Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Featured in Simple Starters & Snacks.

This buffalo chicken dip has saved countless parties because it combines tender shredded chicken with creamy cheese and the perfect amount of spicy buffalo sauce and what makes it really special is how versatile it is since you can make it in the oven microwave or slow cooker depending on what's most convenient and it's ready in just thirty minutes plus it never fails to disappear quickly at any gathering and people always hover around the dish asking for the recipe because they can't believe how simple it is to make something that tastes this good.
Chef Zaho
Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:14:19 GMT
A creamy, cheesy baked dish topped with green onions is served alongside celery sticks, carrot sticks, and tortilla chips. Pin it
A creamy, cheesy baked dish topped with green onions is served alongside celery sticks, carrot sticks, and tortilla chips. | alicesrecipes.com

Nothing brings people together like a hot bubbling dish of Buffalo Chicken Dip. This crowd favorite combines everything we love about buffalo wings but in an amazing dippable form. Every time I make this cheesy spicy dip it disappears in minutes whether its game day party time or just a Friday night snack attack.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic happens when tangy buffalo sauce meets creamy cheese and tender chicken. Its got that perfect kick of heat balanced with rich creaminess that keeps you coming back for just one more scoop. I love how versatile it is throw it in the oven slow cooker or even microwave and it comes out delicious every time. Plus its filling enough to be dinner which happens more often than Id like to admit.

A creamy, cheesy dip topped with green onions, served with tortilla chips and accompanied by celery and grated carrots in the background. Pin it
A creamy, cheesy dip topped with green onions, served with tortilla chips and accompanied by celery and grated carrots in the background. | alicesrecipes.com

Everything You Need

  • The Chicken Base:
  • 1 pound cooked chicken shredded (I grab a rotisserie chicken when Im busy)
  • You can also cook 2-3 chicken breasts yourself seasoned with salt and pepper
  • The Creamy Stuff:
  • 2 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese must be super soft
  • 1 cup sour cream full fat gives the best texture
  • ¾ cup ranch dressing the good thick kind
  • ½ cup blue cheese dressing optional but amazing
  • The Cheesy Part:
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar freshly grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella adds that perfect stretch
  • ½ cup crumbled blue cheese if youre into it
  • The Flavor Makers:
  • ¾ cup Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce (more or less to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon celery salt secret ingredient
  • For Serving:
  • Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling
  • Chopped green onions
  • Extra cheese for topping
  • Blue cheese crumbles
  • Nice to Have But Optional:
  • Ranch seasoning packet adds extra flavor
  • Diced celery for crunch
  • Diced jalapeños if you like it spicier
  • A splash of ranch dressing to thin it out if needed

Lets Make It

Get Your Chicken Ready:
If youre using rotisserie chicken pull it apart into small shreds. Want bigger chunks? That works too. If youre cooking chicken yourself season it well with salt and pepper then either bake it or pop it in your slow cooker until its tender enough to shred easily.
Mix Up The Creamy Base:
In a big bowl mix those super soft cream cheese blocks with sour cream and ranch dressing until its smooth. The cream cheese really needs to be soft or youll end up with lumps. I sometimes warm it for 15 seconds in the microwave if its still too firm.
Add The Good Stuff:
Now fold in most of your shredded cheese leaving some for the top. Pour in that buffalo sauce garlic powder onion powder and our secret weapon celery salt. Stir until everything looks well combined. Give it a taste maybe add more buffalo sauce if you like it spicier.
Time To Bake:
Spread everything into your baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of your cheese on top. Pop it in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes. You want it bubbling around the edges and that cheese on top getting all melty and golden.
The Final Touch:
Once its out drizzle some extra buffalo sauce on top scatter some green onions and maybe add an extra sprinkle of blue cheese if youre using it. Let it cool for about 5 minutes trust me its like lava when it first comes out.

Make It Your Own

Want to kick up the heat? Add some diced jalapeños or a splash more buffalo sauce. Like it milder? Use less sauce and add more ranch dressing. Sometimes I throw in some crispy bacon bits or diced celery for crunch. For parties I keep it warm in a slow cooker on low just give it a stir now and then. If it gets too thick add a splash of ranch or warm cream to thin it out.

Serving Tips and Storage

This dip loves all kinds of dippers celery and carrot sticks tortilla chips thick potato chips or toasted baguette slices. For a low carb option try cucumber rounds or bell pepper slices. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for about 4 days just warm it up slowly in the microwave or oven. Sometimes I spread the cold leftovers on a sandwich which is absolutely amazing. You can even make this a day ahead just save the final cheese topping and baking for right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dip ahead and refrigerate. When ready, bake until hot and bubbly. Add extra time if cooking from cold.

→ How spicy is this dip?

The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce. Start with less sauce and add more to taste. Frank's RedHot provides medium heat.

→ Can I use canned chicken?

While rotisserie chicken is best, canned chicken works in a pinch. Just drain well and shred with forks before using.

→ How long does this dip stay good?

Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.

→ What's the best way to keep it warm at a party?

A slow cooker on warm setting works great. A cast iron skillet also helps maintain temperature longer than regular dishes.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A warm, cheesy dip combining shredded chicken, cream cheese, and buffalo sauce. Perfect for parties and game day gatherings.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Quick Bites

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 portions)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound chicken breasts, cooked, shredded.
02 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
03 1 cup sour cream.
04 1/2 cup buffalo sauce.
05 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, divided.
06 2 tablespoons blue cheese or ranch dressing.
07 Fritos scoops.
08 Baguette slices.
09 Carrots/celery sticks.

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, buffalo sauce, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

Step 02

Spread the mixture in a 1.5 qt baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.

Step 03

Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly. Drizzle with dressing and serve hot with dippers.

Step 04

Cover with plastic and heat for several minutes in microwave.

Step 05

Cook on low for 3 hours or high for 1 hour in a slow cooker.

Notes

  1. Great for parties.
  2. Can use rotisserie chicken.
  3. Cast iron keeps warm longer.
  4. Adjust spice to taste.
  5. Make ahead friendly.
  6. Multiple cooking options.

Tools You'll Need

  • 1.5 qt baking dish.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Spatula.
  • Optional: slow cooker or cast iron.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, cheese).
  • Eggs (in dressings).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 325
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g