This creamy, spicy dip is a crowd pleaser, perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Chef Gordon Ramsay elevates the classic buffalo chicken dip by focusing on texture, flavor balance, and oven technique. The result is a rich, gooey dip with a golden, bubbly top that’s irresistibly scoopable.
Ingredients
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3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (boiled and shredded)
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8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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1 cup (240ml) ranch dressing (preferably bold flavor)
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1 cup (240ml) hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp black pepper
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½ cup (50g) chopped green onions
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1½ cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
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1½ cups (150g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
Directions
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Cook and Shred the Chicken
Boil chicken breasts in water for 25 minutes until fully cooked. Let cool slightly, then shred finely using forks or fingers. -
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. -
Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the cream cheese with ranch dressing and hot sauce. Add black pepper and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and fully combined. -
Combine Ingredients
Stir in the shredded chicken, chopped green onions, ½ cup of mozzarella, and ½ cup of cheddar. Mix until the chicken is fully coated and the mixture is gooey. -
Assemble the Dip
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar on top. -
Bake
Bake for 20–30 minutes, until the dip is bubbling and the cheese is fully melted. For a golden, crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end. -
Serve
Serve hot with tortilla chips, veggie sticks, crackers—or just a spoon!
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings)
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Calories: ~300 kcal
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Protein: 20g
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Fat: 22g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 900mg
What Makes Gordon Ramsay’s Version Stand Out?
Gordon Ramsay is known for his culinary precision, and even in a casual dish like this, that standard remains. His take on Buffalo Chicken Dip isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about elevating it with smart techniques and balance.
Here are a few key enhancements Ramsay brings to the table:
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Focus on Texture: Ramsay understands the importance of contrast in texture. His method ensures the dip is smooth and gooey inside, with a bubbling, golden-brown top that adds a delightful bite. He uses broiling strategically to achieve this crust without overcooking the dip.
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Flavor Balance: Many buffalo dips can become overwhelmingly spicy or overly rich. Ramsay uses ranch dressing to mellow the heat and rounds it out with garlic and black pepper for complexity. The cheeses—mozzarella and sharp cheddar—provide both meltability and flavor depth.
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Proper Integration: Instead of simply mixing everything in a bowl, he takes the time to melt and blend the cream cheese with the hot sauce and ranch dressing in a saucepan. This eliminates lumps and guarantees a smooth, velvety base that coats the chicken evenly.
These touches, while subtle, take the dip from something expected to something exceptional.
Flavor Profile and Texture
Ramsay’s Buffalo Chicken Dip hits all the right flavor notes:
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Spicy: Thanks to hot sauce, it has the classic buffalo kick. But the heat is balanced—not overpowering.
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Creamy and Rich: Cream cheese provides the base, making the texture thick and luscious.
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Tangy and Savory: Ranch dressing introduces a herby tang, contrasting the spice and adding complexity.
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Cheesy: The blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar ensures both stretch and sharpness.
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Meaty: The shredded chicken adds a hearty, substantial element, making this more than just a snack—it can be a meal in itself.
When baked properly, the texture is layered—gooey and melty inside, with a slight crisp and browning on top. This makes every bite deeply satisfying.
When to Serve It
This dish is ideal for a wide variety of occasions. Some of the most popular include:
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Game Day Parties: Possibly the most iconic setting for buffalo chicken dip. It pairs perfectly with beer, camaraderie, and high-energy environments.
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Casual Gatherings: Think BBQs, potlucks, birthday parties, or any event where finger foods reign supreme.
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Holiday Appetizer Tables: It holds its own among meatballs, mini quiches, and deviled eggs.
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Movie Nights or Family Dinners: Serve it as the centerpiece with dippers, and you’ve got a no-fuss meal everyone will devour.
This dip’s shareable nature makes it a natural crowd-pleaser, and you’ll rarely have leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of this dish lies not only in the dip itself but in the accompaniments. Here are some ideal options to serve alongside:
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Tortilla Chips: The classic. Choose sturdy chips that can handle a thick dip without breaking.
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Celery or Carrot Sticks: Great for those looking for a lighter option. Their crunch complements the creamy dip perfectly.
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Crackers or Breadsticks: Adds variety to the texture and flavor options.
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Baked Potato Wedges: For a more indulgent serving suggestion, these act like scoopable vessels.
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Slider Buns: Turn the dip into mini sandwiches—great for serving at events.
Variations and Adaptations
One of the reasons this dish is so popular is how easy it is to modify:
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Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of habanero sauce for more heat.
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Use Blue Cheese: Replace ranch with blue cheese dressing for a more traditional buffalo wing flavor.
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Make it Healthier: Use Greek yogurt in place of some cream cheese or ranch to lighten it up.
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Keto-Friendly Version: Skip any sugar-containing sauces and serve with low-carb dippers.
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Slow Cooker Version: Prepare all ingredients and let it heat in a slow cooker—perfect for buffet-style serving.
You can also experiment with smoked chicken, add crispy bacon on top, or fold in roasted garlic for a gourmet twist.
Expert Tips for Success
To make sure your dip is next-level, keep these tips in mind:
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Don’t Skip the Broil: That bubbly, golden top is not just for looks. It adds an important texture and flavor.
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Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: It melts faster and blends smoother into the sauce.
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Taste Before Baking: Once your sauce is mixed but before baking, taste and adjust the seasoning. You might want more garlic, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice.
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Serve Hot: This dip shines when it’s bubbling and fresh from the oven. Keep it warm with a chafing dish or mini slow cooker if serving at a party.
Nutritional Considerations
While this dish isn’t exactly light fare, it’s worth knowing what you’re serving. A typical portion (1/8th of the dish) contains approximately:
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Calories: 300
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Protein: 20g
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Fat: 22g
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Carbs: 5g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 900mg
It’s protein-rich and low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for high-protein or low-carb diets. As always, portion control is key if you’re watching your intake.
Conclusion
Gordon Ramsay Buffalo Chicken Dip is more than just a party snack—it’s an elevated take on a beloved comfort food classic. By focusing on ingredient quality, texture, and flavor balance, this version becomes the gold standard for buffalo dips. It’s easy enough for beginner cooks to make, yet impressive enough to serve to discerning foodies.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy food, a cheese lover, or just in need of a warm, satisfying dish to share, this buffalo chicken dip delivers every time. With its crispy top, creamy interior, and addictive flavor, it’s guaranteed to be the most talked-about item on your appetizer table.
So the next time you’re planning a gathering—or just craving something cozy and bold—don’t settle for average. Try Gordon Ramsay’s Buffalo Chicken Dip and taste the difference that expert technique and a chef’s eye for flavor can make.