Are you tired of the same old game-day snacks? Craving something delicious, crowd-pleasing, and maybe a little healthier? Then get ready to be blown away by this Buffalo Chicken Dip with a black bean twist! This recipe takes the classic buffalo chicken dip and gives it a vibrant, flavorful upgrade with the addition of hearty black beans. It's unbelievably easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering – or even a cozy weeknight dinner. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds: creamy, cheesy buffalo goodness with a boost of protein and fiber from the black beans. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a medium-sized oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken, black beans, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo wing sauce. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. Don't overmix; you want some texture!
- Cheese Please!: Stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. The cheeses will melt beautifully in the oven.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the mixture into your prepared oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with chopped green onions and optional crumbled blue cheese. Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or your favorite dippers.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Dip:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to your liking. For a milder dip, start with less and add more gradually until you reach your desired heat.
- Chicken Choice: Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, saving you time and effort. However, you can easily cook your own chicken breast and shred it.
- Cream Cheese Consistency: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If it's too cold, it will be difficult to incorporate smoothly.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry dip. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers or jalapenos for added flavor and texture.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, queso fresco, or even a Mexican blend.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This Buffalo Chicken Dip with a black bean twist is a delicious and satisfying meal or appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. The healthy addition of black beans adds extra protein and fiber without compromising on flavor. Enjoy!