Ingredients:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup buffalo hot sauce
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, sliced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 180°C. Note: This moderate temperature allows the cheese to melt without the oils separating prematurely.
  2. Soften the cream cheese. Place 16 oz cream cheese in a large bowl. Note: It should be soft enough that a finger leaves an easy indentation; this ensures a velvety base.
  3. Combine the liquids. Add 1 cup buffalo hot sauce, 1 cup ranch dressing, and 1 tsp garlic powder to the cream cheese.
  4. Whisk until smooth. Use a whisk or spatula to blend until no white lumps of cream cheese remain.
  5. Prepare the chicken. Fold in 4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast. Note: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated so it stays moist during the bake.
  6. Add the primary cheese. Stir in 1 cup of the sharp cheddar cheese and the 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles.
  7. Transfer to the dish. Spread the mixture into your baking pan, smoothing the top with your spatula.
  8. Layer the topping. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar over the surface.
  9. Bake the dip. Place in the oven for 20 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is golden.
  10. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup fresh chives immediately after removing from the heat.