Copycat Publix Buffalo Chicken Dip

Publix shoppers know precisely which store-brand items are the stand-out choices. The fried chicken, sweet tea, and bakery section are all-star winners. But in the cold prepared foods, there is a quiet hero we all need: the buffalo chicken dip.

This cold buffalo chicken dip may seem unremarkable. The pale orange color looks a little less interesting than the spinach-flecked dips beside it (which are equally delicious and worthy of your attention).

Alas, the buffalo chicken dip is a two-for-one appetizer dream boat, a dip that can go right from Publix into a bowl for an instant party-pleasing choice—or it can be spooned into a dish, sprinkled with cheese, and heated in the oven for a nearly-homemade appetizer you will be proud to present to your neighbors and friends.

We set out to make our own version of this stellar dip—and we think we managed to make one that's even better.

The Secret of This Copycat Buffalo Chicken Dip

Spicy, creamy, and cool, this copycat buffalo chicken dip is better than the Publix dip, per pros in the Southern Living Test Kitchen. And why is that? One ingredient: the chicken.

Instead of using rotisserie or baked chicken (which you can do in a pinch), this dip uses chicken that is poached in broth with onions and thyme. That ensures the chicken doesn't fall flat in the overall dip, which, to be honest, is a problem with the original dip.

The blue cheese crumbles on top sends it home and really makes this feel like a classic buffalo chicken wing experience. The cheese also serves to take some of the heat off the dip, and chives add freshness and contrast.

Ingredients for Copycat Publix Buffalo Chicken Dip

If you've ever made a buffalo chicken dip, the ingredients will look familiar. A few things are added to really build on the flavor and make this a special dip:

• Chicken breasts: Taking the extra step to poach your own chicken enhances the flavor of the dish and really makes sure the chicken isn't lost amid the dip's other strong flavors.
• Yellow onion, thyme, and chicken broth: You'll poach the chicken in a mixture of these.
• Cream cheese and sour cream: The creamy duo at the base of the dip.
• Buffalo-style hot sauce and hot sauce: Using both buffalo sauce and hot sauce is essential in getting that kick and quintessential buffalo flavor.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt: Spices to increase the dip's depth of flavor.
• Blue cheese crumbles and chives: These are optional, but they really help finish off the dip.
  

How To Serve Copycat Publix Buffalo Chicken Dip

Like the Publix dip, this copycat dip is made to be served cold or heated. We tested both (instructions for both are below), and they came out excellent. You can make your choice on the style you want to serve.

Just be sure to serve the dip with lots of dippers, like mini peppers, crackers, pretzel chips, pita, or carrots.