I have a huge love for all things buffalo. I even but the sauce on my broccoli. When you start to combine it with chicken and cheese and bacon, just the idea has be salivating. So, naturally, I had to combine them all and try to make it a little better for me than the alternative.
This post is part of the blogger program by Naturally Fresh® and The Motherhood, who compensated me for my time and the development of this recipe. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are my own, and I hope you enjoy them.
My inspiration came from the Lite Ranch Naturally Fresh® dressing I found at my local Kroger. Already, it’s better for me than many alternatives with no artificial thickeners, no MSG, no artificial preservatives (which means it’s in the refrigerated section) and no artificial colors or flavors. The Lite Ranch is made with their own nonfat buttermilk with half the calories (and a lot less fat) than the original.
For my dip, I purchased 1/3 fat cream cheese, cooked my own boneless skinless chicken breast, Lite Ranch and nitrate and sugar free bacon. I used full fat cheddar cheese, but sparingly. Instead of serving it only with chips, I also served it with carrots and celery which were also devoured.
Previously, I cooked and crumbled some bacon and put it aside for later. Into a large bowl, I warmed the cream cheese so it would stir easier, then added the shredded chicken (shredded the easiest way possible…game changer!), hot sauce (Red Hot, not Buffalo Sauce), and ranch dressing. I transferred to a greased oven safe container and baked for 30 minutes at 350. The dish was removed from the oven, sprinkled lightly with cheddar cheese and bacon (next time, I will add more bacon) and popped it back into the oven until the cheese melted.
Let it cool a minute if you can resist and then get to dipping! I promise, it’s really tasty on the carrots and celery, too!
If you prefer it to be cheesier, put it in a larger, shallow pan and let it spread out more. You’ve then got a greater cheese to dip ratio!
Bacon Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1/2 cup Red Hot hot sauce not salsa
- 1/2 Naturally Fresh Lite Ranch dressing
- 8 oz package of cream cheese I used 1/3 reduced fat
- 6 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 strips cooked bacon crumbled
- celery carrot sticks
- tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat cream cheese to soften.
- Add chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing to cream cheese. Stir to mix.
- Transfer to oven safe container.
- Cook at 350 for 30 minutes.
- Remove and sprinkle cheese and bacon on top.
- Return to oven until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with carrot and celery sticks and/or tortilla chips.
GIVEAWAY: 5 lucky readers will each get a coupon for a free 12 oz. bottle of Naturally Fresh dressing. Please leave a meaningful comment below to be entered to win.
Krystyn has been blogging since 2005. She is a sarcasm-loving, straight-shooting, jeans and t-shirts wearing, wife and mom of four girls (ages 14, 12, 8 and 6). She blogs about life as a mom and wife and includes funny stories, family travel, fitness, recipes, STEM and more. She currently resides in the Atlanta, Georgia suburbs.
Leigh Anne Borders says
I love the spicyness of the buffalo! What a great dip to make. I have not made it with the bacon before. Must do now!!
Krystyn says
Yes! Add the bacon! Next time, I will add more, and might add some in the mix as well as on top!
Stephanie says
Yum, this looks so delicious! I have to make something for my husband to take to a Super Bowl party and this might just be it!!!
Krystyn says
Let me know if it’s a hit!
Rebecca Orr says
I have everything to make this. Yum!
Krystyn says
That makes it even better!
pat chance says
this looks and sounds delicious. I am going to have to make some
Caroline Murphy says
Sounds delicious!
I too enjoyed making a recipe using the Lite Blue Cheese Dressing from Naturally Fresh. Isn’t it delicious!?
Krystyn says
Yes, so good! Seems that they go well with Buffalo anything!
Karen Hartzell says
I have never added bacon to my favorite buffalo chicken dip but I think I need to give it a try now! Looks like a great combo!
Krystyn says
Do you do yours with ranch or bleu cheese? And, yes. Always bacon!
Tamara @ We3Travel says
Yum!! This looks much cheesier than the buffalo chicken dip recipe I use and who doesn’t love bacon!
Krystyn says
All the cheese and all the bacon! Totally a winner!
Emily @Random Recyclingq says
Perfect dip to watch the Pats win next Sunday! The dip looks awesome.
Krystyn says
So, we’re calling winners now? Just kidding! I have no preference for the winner this year:)
Kimberly @ Red Shutters says
Just in time for the Super Bowl! My husband loves buffalo wings – I will have to make this for him!
Krystyn says
Let me know what he thinks! Everybody loved it here!
Leticia Barr says
We are kindred spirits for our love of all things buffalo! What a great recipe to try as part of our Super Bowl spread! Thanks!
Annie {Stowed Stuff} says
You had me at bacon and 5 minute prep! I have got to try this!!! I love a good dip.In fact, I think i’m a dip fanatic.
Lori Popkewitz Alper says
Perfect for the upcoming Superbowl! Go Patriots!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
Yes to adding the cheese. ALL THE CHEESE.
Diana @ Nanny to Mommy says
This looks FANTASTIC! I need to make this for our super bowl party!
Andrea B (@goodgirlgonered) says
I’d have to do a double batch. Half with bacon and half without.
But it looks really good. I’m itching for chips and dips right now!!
Krystyn says
I suspect you won’t get too many complaints doing it this way!
And, now I want some chips and dip, too!
Lauren says
Your dip looks good–perfect for watching a game!
Pamela Gurganus says
Oh. My. YUM! I make buffalo chicken dip, but never thought to put bacon in it! Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to try it!
Sharon Rooney says
This sound delicious and super easy. I love with the twist using bacon. This recipe is a pin and save for me.