Buffalo Chicken Dip

Save this recipe on:

Buffalo Chicken Dip is my go-to appetizer for any gathering. It has the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors that make it completely irresistible. Every time I make it, it disappears within minutes—seriously, it’s that good. Whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or just a casual get-together, this dip always steals the show.

What I love most about this Buffalo Chicken Dip is how easy it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a rich, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with chips, celery, or crackers. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, making party prep even easier. If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, this dip delivers all the same flavors in a creamy, scoopable form.

---

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip

• Quick & Easy – Takes just minutes to prep with simple ingredients.
• Crowd Favorite – Everyone loves it, making it a hit at any gathering.
• Incredibly Creamy – Loaded with cheese and rich, tangy flavors.
• Versatile – Perfect with chips, veggies, crackers, or even as a sandwich filling.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it in advance and bake when ready.

---

What’s the Best Chicken to Use for Buffalo Chicken Dip?

When it comes to making Buffalo Chicken Dip, you have a few options for the chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken is my personal favorite because it’s flavorful, tender, and requires no extra cooking. If you’re in a rush, canned chicken works as well, though it has a softer texture. You can also use freshly cooked and shredded chicken breasts for a leaner option. The key is to have bite-sized, tender chicken that blends well with the creamy dip.

---

Options for Substitutions

Buffalo Chicken Dip is super versatile, and you can easily tweak the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some great substitution options:

• Chicken: Swap shredded chicken for canned chicken, turkey, or even plant-based shredded alternatives.
• Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used for a lighter version.
• Cheese: Use cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for extra heat.
• Buffalo Sauce: If you don’t have buffalo sauce, mix hot sauce with melted butter for a quick replacement.
• Ranch Dressing: Blue cheese dressing is a great alternative if you prefer a stronger, tangy flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce, or mix in diced jalapeños for extra kick.

---

Ingredients for This Buffalo Chicken Dip

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dip creamy, spicy, and full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cooked Shredded Chicken – The heart of the dip, providing a meaty and satisfying texture. Rotisserie chicken works best for convenience and flavor.
• Cream Cheese – Gives the dip its rich, creamy base and helps balance the heat from the buffalo sauce.
• Buffalo Sauce – The star ingredient that brings the signature spicy, tangy kick. Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice.
• Ranch Dressing – Adds a cool, herby flavor that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce. Blue cheese dressing can be used for a bolder taste.
• Shredded Cheese – A blend of cheddar and mozzarella melts beautifully, making the dip gooey and irresistible.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, savory depth.
• Green Onions or Fresh Parsley – Optional, but they add a pop of color and a fresh touch to balance the richness.

---

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (an 8×8 or similar-sized dish works well) to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

---

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and well blended. You can use a hand mixer to make the mixture extra creamy.

---

Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese

Fold in the shredded chicken, shredded cheese (reserve some for topping), and garlic powder. Mix until everything is evenly coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.

---

Step 4: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheese over the top for a gooey, golden finish.

---

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly. The cheese on top should be fully melted and slightly golden.

---

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the dip cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, celery, or carrot sticks. Enjoy!

---

How Long to Cook Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip bakes at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbling. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is fully melted and slightly golden. If you want a more golden, slightly crispy top, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

If you’re using a slow cooker, cook it on low for 2-3 hours or high for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

---

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip

• Soften the Cream Cheese – Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free dip.
• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Freshly shredded cheese makes the dip extra gooey.
• Adjust the Heat Level – Add more or less buffalo sauce depending on how spicy you like it. A dash of cayenne or chopped jalapeños can add extra heat.
• Mix Well Before Baking – Ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated prevents any pockets of unblended cream cheese.
• Make it Extra Cheesy – Adding a mix of cheddar and mozzarella creates a perfect blend of sharp and gooey textures.
• Don’t Overbake – Overbaking can cause the dip to dry out. Remove it from the oven as soon as it’s bubbling and the cheese is melted.
• Keep it Warm for Parties – Use a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting to keep your dip hot and creamy throughout the event.

