This creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect addition to your college football party or tailgating spread. Packed with flavor, it’s easy to whip up and always a hit. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team at home or bringing the party to the stadium parking lot, this dip is sure to be a touchdown!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option, but you can grill or cook your own for added flavor.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Leave it out for about 20-30 minutes to soften or warm it slightly in the microwave to ensure easy mixing.
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing – Choose your favorite brand, or substitute with blue cheese dressing if you’re a fan of that extra tangy flavor.
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce – Classic Frank’s RedHot is ideal, but feel free to adjust the spice with your preferred buffalo sauce.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Freshly shredded is best for melting, but bagged shredded cheddar works too. Mix in some pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Get the oven going early so it’s ready when the dip is prepared. If you’re tailgating, preheat your portable grill or smoker to a medium heat for an off-the-grill version of this dip.
2. Prepare the chicken:
   Shred your cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces using forks or a stand mixer. If you’re grilling chicken on-site at a tailgate, season it with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder for extra flavor before shredding.
3. Mix it up:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Stir until everything is well-blended, creating a creamy, spicy base.
4. Spread in a baking dish:
   Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish, such as an 8×8-inch pan. If you’re tailgating, use a cast iron skillet or a foil pan for easy transport and cooking on-site.
5. Top with cheese:
   Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. For an extra layer of gooey goodness, you can mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack.
6. Bake or grill:
   At home, bake the dip in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. For tailgating, place the pan on a preheated grill over medium heat and cover it. Grill for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through. If using a smoker, you can add a subtle smoky flavor by letting it heat through at 250°F for 30-35 minutes.
7. Serve hot:
   Once baked or grilled, let the dip sit for a couple of minutes before serving. For a football party or tailgate, you can keep it warm in a crockpot or insulated container. Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, crackers, or slices of toasted bread. For added flair, bring team-colored napkins or platters to show your school spirit!

Tailgating Pro Tips:

• Make it portable: If you’re tailgating, prep the dip ahead of time and store it in a sealed container. Bake or grill it fresh when you arrive at the game.
• Easy transport: Use a foil pan for cooking on a grill, and once it’s done, you can easily dispose of it—no need to bring extra dishes home.
• Add toppings: Top the finished dip with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or blue cheese crumbles for extra texture and flavor.

Tailgating Pairings:

• Grilled wings or smoked sausages pair perfectly with this dip and keep the spicy, savory theme alive.
• Loaded nachos or pretzel bites are great game day snacks to accompany the Buffalo Chicken Dip.
• Beer or spiked lemonade completes the ultimate game-day spread!

Enjoy this rich, flavorful Buffalo Chicken Dip while rooting for your team at your next college football party or tailgate! It’s guaranteed to be a fan favorite whether you’re in the parking lot or watching from home.