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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup buffalo sauce - 1 cup cream cheese The main ingredients create the heart of this bake. The cooked chicken adds protein and texture. You can use any cooked chicken, but shredded works best. Buffalo sauce brings the heat and flavor. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you want it. Cream cheese gives the dish a creamy base. It helps bind everything together and adds richness. - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Cheese is key to this dish. Sharp cheddar adds a nice bite and depth of flavor. Mozzarella brings that gooey texture we all love. Mixing both gives you the best of both worlds. You can also try other cheeses if you like. Just remember to keep it melty and creamy! - 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing) - 1/2 cup fresh green onions, chopped - 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed Ranch dressing adds a cooling effect to balance the heat. You can switch it out for blue cheese if you want a stronger flavor. Green onions give a fresh crunch and color. Finally, crushed tortilla chips create a great base. They add a nice crunch and soak up all that flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it for easy serving. - In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken with 1 cup of buffalo sauce. Mix until the chicken is well coated. - Next, add 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy. - Fold in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Pour in 1/2 cup of ranch dressing and add 1/2 cup of finely chopped green onions. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Start by layering 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of your prepared dish. This gives a crunchy base. - Carefully pour the buffalo chicken mixture over the tortilla chips. Spread it evenly to cover all the chips. - Top with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This layer will melt beautifully while baking. - Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden. - Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with more green onions if you like. Bake your Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake at 350°F (175°C). Cook it for about 25-30 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble up nicely. Look for a golden crust on the cheese. You can change the heat by adding more buffalo sauce. Use less sauce if you want a milder taste. Try ranch dressing for a creamy vibe. Blue cheese dressing offers a stronger flavor. Chop fresh green onions to sprinkle on top. They add color and a fresh taste. Serve with extra tortilla chips for crunch. Crunchy celery sticks make a great side. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: Modify the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more until you reach your desired heat. Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand, making it a great time-saver. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends, like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can enhance the visual appeal and flavor. Consider adding them just before serving. {{image_4}} If you want a lighter version of this dish, try these swaps: - Use low-fat cream cheese instead of regular. - Swap ranch dressing for Greek yogurt for extra health benefits. These changes keep the flavor while cutting down on calories. You still get that creamy goodness without the guilt. You can switch up the protein in this bake: - Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option. - For a vegetarian twist, try using cauliflower instead of chicken. Both options maintain a great taste and texture, making the dish fun and versatile. Mixing in different ingredients can elevate your Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake: - Add black beans or corn for extra fiber and flavor. - Sprinkle in extra spices like cayenne or paprika for added heat. These simple additions can make your dish more exciting and packed with nutrients. To keep your Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well for storage. This dish stays good in the fridge for about three to four days. It’s best to let it cool before sealing it up. When you want to enjoy leftovers, the oven is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in the oven and heat for about 20 minutes. This helps maintain the cheesy texture and keeps it warm. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts to avoid sogginess. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, cut it into portions and wrap each piece well in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above to enjoy a delicious meal. To boost the spice, add more buffalo sauce. You can also mix in diced jalapeños. If you like heat, use hot sauce on top before serving. For more flavor, try using spicy ranch dressing instead of regular ranch. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Mix the chicken and sauce, then layer it with the chips and cheese. Cover the dish and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Bake it right before serving for the best taste and texture. Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake pairs well with fresh veggie sticks. Crunchy celery and carrots are great options. You can also serve extra tortilla chips on the side for dipping. A simple salad can balance the rich flavors too. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You learned ways to adjust flavors and tried variations to fit your needs. So, grab the ingredients, preheat your oven, and start cooking! Enjoy this dish at your next gathering. You won’t be disappointed with the burst of flavors.

Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Delight

A spicy and cheesy baked dish featuring shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for sharing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup ranch dressing
  • 0.5 cup fresh green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Use a spatula or spoon to mix thoroughly until the chicken is completely coated in the sauce.
  • Add the softened cream cheese to the chicken mixture. Blend well until the ingredients are combined into a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese, setting aside the remainder for topping later. Pour in the ranch dressing and add the chopped green onions, mixing until fully integrated. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste.
  • In a baking dish, create an even layer of crushed tortilla chips at the bottom, providing a crunchy base for the dish.
  • Carefully pour the buffalo chicken mixture over the layer of tortilla chips, smoothing it out to ensure an even distribution.
  • Generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken mixture, creating a cheesy layer that will melt beautifully during baking.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has developed a lovely golden color.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. If desired, garnish with additional chopped green onions for a fresh touch before serving.

Notes

Serve with extra tortilla chips and celery sticks for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, buffalo chicken, cheese bake