Tasty Tuesday: Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip

With the MLB season winding down, NFL season gearing up, there are tailgate and big-screen parties abound.  And in the spirit of contribution and sportsmindedness, the Diaries of Eugene is pleased to bring you a fantastically delicious take on a game-night classic.

Photo found on http://en.petitchef.com/

You can't really have a Monday Night Football fiesta without buffalo wings.  It's just wrong.  But there really are only so many ways you can cook a piece of charred bird meat in hot sauce before it becomes redundant and expected.  Thankfully, one of my mother's friends was kind enough to share this delightful variation.  You have all the wonderful spicy flavors of the buffalo sauce with the creamy cooling power of the bleu cheese dressing (or ranch, depending on your preference), paired with the soft tang of cream cheese, and finally, topped with that ooey-gooey cheese that makes any dip a success.

New England Patriots v. Dallas Cowboys

photo found http://www.collinstours.ca

One of the reasons I'm so excited to share this recipe is because it was shared with me.  The whole point of this blog, and of DOE (Diaries of Eugene) in general was to encourage a sense of community.  "Hey, I liked this, and rather than keep it to myself to enable a sense of ownership and an air of superiority, I'm going to share it with you because I think you'll like it too."

And with that, I give you our latest Tasty Tuesday: Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip.

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup ranch or bleu cheese dressing
1/2 cup hot sauce or buffalo wing sauce (recommendation: combine 1/4 cup mild and 1/4 cup hot)
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese

1. Boil chicken in water, then simmer or grill until cooked through.  Allow to cool completely.
2. Preheat oven to 350F.  Spread cream cheese evenly over the bottom of a 9x9" baking dish.  Spread dressing evenly over cream cheese, then set dish aside.
3. Shred chicken (I just use a standard cheese grater) and mix with hot sauce, then spread evenly over dressing in dish.
4. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the chicken.  Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.  Serve immediately.  This recipe came with the recommendation of using Tostitos Scoops for the choice of chip, to ensure maximum dippage, but the chip is really up to you.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What's your favorite tailgate/sports party snack?