Best Buffalo Chicken Dip

Heat the oven. Preheat to 375°F. Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or use a small cast iron skillet.

Mix the base. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch, hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until mostly smooth and no large cream cheese lumps remain. Taste it, then add salt only if it needs it (it often does not).

Add chicken and cheese. Fold in the shredded chicken, 1 cup of the cheddar, and all of the mozzarella. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Top it. Spread the mixture into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top.

Bake. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until hot and bubbly around the edges.

Optional but worth it: broil. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes to get a more golden top. Stay close. It goes from perfect to tragic fast.

Finish and serve. Rest for 5 minutes, top with green onions if using, and serve warm with your favorite dippers.