Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser. This dip combines tender shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and melted cheddar or mozzarella cheese. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, creating a rich and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crusty bread for dipping.

I first made Buffalo Chicken Dip for a game-day party, and it disappeared in minutes! The bold flavors of the buffalo sauce and creamy base make it incredibly addictive, while the melty cheese adds the perfect gooey texture. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can make it in the oven, slow cooker, or even on the stovetop. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding blue cheese crumbles, green onions, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flavor. Buffalo Chicken Dip is a must-have for gatherings, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a hearty, zesty snack!

Perfect for:

Game day parties
Tailgating events
Family gatherings
Potlucks
Lovers of spicy foods

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Buffalo Chicken Dip will become your go-to appetizer:

Bold and Flavorful: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cheese creates a mouthwatering balance of heat and richness.
Cheesy Goodness: With layers of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella, each bite is a cheesy, indulgent treat.
Creamy Texture: The dip’s rich, smooth texture makes it the perfect vehicle for dipping.
Perfect Heat Level: Customize the buffalo sauce to achieve your preferred level of spiciness.
Easy to Make: This dip comes together quickly, with minimal prep and cooking time.
Versatile Dip: Pair with tortilla chips, celery, crackers, or vegetables for an ideal dipping experience.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake right before serving for a hassle-free party dish.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a small gathering or a big celebration, this dip will always disappear fast.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Great for Leftovers: If there are any leftovers, they can be easily reheated for a snack the next day.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

For the Dip:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup ranch dressing
½ cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)

For Serving:

Tortilla chips
Celery sticks
Carrot sticks
Crackers

Ingredient Highlights

Buffalo Sauce: Provides the signature spicy kick to the dip.
Shredded Chicken: The base of the dip, adding protein and texture.
Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy consistency.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: Contribute to the melty, cheesy goodness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dip:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Cream Cheese and Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and ranch dressing, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Add Buffalo Sauce: Pour in the buffalo sauce and mix until fully incorporated.
Stir in Shredded Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and mix until evenly combined.
Add Cheese: Fold in ½ cup of cheddar cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a baking dish (an 8×8-inch dish works well).
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish: If desired, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for added flavor and color.

Serve:

Enjoy the Dip: Serve hot with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for dipping.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Dip:

As a Party Appetizer: Serve at your next gathering as a sure-fire hit.
With Veggies: Pair with carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices for a healthier option.
As a Snack: Perfect for a casual night in front of the TV.
On Game Day: Serve alongside other appetizers for a crowd-pleasing spread.
With Crackers: Pair with crunchy crackers for a delightful texture contrast.
With Tortilla Chips: The classic pairing, great for dipping and scooping.
As a Dip Buffet: Offer alongside other dips like guacamole or spinach artichoke dip.
As a Main Dish: Serve with a side salad for a quick dinner option.
For Leftovers: Reheat for a quick snack or light meal the next day.
With Garlic Bread: Use garlic bread for an extra flavorful dip experience.

Additional Tips

Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding your own.
Adjust Spice Level: Add more or less hot sauce depending on how spicy you like it. Start with a little, then taste and adjust.
Mix with Cream Cheese for Creaminess: The cream cheese adds a rich, smooth texture. Ensure it’s softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
Try Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: You can swap ranch dressing for blue cheese for a more authentic Buffalo flavor.
Top with Cheddar: After baking, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top for a melted, golden finish.
Use a Slow Cooker: Keep the dip warm and melty for hours by making it in a slow cooker on low.
Add Buffalo Bacon: Crumbled buffalo bacon can add a delicious smoky flavor that complements the spicy chicken dip.
Stir in Some Garlic Powder: A small amount of garlic powder can bring out an extra layer of flavor in the dip.
Serve with Veggies: Pair the dip with crunchy veggies like celery, carrots, or cucumber slices for a healthy contrast.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dip the night before and store it in the fridge, then bake it right before serving for an easy, make-ahead appetizer.

Recipe Variations

Blue Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip: Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a tangy twist.
Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the dip for extra heat.
Vegetarian Version: Use shredded cauliflower or chickpeas as a substitute for the chicken.
Slow Cooker Version: Prepare in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours for a hands-off method.

Special Equipment

Slow Cooker – Ideal for keeping the dip warm during serving.
Hand Mixer – Perfect for blending the cream cheese and other ingredients smoothly.
Large Mixing Bowl – To mix all the ingredients before transferring to a baking dish.
Baking Dish – A 9×13 inch dish works well for baking the dip evenly.
Measuring Cups – Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like buffalo sauce and cheese.
Cutting Board – For chopping the cooked chicken and other ingredients.
Chef’s Knife – Used to finely chop the chicken and any fresh herbs or vegetables.
Wooden Spoon – For stirring the dip ingredients while cooking or mixing.
Serving Spoon – A long-handled spoon for serving the dip once it’s ready.
Aluminum Foil – Used for covering the baking dish while baking to prevent burning the top.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw and cook the chicken before using it in the dip.
How long can this dip be stored?
The dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dip in advance?
Yes, prepare the dip and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze buffalo chicken dip?
Yes, freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake before serving.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap in other cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for added flavor.
Can I make this dip without ranch dressing?
Yes, use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for a tangy variation.
How do I keep the dip from separating?
Stir the dip occasionally while baking to ensure the ingredients stay blended.
Can I serve this dip cold?
This dip is best served hot, but can be eaten cold if desired.
What can I serve with this dip besides chips?
Serve with bread, pita chips, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive appetizer that’s perfect for game days, parties, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests. This dish combines tender shredded chicken, tangy Buffalo sauce, rich cream cheese, and melty cheddar or mozzarella, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s everything you love about Buffalo wings in a scoopable, cheesy dip form.

Serve it with crispy tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s bursting with flavor. You can customize the dip by adding blue cheese crumbles for an extra tangy kick or adjusting the level of heat with your favorite hot sauce. No matter how you make it, this dip is guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear from the table!

I can’t wait to see how your Buffalo Chicken Dip turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!