Buffalo Chicken Platter

The Buffalo Chicken Platter is a delightful combination of spicy, tangy flavors balanced with fresh vegetables and fruit. This meal features a zesty buffalo chicken dip as the star, accompanied by wholesome sides that make it a well-rounded and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

The Recipe:

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing in a bowl.
3. Transfer to an oven-safe dish and top with cheddar cheese.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Detailed Preparation:

• To make the best buffalo chicken dip, start with high-quality ingredients.
• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
• Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• For the buffalo sauce, Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat preference. The ranch dressing adds creaminess and helps balance the heat.
• When baking, watch for the edges to bubble and the cheese to turn golden brown. This indicates it’s heated through and ready to serve.

Variations:

1. To create a blue cheese twist, replace ranch with blue cheese dressing for a tangier flavor.
2. To create a veggie version, substitute chicken with shredded jackfruit or cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
3. To create spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Time-Saving Tips:

• Use pre-shredded chicken or canned chicken in a pinch.
• Prepare the mixture a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
• Make a large batch and freeze portions for quick future meals.

The Side Dishes:

Steamed Sugar Snap Peas and Baby Carrots:

• Steam for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
• Season with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.

Whole Wheat Pita and Hummus:

• Warm pita bread in the oven or toaster.
• Serve with store-bought or homemade hummus.

Sliced Kiwi:

• Wash, peel, and slice kiwi fruit.
• Arrange attractively in the compartment.

Equipment & Ingredients:

You can purchase most of the following equipment and ingredients on Amazon, to make your very own buffalo chicken platter at home:

Equipment:

• Meal Prep Containers
• Steamer Basket
• Mixing Bowls
• Baking Dish

Ingredients:

• Buffalo Sauce
• Ranch Dressing
• Cream Cheese
• Shredded Cheddar
• Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning

This meal prep idea is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a satisfying option for those looking to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home or work.