Buffalo Chicken Queso
Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Cooking
Needed something warm and cheesy for game night, so I threw together this Buffalo Chicken Queso. It was a hit! The creamy blend of cheese and spicy buffalo sauce is super inviting, and it’s perfect for dipping. Honestly, my friends were scraping the bowl, and I took it as a compliment. Plus, you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your taste, which is always a win in my book.
When I decided to host friends for game night, I knew I had to serve something warm and comforting. Buffalo Chicken Queso came to mind, as it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. While making it, I recalled the first time I experimented with adding chicken into a typical queso recipe, which turned out better than I expected.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure how spicy everyone would want it, so I started with a little less buffalo sauce. My friends were pleasantly surprised by the flavor, and they all asked for the recipe. It’s nice to have a go-to snack that makes everyone happy and satisfied!
What I Love About This
- It uses just one pot, so cleanup is a breeze
- You can adjust the heat to make it as spicy as you want
- Leftovers taste great the next day, if there are any
The Secret to This Buffalo Chicken Queso
The charm of this Buffalo Chicken Queso lies in its simplicity. With just one pot, you can have a warm, cheesy dip that brings everyone together. The buffalo sauce adds that spicy kick, which you can adjust according to your heat tolerance. I tend to start with a little less and add more later, that way it's easier to control the spice.
Using shredded cooked chicken really makes this dish come together quickly. If you’re in a hurry, store-bought rotisserie chicken works like a dream. It cuts down the prep time and honestly, it tastes great mixed in with those creamy cheeses and zesty salsa.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank's RedHot is my go-to)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the Buffalo Chicken Queso:
Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream cheese and buffalo sauce. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and mixed in. Keep stirring here or it might stick to the bottom, and nobody wants that!
Add Chicken and Cheese
Next, add the shredded chicken, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it's well combined. Now, sprinkle in the cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into the queso. You'll know it's ready when it’s deliciously creamy and gooey.
Serve and Enjoy
Once it's all combined, remove the pot from heat and transfer the queso to a serving bowl. Make sure to taste it before serving—you might want to add a bit more buffalo sauce, depending on how spicy you like things. Serve it warm with tortilla chips and watch as everyone digs in!
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Queso
If you find yourself with leftovers—if, unlike me, you can resist devouring it all—you can simply store the queso in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually lasts about 3-4 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on low on the stove or in the microwave. Adding a splash of milk can help restore some creaminess if it's looking too thick.
Ways to Switch It Up
Don’t forget, you can easily customize this Buffalo Chicken Queso! If you want to go meatless, black beans or white beans can be great substitutes. Just mash them up a bit before adding, so they combine nicely. Also, feel free to play around with the cheeses; pepper jack cheese adds a fun kick, and even Monterey Jack works well if you’re after a milder taste.
For those who adore veggies, adding in some chopped bell peppers or jalapeños when combining the salsa can add extra texture and flavor. I occasionally throw in some corn for sweetness, and it really does add a nice touch!
Buffalo Chicken Queso
Created by: The Meals By Sophia Team
Recipe Type: Classic Comfort Cooking
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank's RedHot is my go-to)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Tortilla chips, for serving
How-To Steps
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream cheese and buffalo sauce. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and mixed in. Keep stirring here or it might stick to the bottom, and nobody wants that!
Next, add the shredded chicken, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it's well combined. Now, sprinkle in the cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into the queso. You'll know it's ready when it’s deliciously creamy and gooey.
Once it's all combined, remove the pot from heat and transfer the queso to a serving bowl. Make sure to taste it before serving—you might want to add a bit more buffalo sauce, depending on how spicy you like things. Serve it warm with tortilla chips and watch as everyone digs in!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories (kcal): 375
- Total Fat (g): 22.5
- Saturated Fat (g): 12.5
- Cholesterol (mg): 85
- Sodium (mg): 750
- Total Carbohydrates (g): 12.5
- Dietary Fiber (g): 1
- Sugars (g): 2
- Protein (g): 25