The Ultimate Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe: Your Go-To Party Appetizer!
Get ready to impress your guests with this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious **Buffalo Chicken Dip**. This irresistible appetizer features tender, shredded chicken blended with rich cream cheese, a fiery kick of hot sauce, the cooling tang of ranch dressing, all generously topped with a blanket of melted cheese. Served hot and bubbly, it’s a crowd-pleasing dip that vanishes quickly at any gathering.
Requiring only five core ingredients, this recipe is a true lifesaver for last-minute party preparations. Whether you’re hosting a lively tailgate party, a casual backyard get-together, or simply looking for an easy, flavorful snack, this buffalo chicken dip is a guaranteed winner that will have everyone reaching for more.
Why This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe Is a Must-Try
This Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe isn’t just easy; it’s brilliantly designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Its popularity stems from several key factors that make it a perennial favorite for any social event:
- Unbeatable Flavor Profile: The classic combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and tangy cream cheese perfectly complements the savory shredded chicken. It’s a harmonious blend of heat and cool, rich and zesty, making every bite utterly satisfying.
- Incredibly Versatile Preparation: You have the flexibility to make this dip in a crockpot or an oven, depending on your needs. The crockpot method is fantastic for potlucks or game days, as it keeps the dip warm for hours and simplifies transport. If you’re hosting, popping it in the oven yields a beautifully bubbly, golden-brown top in no time.
- Customizable Spice Level: One of the best features of this buffalo chicken dip is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your preference, making it perfect for everyone from mild spice lovers to serious heat seekers. Start with less and add more to taste, ensuring it’s just right for you and your guests.
- Effortless 5-Ingredient Simplicity: In a world of complex recipes, this dip shines with its straightforward list of ingredients. This means less time shopping, less time prepping, and more time enjoying your event.
- Proven Crowd-Pleaser: Along with favorites like Philly cheesesteak dip, this buffalo chicken dip consistently ranks as a top appetizer. Its familiar, comforting flavors make it a hit with adults and kids alike, disappearing rapidly from any party spread.
With its simple ingredients, flexible cooking methods, and universally loved flavor, it’s clear why this buffalo chicken dip is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Key Ingredients You Will Need
Preparing this incredibly flavorful Buffalo Chicken Dip is surprisingly simple, thanks to a short list of accessible ingredients. Before you dive in, make sure you have these essentials on hand. You’ll find all precise measurements, specific ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the very end of this article.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
Let’s dive a little deeper into the ingredients, offering tips and potential substitutions to help you create the perfect dip every time.
- CHICKEN: The foundation of our dip is shredded, cooked chicken.
- Rotisserie Chicken: This is an absolute time-saver! Grab a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store, shred it, and you’re halfway there.
- Poached Chicken Breasts: For a more controlled flavor, you can poach your own chicken breasts. Simply simmer boneless, skinless chicken breasts in water or broth until cooked through, then shred.
- Instant Pot/Slow Cooker Chicken: Cook chicken breasts with a bit of broth in your Instant Pot (10-12 minutes on high, natural release) or slow cooker (2-3 hours on high, 4-6 hours on low) for tender, easy-to-shred results.
- Canned Chicken: In a pinch, well-drained canned chicken can also work, though fresh chicken will always provide the best flavor and texture.
- CHEESE: The creamy and gooey factor!
- Cream Cheese: You’ll need a block of softened cream cheese. It’s crucial that it’s at room temperature (softened) before mixing, as this ensures a smooth, lump-free dip. Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest texture, but low-fat or fat-free versions can be used if preferred, though they may alter the final consistency slightly.
- Crumbled Blue Cheese: This adds that authentic, pungent buffalo wing flavor. If you’re a blue cheese connoisseur, don’t skimp!
- Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with your preferred shredded cheese. Sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or Monterey Jack are excellent alternatives that still provide delicious melted cheese goodness. You can also use a blend of these for added complexity. For an extra kick, try Pepper Jack cheese!
- HOT SAUCE: This is where the “buffalo” in Buffalo Chicken Dip comes from!
- Frank’s RedHot Original: This is the classic choice for authentic buffalo flavor. Its vinegar base and cayenne pepper heat are what make buffalo sauce so distinct.
- Adjusting Heat: You can easily control the spice level. For a milder dip, start with less than ½ cup and add more to taste. For a spicier version, increase the hot sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- RANCH DRESSING: The perfect counterpoint to the heat.
- Creamy Balance: Ranch dressing adds a cool, creamy, and herbaceous element that perfectly balances the spiciness of the hot sauce.
- Substitution: If you’re a true blue cheese fan, you can substitute blue cheese dressing for the ranch for an even more intense blue cheese flavor.
- Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Both work wonderfully. High-quality store-bought ranch is convenient, but a homemade ranch dressing can elevate the flavor even further.
- BLACK PEPPER: To taste, enhancing the overall savory notes.
- GARNISH (Optional): Sliced green onions, fresh chives, or a sprinkle of extra crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar make for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip: Oven or Crockpot
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with all measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
To Make in the Oven
The oven method yields a beautifully golden, bubbly dip with slightly browned, melted cheese on top, perfect for serving immediately.
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your dip cooks evenly and quickly once placed inside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese (or shredded cheddar if preferred), hot sauce, and ranch dressing. Ensure the cream cheese is truly at room temperature for easy, smooth mixing.
- Mix and Season: Stir all ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and evenly distributed. Use a sturdy rubber spatula or spoon. Taste the mixture and season with black pepper as desired. This is also a good time to adjust the hot sauce if you want more spice.
