There are some recipes that just belong at a party, and Buffalo Chicken Dip is one of them. Whether you’re hosting a game-day get-together, a family movie night, or just craving something warm and cheesy, this dip is an absolute must. It’s creamy, spicy, and loaded with bold buffalo flavor, plus it’s ridiculously easy to make.
I’ve been making this Buffalo Chicken Dip for years, and let me tell you—it never lasts long. The moment it hits the table, it disappears faster than anything else. It’s got everything you love about classic buffalo wings—spicy sauce, tender chicken, cool ranch, and plenty of melted cheese—all in one scoopable, dippable dish. And the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes to whip it up!
Let’s dive right into how to make this incredible, crowd-pleasing dip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get into the step-by-step process, let’s talk about what makes this dip so delicious. You only need a few simple ingredients, and there’s a good chance you already have most of them in your kitchen:
- Shredded cooked chicken – You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover cooked chicken.
- Cream cheese – This gives the dip its creamy, luscious texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
- Ranch dressing – Adds a cool, tangy balance to the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo wing sauce – The star of the show! Frank’s RedHot is my go-to, but any good buffalo sauce will work.
- Cheddar cheese – Because no dip is complete without plenty of melted cheese.
- Blue cheese (optional) – If you’re a blue cheese lover, this adds that extra punch of flavor.
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers – Because you need something to scoop up all that cheesy goodness.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot so the dip gets bubbly and perfectly melty when baked.
While the oven is heating up, go ahead and grab an oven-safe dish. A small casserole dish or even a pie dish works great for this recipe.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
Now for the easiest part—mixing!
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (save the rest for topping!)
Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. The cream cheese should blend easily, especially if it’s softened. If you’re having trouble, let it sit at room temperature for a bit longer or pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
At this point, you might want to do a little taste test. If you like things extra spicy, feel free to add a little more buffalo sauce. Want it creamier? A touch more ranch will do the trick!
Step 3: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Once your mixture is fully combined, spread it evenly into your prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top with your spatula—it doesn’t need to be perfect, just an even layer so everything bakes evenly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
Before we pop this beauty into the oven, we’re going to add an extra layer of cheesiness. Grab the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the dip. If you’re a blue cheese fan, now’s the time to add ½ cup of crumbled blue cheese as well.
This cheesy topping is what gives the dip that golden, bubbly finish after baking. And if you really love cheese (who doesn’t?), feel free to throw in a little extra—no one will complain.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Now it’s time to let the oven work its magic! Place the dish in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when:
- The dip is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- The cheese on top is melty and slightly golden.
- Your kitchen smells like absolute heaven.
If you want an extra golden crust on top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes—just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Step 6: Serve It Up!
As soon as you pull this dip out of the oven, it’s game on. The cheese is perfectly melted, the buffalo sauce gives it just the right amount of kick, and the ranch dressing keeps everything creamy and smooth.
Best Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip:
- Tortilla chips – Classic and sturdy enough for big scoops!
- Celery sticks – A great crunchy, low-carb option that balances the spice.
- Crackers – Buttery crackers add a nice contrast to the bold flavors.
- Toasted baguette slices – A fancy option if you’re serving this at a party.
No matter what you serve it with, this dip is guaranteed to be the first thing gone at any gathering.
Tips & Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun ways to customize your Buffalo Chicken Dip:
- Make It Extra Spicy – Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Garlic Lovers’ Version – Stir in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for a little extra depth of flavor.
- Turkey Bacon Buffalo Dip – Crispy, crumbled turkey bacon mixed in? Yes, please!
- Buffalo Chicken Guac – For a unique twist, add diced avocado after baking. It sounds wild, but trust me—it’s delicious.
- Healthier Swap – Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and swap in a light ranch dressing to make it a bit lighter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance and store it (unbaked) in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it heats through completely.
2. How Spicy Is This Dip?
The spice level really depends on the buffalo sauce you use. If you want a milder version, go for a mild buffalo wing sauce or use less of it. On the other hand, if you love extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
3. Can I Make This Dip in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. This is a great option for keeping the dip warm at parties!
4. What’s the Best Type of Chicken to Use?
I love using rotisserie chicken because it’s quick and flavorful, but you can also use any leftover cooked chicken. If you’re starting from raw, boil or bake a couple of chicken breasts, then shred them with a fork.
5. Can I Make This Dip Without Dairy?
If you need a dairy-free version, you can swap out the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese for dairy-free alternatives. There are plenty of great options available, and the dip will still be creamy and delicious!
6. How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you somehow have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, rarely happens), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
7. Can I Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Final Thoughts – Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, this is it. Buffalo Chicken Dip is everything you love about buffalo wings but in a warm, cheesy, scoopable form. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a hit at parties, tailgates, and family gatherings.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your chips, dig in, and enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite! And if you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out—I’d love to hear your thoughts and any fun variations you tried. Happy dipping!
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BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP
- Total Time: 30-35 mins
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate party appetizer—creamy, cheesy, and packed with spicy buffalo flavor. Perfect for game days, gatherings, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing snack. Serve it with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for a delicious and addictive dip!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for serving
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, and ½ cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
3️⃣ Transfer to a baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly into an oven-safe dish.
4️⃣ Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and blue cheese crumbles (if using) over the top.
5️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
6️⃣ Serve warm: Enjoy immediately with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers.
Notes
- Make it spicier: Add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
- Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20-25 mins
