Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleasing favorite that combines tender shredded chicken with the bold flavors of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy melted cheese. This dip is thick, cheesy, and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleasing favorite that combines tender shredded chicken with the bold flavors of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy melted cheese. This dip is thick, cheesy, and perfectly tangy with just the right amount of heat, making it a hit at any gathering or game day party.
I love making this dip because it’s so easy and always disappears quickly. I usually mix the chicken with cream cheese, blue cheese or ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce, then bake it until hot and bubbly. The smell alone gets everyone excited, and I find myself sneaking tastes before it even makes it to the table.
One of my favorite ways to serve buffalo chicken dip is with crispy celery sticks, crunchy tortilla chips, or warm pita bread. It’s great as a snack, appetizer, or even a casual meal when you just want something tasty and comforting. No matter where you bring it, this dip always brings smiles and hungry hands reaching for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is super convenient and flavorful, but shredded grilled or boiled chicken works just as well. I often use leftovers to save time and add more taste.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the dip its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try using reduced-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt, though this changes the richness slightly.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This adds the signature spicy kick. Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but you can adjust the heat level by mixing hot sauce with melted butter or using a milder sauce to suit your taste.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These dressings add creaminess and cool the heat a bit. Ranch is milder, while blue cheese brings a tangier bite. Choose based on your flavor preference or mix both for balance.
Cheddar & Blue Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and adds sharpness. Blue cheese is optional; it adds a bold taste and creamy texture. If you want, you can swap blue cheese for more cheddar or a milder cheese like Monterey Jack.
How Do I Get My Buffalo Chicken Dip Hot and Bubbly Without Drying It Out?
Keeping buffalo chicken dip creamy and hot is key. Here’s how I do it without it drying:
- Preheat the oven so the dip cooks evenly.
- Don’t overmix the cream cheese with the other ingredients — smooth but not too loose.
- Spread the dip evenly in the baking dish to ensure all parts heat properly.
- Bake at 350°F for just 20-25 minutes until you see it bubbling on the edges.
- Watch carefully toward the end — if it starts browning too much, cover loosely with foil.
- Adding the cheese topping partway keeps it cheesy and melty.
- Serve it right away for the best warm and creamy texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – for combining all your ingredients smoothly and easily.
- Spoon or spatula – to mix and spread the dip evenly in the dish.
- Baking dish (8×8 inches or similar) – oven-safe and just the right size to hold the dip for baking.
- Oven – to bake the dip until hot and bubbly for the best texture and flavor.
- Measuring cups – to quickly and accurately measure sauces, cheese, and dressings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken with cooked ground turkey for a leaner version that still packs flavor.
- Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat if you love spicy food.
- Mix in cooked bacon pieces to add a smoky, crispy twist to your dip.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a mild kick and gooey melt.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup hot buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Celery sticks
- Crackers or tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake until hot and bubbly. So, overall, plan about 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish to get this creamy, spicy dip ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Mix Ingredients:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, in a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Next, add the shredded chicken and ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the bowl. Mix everything well so the chicken is evenly coated in the spicy, creamy sauce.
3. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish (or a dish of similar size) and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
4. Garnish and Serve:
After baking, remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions over the top. Serve it warm with celery sticks, crackers, and tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding it. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh just before serving for the best cheesy, bubbly texture.
What Are Good Dippers for Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Classic dippers include celery sticks, tortilla chips, crackers, or even sliced baguette. Choose crunchy sides that hold up well to the creamy, spicy dip.