RECIPE COLLECTION
“COPYCAT CABANAS' BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP” IS IN:

COPYCAT CABANAS' BUFFALO CHICKEN
DIP
 
There is a restaurant called "Cabanas" that makes the best Buffalo Chicken Dip with a tang and a richness that is truly addicting. When I found out they were closing our location, I attempted to duplicate the recipe at home, and think this is pretty spot-on. The Parmesan adds the rich texture along with a little saltiness, and since we're using hot sauce in lieu of Buffalo sauce, the white vinegar contributes the "tang" normally found in authentic Buffalo wings/sauce. If you think it could use more of either ingredient, add them sparingly and taste as you go -- you'll know when you've hit that "sweet spot". Cabanas serves their dip with tri-color tortilla chips, which makes for an eye-catching and festive presentation.

3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (can use deli rotisserie chicken to save on prep time)
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, cubed
1 (16 oz.) bottle good-quality Ranch dressing
1 (12 oz.) bottle Frank’s Red Hot hot sauce
2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
1/2 to 1 tsp. white vinegar (to taste)

Combine chicken, cream cheese, Ranch dressing, hot sauce, and shredded cheese in a crock pot.

Cook on LOW heat, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted and dip is hot.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and vinegar to taste.

Serve with tortilla chips (try tri-color!), baguette slices, crackers, or carrot and celery sticks.

NOTES:

• Add Blue cheese crumbles, sliced scallions, or minced fresh chives if desired.

• Leftovers can be used to make pizza (spread on crust and top with shredded cheese, Blue cheese crumbles, a drizzle of Ranch or Blue cheese dressing if desired, and sliced scallions), as a topping for nachos or French fries, as a filling for grilled cheese sandwiches or quesadillas, or to stuff celery sticks.

Submitted by: Carol

 

Recipe Index