chicken thighs

boneless, skinless

🌾

1/2 cup

Panko breadcrumbs

Japanese style

🥬

2 cloves

Garlic

minced

🥛

1 cup

Sharp cheddar

freshly grated

🥬

2 stalks

Celery

for serving

🥛

8 ounces

Cream cheese

softened to room temperature

🥛

1/4 cup

Sour cream

full-fat

💧

1/2 cup

Buffalo sauce

Frank's RedHot preferred

🌾

1 bag

Tortilla chips

sturdy

🥛

3 tablespoons

Butter

melted

📦

2 tablespoons

Ranch seasoning

dry mix

Categories:🥩protein🥬vegetable🍎fruit🌾grain🥛dairy🌶️spice🫒oil💧liquid📦other

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and roast for 25 minutes until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Step 2
While the chicken is still warm, shred it with two forks. The residual heat will help the chicken absorb the Buffalo sauce more effectively.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and half the cheddar. Mix until smooth. The cream cheese should be room temperature to prevent lumps.
Step 4
Fold in the shredded chicken and Buffalo sauce. The mixture should be thick and cohesive.
Step 5
Spread the mixture into a cast-iron skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula. The skillet will conduct heat evenly and create caramelized edges.
Step 6
In a small bowl, mix the panko, ranch seasoning, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. This creates the crunchy topping.
Step 7
Sprinkle the panko mixture over the dip, followed by the remaining cheddar. The cheese will melt and create a golden crust.
Step 8
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges bubble. The center should be molten.
Step 9
Serve immediately with tortilla chips and celery sticks. The contrast of creamy, spicy, and crunchy is the hallmark of this dip.

✨Chef's Tips

  • ★Use freshly grated cheddar for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose that prevents smooth melting.
  • ★Warm the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
  • ★The panko topping should be evenly distributed for maximum crunch. Press gently into the dip to adhere.
  • ★For a restaurant-quality presentation, serve in a warm cast-iron skillet. The dip stays molten longer.
  • ★Balance the heat with cooling elements like celery or ranch dressing. The contrast enhances the overall experience.
buffalochickendipranchcrustspicycreamycrunchy