This dish combines tender shredded chicken with creamy cheeses and bold buffalo wing sauce for a flavorful, low-carb treat. Cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and cheddar blend smoothly with spices, baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for gatherings, it delivers rich, spicy notes with easy preparation and quick cooking. Garnish with green onions and blue cheese for added depth and serve warm alongside fresh veggies or keto-friendly options.
The first Super Bowl party I hosted after going keto, I panicked about what to serve. My buffalo chicken wings would work, but I wanted something guests could actually dip. That's when this recipe saved the night.
My brother-in-law who typically avoids anything 'diet' went back for thirds. That's when I knew this wasn't just a keto compromise—it was actually delicious on its own merits.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, but poaching your own breasts gives you more control over sodium levels
- 8 oz cream cheese softened: Room temperature cream cheese blends seamlessly into the sauce without leaving those annoying white streaks
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This creates that gorgeous stretchy cheese pull everyone photographs for social media
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The sharpness cuts through the richness and adds a proper tang that mild cheese can't deliver
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a necessary brightness that keeps the dip from feeling too heavy or one-note
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: Frank's RedHot is the classic choice, but any vinegar-based hot sauce will work beautifully
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing: The creamy cool factor that tames the heat just enough to make it utterly addictive
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Don't skip this—it provides the savory backbone that makes everything taste restaurant-quality
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Works in tandem with garlic for that familiar appetizer flavor profile everyone craves
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked makes a noticeable difference if you have the extra thirty seconds
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions: These add a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that cuts through all that cheese
- 2 tbsp crumbled blue cheese: Optional for purists, but honestly recommended for the full buffalo experience
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 375°F and position your rack in the middle for even heating.
- Mix your creamy base:
- Beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, buffalo sauce, and ranch until completely smooth.
- Add your seasonings:
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, mixing well to distribute evenly.
- Fold in the chicken and cheese:
- Gently stir in the shredded chicken along with half of each cheese, being careful not to shred the chicken further.
- Transfer to your baking dish:
- Spread everything into a 1-quart dish and press down lightly to create an even surface.
- Add that cheesy topping:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar across the top in an even layer.
- Bake until bubbly:
- Let it cook for 18-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are starting to bubble.
- Create the golden crust:
- Broil for just 2 minutes, watching closely so it doesn't burn—you want golden brown spots, not black.
- Let it rest briefly:
- Wait about 5 minutes so the dip sets up slightly and becomes easier to scoop.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with green onions and blue cheese if using, then serve warm with your favorite dippers.
This has become my go-to for new neighbors, potlucks, and nights when comfort food is non-negotiable. Something about warm dip makes people linger at the table longer.
Making It Ahead
You can assemble this dip completely the day before and refrigerate it unbaked. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time since it's starting cold.
Serving Suggestions
Celery and cucumber are classic keto choices, but I've also served this with pork rinds for extra crunch or bell pepper slices for sweetness.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep surprisingly well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave at 50% power, stirring halfway through, to prevent the cheese from separating.
- Freezing isn't recommended because the dairy can become grainy
- If reheating a large portion, cover it with foil to prevent drying
- Stirring halfway through reheating helps redistribute the oils
Hope this brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Happy cooking.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
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Yes, prepare the mixture and refrigerate up to 3 days before baking. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.
- → What can I serve it with?
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Pair with celery sticks, cucumber slices, or keto-friendly crackers to keep it low-carb and fresh.
- → Can I adjust the heat level?
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Absolutely, add extra hot sauce dashes or choose a spicier buffalo wing sauce to increase the kick.
- → Is there a suitable cheese substitute?
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You can swap blue cheese garnish with extra ranch dressing or omit it for a milder finish.
- → What cooking equipment is needed?
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A baking dish around 1-quart capacity, mixing bowl, and oven are essential for preparation and baking.