- Bake: Transfer the prepared dip mixture into a 1-quart oven-safe dish. Spread it evenly. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and slightly golden.
To Make in the Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
The crockpot is an excellent choice for a hands-off approach, especially when you need to keep the dip warm for an extended period, like at a party or tailgate.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small slow cooker (a 4-quart crockpot works perfectly), combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, blue cheese (or shredded cheddar), hot sauce, and ranch dressing.
- Mix and Season: Stir all ingredients until thoroughly combined. Season with black pepper to taste, and adjust hot sauce if needed.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 1 1/2 hours, or on Low for 3 hours. The dip should be hot, bubbly, and melty throughout. Give it a stir before serving.
Using the crockpot is one of the best ways to ensure this delicious dip stays perfectly warm and melty throughout your event, making it incredibly convenient for hosting or bringing to a gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Shredding chicken doesn’t have to be a chore! Here are three super easy methods:
- With Forks or Fingers: While the chicken is still slightly warm, use two forks to pull the meat apart. This creates natural, uneven shreds. Your fingers also work wonderfully for this if you don’t mind getting a little messy.
- Electric Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: This is a game-changer! Place cooked chicken breasts (or rotisserie chicken meat) into the bowl of your electric stand mixer with the paddle attachment, or use a hand mixer. Mix on low speed for about 30-60 seconds, and watch the chicken magically shred itself.
- Food Processor: For a more finely shredded, almost minced texture, place the cooked chicken in a food processor and pulse lightly a few times. Be careful not to over-process, or you’ll end up with chicken paste!
Absolutely! This dip is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the mixture (combine all ingredients except the topping cheese) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, transfer it to your baking dish or slow cooker, add the topping cheese, and heat as directed until hot and bubbly.
Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, or place the entire dish back in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through and bubbly again, adding a splash of milk or ranch if it seems too thick.
Freezing is generally not recommended for dairy-based dips like this one. The cream cheese and other dairy components can sometimes separate and become grainy or watery upon thawing and reheating, affecting the creamy texture we love.
For an authentic Buffalo flavor, Frank’s RedHot Original is the gold standard. Its signature tangy, spicy profile is what makes buffalo wings and, by extension, buffalo chicken dip so iconic. However, feel free to use your favorite hot sauce if you have a different preference for flavor or heat level.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Dip
This hot and melty buffalo chicken dip is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving! For a truly classic experience, I love to serve it with crunchy celery sticks, mirroring the traditional accompaniment for buffalo wings. But don’t stop there – the possibilities are endless!
Here are some fantastic dipper ideas to enjoy with your Buffalo Chicken Dip:
- Fresh Vegetables: Besides celery, crisp carrot sticks, bell pepper strips (any color!), cucumber slices, or even broccoli florets offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy dip.
- Crunchy Chips & Crackers:
- Tortilla Chips: Sturdy tortilla chips are a personal favorite and hold up well to the thick dip.
- Crackers: Butter crackers, pita crackers, or even hearty wheat crackers are excellent choices.
- Pretzel Crisps: For a salty, crunchy twist.
- Bread & Other Carbs:
- Sliced Baguette: Lightly toasted or fresh, baguette slices are perfect for scooping.
- Pita Bread: Cut into wedges, warmed pita bread is a soft and satisfying option.
- Mini Toasts: For a more elegant presentation.
The quick and easy nature of this dip makes it an ideal party appetizer or a dish to pass around at a potluck. If you’re hosting, consider offering a variety of dips. A cool and creamy option, like a crockpot cheese dip or this refreshing queso fresco dip, would pair wonderfully with the hot and spicy kick of the buffalo chicken dip, creating a balanced and exciting spread for all your guests!
Explore More Delicious Dip Recipes
If you’re a fan of flavorful dips, you’re in the right place! Here are some other fantastic dip recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Taco Dip
- Hot Spinach Dip
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Smoked Queso Dip
- Crab Dip
- Million Dollar Dip
- Jalapeno Popper Dip
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Buffalo Chicken Dip
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken shredded cooked
- 8 oz cream cheese 1 package, well softened
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions sliced, for garnish
- Celery sticks, chips, crackers or bread for dipping
Things You’ll Need
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring cups and spoons
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1-quart baking dish
Before You Begin
- This dip is often baked until hot and served warm. In the summer you can warm this in the microwave!
- One of the best ways to make this, however, is in the crockpot. Easy to transport if needed and to keep the dip warm. I’ve given you instructions for both methods below.
- I like to serve this dip with celery sticks since it’s the traditional buffalo wing accompaniment. You could also serve with carrots or any vegetable. Crackers, tortilla chips (my favorite) or sliced baguette also make great dippers.
- You can also substitute blue cheese dressing for the ranch. And if you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can also use your favorite shredded cheese such as cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, blue cheese (or shredded cheddar), hot sauce and ranch dressing. Mix well and season to taste with black pepper.
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Transfer dip to 1-quart oven-safe dish and bake for 20 minutes or until dip is hot and bubbly.
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Serve with vegetables and chips for dipping.
Slow cooker instructions:
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In a small slow cooker, combine the chicken, cream cheese, blue cheese (or shredded cheddar), hot sauce and ranch dressing. Mix well and season to taste with black pepper. Cover and cook on High for 1 1/2 hours or Low for 3 hours.
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Garnish with sliced green onions.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This recipe originally appeared here on July 24, 2018 and has since been updated with new photos.