by Alexis Blue

The best Sunday of the year is on the horizon. I can already see the glorious arrangement of snacks awaiting and a heated debate on who has a better donut: Don’s or McIntosh Farm Country Store? Of course, with a side of football and waiting forever for the real reason we’re all watching —  the halftime show. 

Superbowl Sunday is a time to get together with your friends and family, cry tears of joy when Bad Bunny comes on the screen and, most importantly, eat buffalo chicken dip. I’m not sure if this is just a thing that I have become accustomed to in recent years, but buffalo chicken dip is a must on this special Sunday in particular. Whether you’re rocking blue and red or blue and green this year, this dip can bridge the rivalry that is stewing in your dorm room. Once you try this dip, you’ll be making it every chance you get. Here’s how to do it!

Ingredients 

2-3 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts

2 (8 oz) blocks of cream cheese

1 cup of hot sauce 

1 cup of ranch dressing

1 block of cheddar cheese 

Salt

Pepper

Garlic powder

Onion powder to taste

Chips or crackers of your choice

Step 1 – Season and cook your chicken

Regardless of how you cook it, what really matters is that you season your chicken. This is going to give you deeper flavors when it comes to your actual dip. Generously apply seasonings to suit your taste. Cook your chicken in the oven at 350°F for one hour, or chop it and cook it on the stovetop — my go-to, since it’s the quickest method — until the internal temperature is 165°F with visibly no pink. 

Step 2 – Mix & build your dip 

I think the best part of this recipe is that it doesn’t require you to dreadfully shred your chicken — unless, of course, your team is losing and you need a distraction. Chop your cooked chicken into small chunks and place into a bowl to mix with the rest of your ingredients. 

Shred your cheddar cheese from the block into the bowl. This will make all the difference in the flavor of this dip and ensure ultimate gooey, creaminess. I’m a cheese-lover to my core, so I measure with the heart for this one. 

The choice of hot sauce in this recipe is also pivotal to the experience. My personal choice is Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce because it gives just the perfect amount of spice and signature buffalo flavor you’re craving. 

Now with all your ingredients in the bowl, give everything a hearty mix until well combined and creamy.

Step 3 – Bake 

Place your mixture in a greased baking dish and top with more shredded cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes at 375°F or until the top begins to crispen. 

Step 4 – Dip & enjoy 

After its time in the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving warm with tortilla chips or whatever you may choose to dip into this ooey-gooey, cheesy buffalo — minus The Bills — dip. 

It’s packed with flavor, not too spicy and will be there as a comfort when your favorite team falls short — or as a celebratory treat when you’re the victor. Happy Super Bowl Sunday snacking! 

Alexis Blue is a senior at Cal Poly Humboldt, majoring in journalism – public relations and minoring in writing. In her free time, you’ll probably find her drinking coffee, watching sunsets and collecting shells on the beach and playing soccer.