With these tips, your Buffalo Chicken Dip will turn out perfectly creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor every time!

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though Buffalo Chicken Dip is simple to make, a few common mistakes can affect the texture and flavor. Here’s what to avoid:

• Using Cold Cream Cheese – Cold cream cheese won’t mix well, leaving lumps in the dip. Always let it soften at room temperature.
• Overbaking – Baking too long can dry out the dip. Take it out when it’s hot and bubbling.
• Not Mixing Ingredients Well – If you don’t mix everything thoroughly, you might get uneven flavor and texture.
• Using Too Much Buffalo Sauce – Too much sauce can make the dip runny. Stick to the right balance for a creamy texture.
• Skipping the Extra Cheese on Top – A cheesy, golden topping makes the dip even better, so don’t leave it out!
• Not Shredding Your Own Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has additives that prevent smooth melting. Grate your own for the best results.
• Forgetting to Stir in a Slow Cooker – If making in a slow cooker, stir occasionally to keep the dip from separating.
• Serving It Cold – Buffalo Chicken Dip is best enjoyed warm and melty, so keep it heated until serving.

---

What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Dip?

This dip pairs well with a variety of dippables and side options. Here are some great choices:

1. Tortilla Chips

A classic choice—crispy, salty, and perfect for scooping up the creamy dip.

2. Crackers

Try buttery crackers or whole-grain options for a crunchy contrast.

3. Celery Sticks

A great low-carb, refreshing option that balances the heat.

4. Carrot Sticks

Sweet and crisp, carrots add a nice contrast to the spicy dip.

5. Bread Slices or Crostini

Toasted baguette slices work great for a more elegant serving option.

6. Pretzels

Their salty crunch pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy dip.

7. Pita Chips

Thicker than regular chips, pita chips hold up well for dipping.

8. French Fries or Tater Tots

A fun and indulgent way to enjoy Buffalo Chicken Dip!

With all these options, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy this delicious dip!

---

Storage Instructions

Buffalo Chicken Dip stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Slow Cooker Reheating: If you made it in a slow cooker, you can reheat it on low until warm.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing isn’t recommended because the texture may change after thawing. If you must freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

---

Estimated Nutrition

The nutrition will vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients used, but here’s an estimate per ¼ cup serving:

• Calories: ~250
• Protein: ~15g
• Carbohydrates: ~2g
• Fat: ~20g
• Saturated Fat: ~8g
• Cholesterol: ~45mg
• Sodium: ~600mg

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, reduced-fat cheese, and a lighter dressing option. This will reduce the fat content while keeping the dip creamy and delicious!

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the dip up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold.

2. Can I Make It in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! Mix all the ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This method keeps it warm for parties.

3. How Do I Make It Less Spicy?

Reduce the buffalo sauce and add more ranch dressing or cream cheese to mellow out the heat.

4. What’s the Best Cheese for This Dip?

A mix of cheddar and mozzarella is ideal—cheddar adds flavor, while mozzarella makes it extra gooey.

5. Can I Use Canned Chicken?

Yes, but for the best texture and flavor, shredded rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken is recommended.

6. How Do I Keep It Warm for a Party?

A slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting is the best option. You can also place the dip in a warming tray or reheat it in short intervals if needed.

7. What If My Dip Is Too Thick?

Stir in a little extra ranch dressing, milk, or broth to loosen it up without affecting the flavor.

8. Can I Add Extra Toppings?

Yes! Try crumbled blue cheese, extra shredded cheese, chopped bacon, or diced jalapeños for added flavor and texture.

---

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—creamy, cheesy, spicy, and downright addictive. Whether you’re making it for game day, a party, or just a snack, it’s always a hit. Plus, with easy prep and simple ingredients, it’s a no-fail recipe that you can customize to your liking. Serve it hot with chips, crackers, or veggies, and watch it disappear in no time!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: