Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Base Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, buffalo wing sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, and softened cream cheese. Stir everything until it’s evenly mixed. The sour cream and cream cheese should blend smoothly, creating a creamy texture.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Add salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the buffalo sauce and blue cheese will add some saltiness. Taste the mixture to make sure the seasoning is balanced.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, pressing down lightly to create an even layer.

Step 5: Add Blue Cheese Crumbles

Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles evenly over the top of the mixture. These will melt into the bake as it cooks, adding a rich, tangy flavor to complement the buffalo sauce.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Step 7: Prepare the Ranch Drizzle

While the bake is cooking, prepare the ranch drizzle. If you want extra spice, mix a bit of buffalo sauce into the ranch dressing. Pour the mixture into a small bowl and set aside.

Step 8: Add Fresh Toppings

Once the bake is finished, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Top with fresh celery and chopped chives for added texture and freshness.

Step 9: Drizzle with Ranch

Using a spoon or small squeeze bottle, drizzle the ranch dressing over the top of the bake, letting it settle between the blue cheese and celery for added creaminess and flavor.