Buffalo chicken dip is that magical party appetizer that disappears within minutes of hitting the table. It’s creamy, spicy, and downright addictive. But if you’re using canned chicken (which is super convenient!), you might be wondering exactly how much you need for the perfect dip. Let’s dive into this saucy question and get you the answers you need!
The Standard Amount: What Most Recipes Call For
After looking at the most popular buffalo chicken dip recipes there’s definitely a consensus on the right amount
Most recipes call for 2 (10-ounce) cans of chunk chicken drained.
This amount (about 20 ounces total or 1¼ pounds) creates the perfect balance between the chicken and the creamy ingredients It gives you enough protein to stand up against the strong flavors of hot sauce and cheese without making the dip too heavy or dry
The classic AllRecipes Buffalo Chicken Dip that has over 3,800 reviews sticks to this 2-can formula, as do most other highly-rated recipes. There’s clearly something magical about this ratio!
The Perfect Chicken-to-Dip Ratio
If you’re more of a ratio person (or need to scale the recipe up or down), here’s a handy guideline:
Aim for a 1:2 ratio of shredded chicken to cheese-cream mixture.
For every 1 cup of shredded canned chicken, use about 2 cups of the cheese-cream mixture. With the standard 2 (10-ounce) cans:
- Shredded chicken = ~3 cups
- Cheese-cream mixture = ~6 cups
This creates a dip where the chicken is definitely present but not overwhelming the creamy goodness.
When to Adjust the Amount
While 2 cans is the gold standard, you might want to tweak the amount based on your preferences:
Use More Chicken (2.5-3 cans) If:
- You prefer a more substantial, protein-heavy dip
- You’re serving it as a main dish rather than an appetizer
- You want a thicker, less creamy consistency
- You’re really trying to stretch your dollar (chicken is cheaper than cream cheese!)
Use Less Chicken (1-1.5 cans) If:
- You prefer a creamier, cheese-forward dip
- You’re watching your protein intake
- You want a smoother texture
- You’re trying to make the dip a bit lighter
Per-Serving Measurement Guide
If you’re trying to figure out how much to make for your crowd, here’s a super helpful tip:
Use about ½ cup of canned chicken per serving of dip.
So for different sized gatherings:
- Small gathering (8 people): 2 cups chicken (about 4 cans)
- Medium gathering (16 people): 4 cups chicken (about 8 cans)
- Large party (24+ people): 6+ cups chicken (12+ cans)
Of course, this assumes everyone will have a moderate portion. If you’re hosting serious buffalo dip enthusiasts, you might want to increase these amounts!
What Kind of Canned Chicken Works Best?
Not all canned chicken is created equal! For the best buffalo chicken dip:
- Choose chunk chicken breast rather than chicken with back or rib meat
- Look for cans labeled “white meat chicken”
- Drain it thoroughly to avoid a watery dip
- Give it a good shred with two forks before mixing
The Swanson chunk white canned chicken or Trader Joe’s canned chicken breast are excellent options that many buffalo dip connoisseurs swear by.
Step-by-Step: The Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken
Let’s put this knowledge into action with a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 (10-ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¾ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Optional: ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
Instructions:
- Prep the chicken: Drain the canned chicken thoroughly and shred it with forks in a bowl.
- Mix the base: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, and half the cheddar cheese (plus blue cheese if using).
- Transfer and top: Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar.
- Bake: Heat at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve: Pair with celery sticks, crackers, or tortilla chips.
Why Canned Chicken Works So Well
You might be wondering if canned chicken is really a good choice for this dip. Trust me, it is! Here’s why:
- Convenience: No cooking or shredding raw chicken required
- Consistent texture: Already tender and easy to incorporate
- Long shelf life: Keep the ingredients on hand for impromptu gatherings
- Cost-effective: Often cheaper than fresh chicken
- Light texture: Creates a less heavy dip than some fresh chicken versions
Troubleshooting Buffalo Chicken Dip Issues
My dip is too watery!
This is usually caused by not draining the canned chicken well enough. Make sure to drain thoroughly and even pat with paper towels if needed.
My dip is too thick!
Add a little more hot sauce or a splash of ranch dressing to thin it out.
The chicken flavor isn’t coming through!
You might need more chicken – try adding another half can or reduce the amount of cream cheese.
It’s not spicy enough!
Simply add more hot sauce to taste. Some folks even add a few drops of cayenne pepper sauce for extra heat.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic 2-can recipe, try these tasty variations:
- Ranch vs. Blue Cheese: Swap the ranch for blue cheese dressing for a more authentic wing experience
- Cheese Blend: Use a mix of cheddar and monterey jack instead of just cheddar
- Extra Protein: Add crumbled bacon for even more savory goodness
- Veggie Boost: Mix in some finely diced celery or carrots for crunch
- Southwest Style: Add a can of drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies
Nutritional Bonus
If you’re tracking nutrition, here’s a nice bonus: using 2 cans of chicken in your buffalo dip adds approximately 120 grams of protein to the entire dish! If 12 people share it, that’s 10 grams of protein per serving – not bad for a party food!
