Buffalo chicken dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, parties, and casual gatherings. With the bold heat of buffalo sauce, juicy shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and a hint of ranch flavor, this dip is everything you love about buffalo wings in scoopable form. Whether you’re baking it in the oven or keeping it warm in a slow cooker, this easy buffalo chicken dip is ready in under 30 minutes and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🧀 Cheesy and creamy — melty, rich, and loaded with flavor
- 🐓 High-protein — packed with shredded chicken
- 🔥 Custom heat — mild or spicy depending on your buffalo sauce
- 🍽️ Versatile serving options — chips, celery, sliders, and more
- 🕒 Quick to make — 5 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to bake
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or baked)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions, blue cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or small cast iron skillet.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch, and buffalo sauce. Mix until smooth.
- Add chicken & cheese: Fold in shredded chicken, garlic powder, cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir to combine.
- Bake: Spread mixture into baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish & serve: Top with green onions or blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices.
🔁 Slow cooker method: Add everything to a small Crockpot and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or until hot and melted.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Estimated Cost: $8–$10
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 16g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 760mg
Nutrition estimates based on 1/8th of recipe. Values may vary.
Tips & Variations
- 🧄 Add bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon adds smoky flavor.
- 🌶️ Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat.
- 🧀 Switch cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or blue cheese crumbles.
- 🧊 Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.
- ❄️ Freezer-friendly: Freeze in a foil pan, thaw overnight, and bake before serving.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- – Baking dish
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- – 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- – 8 oz cream cheese softened
- – ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- – ½ cup ranch dressing
- – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- – ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- – Optional: green onions blue cheese crumbles, extra hot sauce
- **To Serve**
- – Tortilla chips
- – Celery and carrot sticks
- – Crackers or toasted baguette
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch until smooth.
- Fold in chicken, cheddar, and mozzarella.
- Transfer to baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Top with garnishes and serve warm with your favorite dippers.
Notes
– Try the slow cooker method for easy serving
– Add bacon or switch to blue cheese dressing for variation
– Use rotisserie or canned chicken to save time
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, just drain well and shred before mixing.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan ranch; cheese melts may vary.
Can I make this in a Crockpot?
Absolutely! Combine everything and heat on LOW until melted and bubbly.
How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in microwave or oven.
What should I serve with buffalo chicken dip?
Tortilla chips, pita wedges, celery sticks, carrots, crackers, or slider buns.
Conclusion
This buffalo chicken dip is a total touchdown for your next get-together. With creamy texture, spicy kick, and endless dipping options, it’s no wonder this classic never goes out of style. Make it once, and it’ll be a must-have at every gathering.