Chicken Ranch Dip Appetizer Cream Cheese Recipe

Gather ’round, snack lovers, because I’m about to introduce you to the ultimate game-day dip that combines everything you adore into one creamy, cheesy, bacon-loaded masterpiece.

Creating appetizers that are as delicious and crowd-pleasing as my Chicken Ranch Dip is hard to do. But I manage to pull it off with something that’s as simple and stupidly easy to make as it is satisfying to eat.

The combo of softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese is good enough to just eat with a spoon. But you add the savory element of shredded chicken, a crisp element with bacon, and the fresh taste of green onions, and you’ve got a dip that’s hard to resist.

And if you’re into dips that deliver a little more heat, a dash of buffalo sauce does the trick.

Chicken Ranch Dip Appetizer Cream Cheese Recipe Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: Rich and creamy, adds a deliciously smooth texture.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and creaminess, balancing flavors.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: Savory herbs provide distinct ranch flavor.
• Cooked Chicken: High in protein, gives substance and heartiness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Bacon: Savory and crispy, enhances with smoky, salty notes.
• Green Onions: Freshness and mild onion flavor elevate the dip.
• Buffalo Sauce: Optional spice with heat, for those who like it bold.

Chicken Ranch Dip Appetizer Cream Cheese Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• Optional: 1/4 cup buffalo sauce for a spicy kick

How to Make this Chicken Ranch Dip Appetizer Cream Cheese Recipe

1. In a big mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream into a smooth and well-mixed mixture.

2. Combine the ranch dressing mix with the cream cheese and sour cream mixture, stirring until the components are completely integrated.

3. Mix in the cooked chicken, making sure it is distributed evenly throughout the cream cheese mixture.

4. Shredded cheddar cheese is added to the bowl and mixed until evenly combined.

5. Fold in the bacon bits, making sure they are distributed evenly throughout the mixture.

6. Incorporate the cut green onions into the mix and fold gently to combine.

7. To make a spicy variation, combine the buffalo sauce with the dip until it is well mixed.

8. Move the dip to a bowl for serving, smoothing the top with a spatula.

9. Top the dip with more crumbled bacon, green onions, or shredded cheese, as you like.

10. Serve at once with crackers, chips, or vegetable slices for dipping.

Chicken Ranch Dip Appetizer Cream Cheese Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Medium mixing bowl (for optional buffalo sauce variation)
3. Spatula or mixing spoon
4. Measuring cup
5. Measuring spoons
6. Knife (for slicing green onions)
7. Cutting board
8. Serving bowl or dish

FAQ

• Can I make this dip ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.
• What can I use to serve with this dip? This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, crackers, pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots.
• Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken? Yes, canned chicken can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to drain it well before mixing it in.
• How can I make this dip healthier? You can use reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese to cut down on calories and fat without sacrificing flavor.
• Can this dip be served warm? Absolutely! You can heat it in a microwave-safe dish or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until it’s warm and bubbly.
• Is there a substitute for bacon if I don’t eat pork? Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used as a substitute for pork bacon.

Chicken Ranch Dip Appetizer Cream Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy substitute.
Replace the ranch dressing mix with 1 tablespoon of dry Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Replace the cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken for an easy solution that packs in even more flavor.
Substitute Monterey Jack cheese for the cheddar cheese for a creamier texture.
Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to cut back on fat.

Regular bacon has 3 grams of saturated fat and 12 grams of total fat per 3-slice serving.
Swapping in chives gives the dish a milder flavor that still packs this (very) low-calorie ingredient. Eat it raw or toss it in a salad after it’s cooked—you won’t be able to detect any hints of sourness.

Pro Tips

1. Ensure Proper Softening of Cream Cheese To achieve a smooth consistency, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it for 10-15 seconds if you’re short on time.

2. Shred Chicken for Better Texture Instead of chopping the chicken, shredding it with forks or using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can create a preferable texture that blends better with the creamy base.

3. Use Freshly Cooked Bacon Upgrade the flavor by cooking your bacon fresh right before adding it to the recipe. This will enhance the taste and add a delicious crunch.

4. Mix Ingredients Gradually When combining the ingredients, add them one by one while continuously mixing. This ensures that each component is evenly distributed and helps maintain a creamy texture without overworking the mixture.

5. Let It Chill For the best flavor, let the dip sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more robust taste.