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Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Tailgate Dip – Easy Game Day Recipe

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This creamy, spicy, and cheesy buffalo chicken dip is served with warm pretzel bites for the ultimate game day snack. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 package (12-16 oz) frozen pretzel bites
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for pretzel bites)
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Let cream cheese soften at room temperature.
  2. Shred chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add buffalo hot sauce and stir until combined.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, warm buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, blue cheese (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
  5. Fold in shredded chicken until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until hot and bubbly. For a browner top, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  8. While dip bakes, prepare pretzel bites according to package directions (usually bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes). Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired.
  9. Let dip rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately with warm pretzel bites.

Notes

Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth texture. Do not overbake to avoid graininess. Bake pretzel bites separately to keep them crisp. Dip can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated; add 5 minutes to baking time. For a milder dip, reduce hot sauce to 1/4 cup. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or use spicier hot sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, tailgate dip, game day recipe, pretzel bites, easy appetizer, buffalo dip

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/ultimate-buffalo-chicken-tailgate-dip-easy-game-day-recipe/