Publix buffalo chicken dip is a popular pre-made dip found at Publix grocery stores. It’s made with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese. This creamy and tangy chicken dip is the perfect appetizer for parties and gatherings. When you’re ready to serve the dip, you’ll need to heat it up first to get it warm and creamy throughout. There are a few easy methods for heating up Publix buffalo chicken dip so it’s ready to enjoy!
Heating up Publix buffalo chicken dip only takes a few minutes. The goal is to gently warm up the dip so all the ingredients are hot and blended together. You don’t want to overheat the dip or cook it for too long, as that can make the cheese get grainy or oily. As long as you heat it slowly and don’t let it boil, you’ll end up with a smooth, delicious dip ready for dipping!
Oven
One of the easiest and most effective ways to heat Publix buffalo chicken dip is in the oven. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Transfer the chilled chicken dip from the container to an oven-safe baking dish or cast iron skillet. Make sure the dip is spread out evenly in the baking vessel.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, until heated through. The dip should be warmed throughout and bubbling gently around the edges when done.
- Carefully remove the foil and stir the dip to blend it smoothly. Be careful when removing the foil and dish from the hot oven.
- Transfer the baking dish to a trivet and serve the hot dip with crackers, chips, or raw veggies for dipping.
Heating the dip slowly in the oven allows the ingredients to warm up evenly. The foil cover prevents the top from browning or drying out. Just be sure not to bake it for too long or the cheese can break and get oily. An oven-safe dish like cast iron is ideal as it retains heat well to keep the dip warm for serving.
Microwave
The microwave provides another quick and easy way to heat up Publix buffalo chicken dip. Here are microwave instructions:
- Remove the plastic film cover from the container of chicken dip.
- Microwave the dip in 30 second intervals, stirring between each session, until heated through and steaming, about 2-3 minutes total.
- When microwaving, watch that the cheese doesn’t bubble up and overflow.
- Stir well before serving to evenly distribute the heat.
Microwaving offers a fast method since you can reheat the dip in just a couple minutes. Just be cautious of hot spots and stir thoroughly to prevent the cheese from separating. You may want to transfer it to an oven-safe dish after heating for serving.
Saucepan
You can also warm up Publix buffalo chicken dip on the stovetop in a saucepan:
- Transfer the dip to a small saucepan on medium-low heat.
- Gently warm the dip, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Make sure to stir often to prevent scorching on the bottom.
- Remove from heat when the dip is hot and creamy.
- Transfer to a serving dish immediately or retain heat by placing the saucepan on a trivet.
The saucepan allows you to reheat the dip gradually while stirring. Just don’t let it come to a full boil. Keep the heat low and it only takes about 5 minutes on the stovetop.
Crockpot
A crockpot or slow cooker can also be used to gently warm up Publix buffalo chicken dip:
- Transfer the chilled dip to the slow cooker crock.
- Cover and heat on low for 1-2 hours, until heated through and steaming.
- Stir periodically to distribute heat evenly.
- Switch to warm setting to keep the dip hot for serving.
The crockpot lets you slowly bring the dip up to temperature. Just make sure to stir occasionally. Keep it on warm once heated so guests can help themselves to hot dip throughout an event.
Tips
- Always start with chilled dip straight from the refrigerator. Don’t heat room temperature or warm dip.
- Use a thermometer and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Stir frequently during heating to prevent scalding or separating.
- Transfer heated dip to a slow cooker or oven-safe dish to retain heat for serving.
- Don’t boil or overheat, as this can make the cheese oily or grainy.
- Garnish with extra crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, or hot sauce before serving.
Heating up Publix buffalo chicken dip takes just a few easy steps. Oven baking, microwaving, stovetop heating, or a slow cooker will all do the trick. Just be sure to gently heat it without boiling until hot and bubbly for smooth, creamy dip ready to enjoy!
Common Questions
Can you eat Publix buffalo chicken dip cold?
While you can eat Publix buffalo chicken dip straight from the fridge, it’s best when heated until warm and creamy. The chilled pre-made dip will be thick and firm cold. Heating it up gently melts the cheeses completely and blends the flavors together for ideal dip texture and taste.
How long is Publix buffalo chicken dip good for?
Publix buffalo chicken dip is good for about 4-5 days when stored sealed in the refrigerator. Be sure to check the use-by date printed on the container. For longer storage, you can freeze the dip for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can you freeze Publix buffalo chicken dip?
Yes, Publix buffalo chicken dip can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Store it in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure you thaw it completely overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to serve. This helps prevent the cheese from separating or getting grainy.
What goes well with buffalo chicken dip?
Great dippers and sides for buffalo chicken dip include:
- Tortilla chips
- Pita chips
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Broccoli florets
- Crackers
- Pretzels
- French fries
- Potato chips
You can also serve shredded rotisserie chicken, crudités, and fresh cut vegetables on the side. Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing make tasty accompaniments.
Can I make buffalo chicken dip from scratch?
You can easily make buffalo chicken dip at home using just a few simple ingredients:
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Buffalo wing sauce
- Cream cheese
- Ranch dressing
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Just mix everything together in a baking dish and cook until hot and bubbly. Customize the flavors to your liking. Homemade is delicious too!
Conclusion
Heating up Publix buffalo chicken dip takes just minutes in the oven, microwave, saucepan, or slow cooker. Low gentle heat is key, along with stirring often. In no time, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dip ready for your guests to enjoy. Prepared properly, this pre-made buffalo chicken dip is smooth, tangy, and full of flavor. Serve with crunchy dippers and enjoy this appetizer classic heated up right.