Buffalo Chicken Dip Diet Considerations
This recipe is naturally:
- Low carb
- Keto-friendly
- Gluten-free
- Grain-free
Just watch what you serve it with – veggie sticks keep it low-carb, while crackers or chips will add carbs.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to how much canned chicken to use in buffalo chicken dip, the classic 2 (10-ounce) cans is your best bet for a balanced, delicious dip that will please a crowd. But don’t be afraid to adjust based on your preferences – that’s the beauty of cooking!
Next time you’re hosting game day, a potluck, or just craving something spicy and creamy, you’ll know exactly how much canned chicken to grab at the store. Your buffalo chicken dip will be the talk of the party!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy buffalo chicken dip? With celery sticks, tortilla chips, or spread on crackers? I’d love to hear your serving suggestions in the comments!
What makes this recipe great
- It is easy to make! Since you use canned chicken, you don’t have to prep shredded chicken. The canned chicken also results in the dip having a nice light texture. Try my canned chicken salad for another canned chicken recipe.
- You only need 6 ingredients and 30 minutes to make this recipe.
- This recipe is low carb, Keto, gluten-free and grain-free.
- This recipe is always a crowd pleaser. I like making it for the Super Bowl and 4th of July.
- This recipe is high in protein. There is 120 grams of protein in the whole dip! If 12 people share it, each serving is 10 grams of protein.
- Canned chicken– make sure to buy canned white chunk chicken breast. I like the one from Trader Joes or this Swanson chunk white canned chicken .
- Ranch dressing– use any kind that suits your dietary needs or personal taste.
- Shredded cheddar cheese– you can use whatever kind of cheddar that is your favorite.
- Cream cheese– regular cream cheese works best here.
- Blue cheese crumbles– these add good flavor to the dip.
- Frank’s redhot sauce– I personally like the taste of franks hot sauce but feel free to use whatever kind you like.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
What to dip into buffalo chicken dip
- chips
- pretzels
- pita chips
- carrots
- broccoli
- celery sticks
- veggie chips
- cucumber slices
- Make sure that the cream cheese is softened prior to using it or it won’t mix into the dip. It helps to microwave it for a few seconds.
- Don’t forget to put half of the shredded cheddar into the dip and half on top. This results in a better texture.
- To make ahead: follow the instructions in the recipe, but instead of baking it, wrap it in tin foil and store in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.
- To store it: cover and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Yes! This makes things much quicker and easier than having to cook and shred chicken breast yourself.
You could always use blue cheese dressing.
Corn tortilla chips are usually best because they have a strong texture and light flavor.
Making Buffalo Chicken Dip From Canned Chicken! #homecanning #superbowl #recipe
FAQ
Can you make Buffalo Chicken dip with canned chicken?
Buffalo Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken! This Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy appetizer that’s incredibly easy to make using canned chicken. It’s the perfect blend of cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and gooey melted cheese, baked until golden and bubbly.
How do you make Buffalo Chicken dip?
Version 1: Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients: – 2 (10 oz) cans of chunk chicken breast, drained – 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened – 1/2 cup of ranch dressing – 1/2 cup of hot sauce – 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Can you use ranch in Buffalo Chicken dip?
For real, authentic, traditional Buffalo Chicken Dip, this recipe must be made with blue cheese dressing, not ranch. However, if you don’t like blue cheese dressing, you can use ranch. Just don’t tell anyone from Buffalo, NY. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine chicken and hot sauce.
Can you make chicken dip with canned chicken?
Buffalo chicken dip with canned chicken is the perfect appetizer that can be thrown together in 10 minutes. Make this easy dish in the oven or dump all ingredients in a crock pot. Heat the oven to 350 degrees and gather all ingredients. Grate block cheese and set aside for chicken dip.
Can you substitute rotisserie chicken for Buffalo Chicken dip?
This Buffalo chicken dip starts with two cans of chunk chicken, making it extra easy and affordable. Of course, you can substitute rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken breasts if you’d prefer. Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy incorporation. A cup of ranch dressing adds creaminess and tang.
Can you make Buffalo Chicken dip in a crock pot?
Buffalo chicken dip is a creamy appetizer perfect for game day and loaded with spicy, buffalo wing flavor! Just mix and bake or dump all ingredients into a crock pot and heat until cheese is melted. Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer loaded with spicy buffalo wing flavor.
How much canned chicken equals a cup?
Q: Cups of chicken per can
A: I would guess about 1 cup (8 ounces) of chicken per 12.5 ounce can (if you drain the liquid).
How much chicken is in a can of canned chicken?
Great Value Premium Chunk Chicken Breast, in Water, 12.5 oz, Can.
How long does buffalo chicken dip last in the fridge with canned chicken?
Buffalo chicken dip made with canned chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and is generally good for 3 to 4 days, though some sources suggest up to 5 days. Canned chicken doesn’t keep long once opened, and the dip should be discarded if it shows signs of spoilage, such as a change in texture or an off smell.
What kind of chicken is best for dip?
Chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken tenderloins all work great.