We Tasted 5 Store-Bought Buffalo Chicken Dips And Aren't Surprised By Our Favorite
So you'll know exactly what grocery store to head to.
Southern Living
When game day rolls around there are a few things you can always expect to find on the table—wings, sliders, and a slew of dips, which of course includes buffalo chicken dip. From hands-off slow-cooker to extra-cheesy baked versions, we have plenty of recipes to choose from including a Copycat Publix Buffalo Chicken Dip. There’s just something about the combination of creamy cheese, spicy hot sauce, and tender chicken that we can’t get enough of when it comes to this warm dip.
But if you’re extra short on time there are a few store-bought options you can add to your spread. Though the question remains—which one should you buy?
Since we’re in the midst of football season and buffalo chicken dip is a tailgate and watch party staple, we decided to conduct a taste test to find out which store-bought buffalo chicken dip is the best. While you won’t be trying to pass any of these off as homemade, we found a few that’ll "work just fine in a hurry."
How We Tested for the Best Store-Bought Buffalo Chicken Dip
We shopped at four popular national grocery stores in the Birmingham area, where Southern Living is based, and selected five buffalo or buffalo-style chicken dips. In the blind taste test of the five dips, each was heated up according to packaging instructions in a microwave, then served in non-labeled bowls to ensure testers were unaware of the brand.
With trusty Fritos for dipping, 11 Southern Living editors sampled each dip and recorded their comments, anonymously ranking each on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. Each person also noted their overall favorite.
The Buffalo Chicken Dips We Tried
Trader Joe's Buffalo Style Chicken Dip
Texas Pete Blazin’ Buffalo-Style Chicken Dip
Target Good & Gather Buffalo-Style Chicken Dip
Publix Deli Buffalo Style Chicken Breast Dip
Walmart Marketside Buffalo Style Chicken Dip
Related: Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
How The Contenders Ranked
Here’s how the five different buffalo chicken dips scored from least favored to best, according to our editors.
Texas Pete Blazin’ Buffalo-Style Chicken Dip
There were some mixed opinions on this dip. One editor was head over heels about this one and even ranked it as her overall favorite noting, “I like the texture, which most resembles the one that my mom makes."
While others agreed on liking the consistency, they commented on the lack of heat or buffalo flavor. “It is very thick and cream cheese-y, but doesn’t have the flavor to back it up,” said one, while another added, “Visually, it looks the most appealing to me, but doesn’t have a traditional buffalo sauce flavor and I want it to be more spicy.”
Walmart Marketside Buffalo Style Chicken Dip
There weren’t too many raving reviews on this buffalo chicken dip, mostly due to overpowering celery chunks and flavor and lack thereof in the chicken department.
"There’s a very strong celery flavor that is too intense and I wish it was spicier," commented one tester. A few also noted they felt it was a little too runny, making it hard to scoop, and mentioned an offsetting tanginess, saying “it tastes the most like straight hot sauce and is vinegar-y at the sides of the tongue.”
Target Good & Gather Buffalo-Style Chicken Dip
Target's dip fell in the middle of the line in this blind taste test, being “pretty good, but not the best.” Most comments were related to it being too liquid-y, too cheesy, and too light on the heat. And while typically we’re all about the mayo, a few editors noted it was too mayo-forward: “It’s too creamy—dare I say too much mayo? And I wish it was spicier.”
Another said they felt like it had hints of blue cheese (the ingredient list confirms it contains blue cheese crumbles) which they didn’t love, but noted this is more of a personal preference.
Publix Deli Buffalo Style Chicken Breast Dip
The runner-up ranked just shy of being the overall winner, but was the favorite of four testers. Most noted qualities of this dip included its likable texture, not too thin or chunky, and having the most classic buffalo chicken dip flavor.
This dip was described by one editor as “one I would definitely buy.” Another tester said, “I like the finely shredded chicken, it feels more cohesive and less chunky. It’s the most like my mama’s."
The only improvement echoed by many editors was “my only complaint is it could use a little more spice.” But if you need to skip the homemade hassle, it's safe to say you can purchase Publix Deli's Buffalo Style Chicken Breast Dip.
And The Winner Is…
Trader Joe's Buffalo Style Chicken Dip
After crunching the numbers, this was the buffalo chicken dip that took the top spot and was ranked as the overall favorite by five Southern Living editors. It was a near tie with the fan-favorite from Publix, but what sealed the deal for Trader Joe’s buffalo style chicken dip was its spice level, described as “a nice heat that builds over time,” and the balance of buffalo and chicken flavors.
In their feedback one said, “This one has good levels of spice. It feels the most unique and well-seasoned of the bunch.” A few testers also commented on its pleasing color and scoopable ease, saying “it’s not too thick or thin and would work on a variety of crackers.”
So, while nothing will beat a bubbling dish of the homemade stuff, you’ll find us running to Publix or Trader Joe’s in a pinch.
Related: 15 Buffalo Chicken Recipes That Were Made For Football Season
For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Southern Living.
