Buffalo Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken is a Game Day Favorite that every sports fan loves to indulge in. This creamy, cheesy, and spicy dip is incredibly easy to make, especially when using canned chicken. It is the perfect appetizer to serve at any party or gathering, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked canned chicken
- 1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- Chopped green onions and additional hot sauce for garnish (optional)
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or sliced baguettes for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large oven-safe skillet.
- In a large bowl, combine the canned chicken, hot sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish or skillet and spread it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and additional hot sauce if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or sliced baguettes.
History and Curiosities
Buffalo Chicken Dip, as the name suggests, has its origins in Buffalo, New York. The inspiration for this dip comes from Buffalo Chicken Wings, an iconic bar food that was first created in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo. It is said that the original Buffalo Wings were created by accident when Teressa Bellissimo, the co-owner of the bar, mistook a shipment of chicken wings for something else and decided to fry them and serve them with a cayenne pepper-based hot sauce.
Buffalo Chicken Dip, like the wings, is known for being spicy, tangy, and rich. It is perfect for game day parties and gatherings because it’s easy to make in large quantities and can be scooped up with a variety of dippers. The use of canned chicken in this specific recipe makes it even more convenient, as it eliminates the need to cook and shred fresh chicken.
One of the curiosities of Buffalo Chicken Dip is its versatility in terms of ingredients. While this recipe uses ranch dressing, many variations also use blue cheese dressing. Some people prefer to add crumbled blue cheese on top, while others might opt for additional toppings such as chopped green onions or chopped cilantro. In Buffalo and beyond, it’s common to find variations on the classic Buffalo sauce, with some people opting for milder or spicier versions of the sauce.
In conclusion, Buffalo Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken is a delicious and hearty appetizer that is easy to make and perfect for game day gatherings. Its history is steeped in the rich culinary traditions of Buffalo, New York. So next time you enjoy this dip, remember to appreciate the interesting story behind the flavors.
