Spicy Cheesy Chicken Dip (Printable Version)

Creamy, spicy blend of shredded chicken, hot sauce, and melted cheese baked until golden.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main

01 - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (approximately 10.5 oz)
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot)
04 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing
05 - 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (optional substitution: ranch dressing)
06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (approximately 4 oz)
07 - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, approximately 2 oz)

→ Topping

08 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (approximately 2 oz)
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F.
02 - In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and blue cheese dressing until smooth.
03 - Fold in shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese if using, mixing until uniformly blended.
04 - Transfer the mixture to a 1.5–2 quart baking dish and spread evenly.
05 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
07 - Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
08 - Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired. Serve warm with celery sticks, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in under an hour and tastes like you've been cooking all day.
  • The tangy heat and melted cheese create a flavor that somehow works with everything from chips to celery.
  • You can make it ahead and just pop it in the oven when guests arrive, which feels like cheating in the best way.
02 -
  • Don't skip the cooling step—people will burn their mouths, and no one wants that regret, especially not at a party.
  • Softening the cream cheese first is non-negotiable; cold cream cheese makes lumps that refuse to disappear even with aggressive stirring.
  • Taste the mixture before it goes in the oven so you can adjust the heat level; some hot sauces are much spicier than others.
03 -
  • Use a baking dish that conducts heat evenly; ceramic or glass works better than thin metal because the dip heats through without the edges burning before the middle catches up.
  • If your dip seems too thick after combining everything, add a splash of milk until it reaches the consistency you want—it will tighten slightly as it bakes.
Go Back