Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip is basically the MVP of game-day snacks—bold, cheesy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. This scoopable masterpiece disappears faster than you can say “pass the chips,” so you might want to make a double batch. Trust me, no one likes an empty dip bowl!

This is such a simple appetizer recipe, and so delicious! Serve with with wingstop ranch, a little veggie dip, or cool things down with a sweet treat like my brownies!

Top down image showing a white rectangle baking dish filled with a chocolate dip that is being scooped out with a celery piece


 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Game day recipes – This dip is a must-have for football parties and sports gatherings.
  • Party appetizers – A crowd-pleasing dip that’s perfect for any celebration.
  • Easy dip recipes – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a go-to recipe.
  • Make-ahead party food – Prep it in advance for stress-free entertaining.

This recipe for easy buffalo chicken dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—cheesy, spicy, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re gearing up for game day, hosting a party, or just craving something warm and comforting, this dip delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Made with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and plenty of melty cheese, it’s the kind of recipe that disappears fast.

The best part? It’s completely customizable. Want it spicier? Add extra hot sauce. Need a milder version? Mix in more ranch or cream cheese. Whether you bake it or let the slow cooker do the work, it comes out hot, bubbly, and perfect for dipping. Serve it with chips, celery, or crackers, and watch it vanish!

Top down image showing a wooden table top. There is a glass bowl filled with shredded chicken, one filled iwth buffalo sauce, one filled with cheddar cheese, a block of cream cheese, celery sticks and a teal napkin

Ingredients You’ll Need

Buffalo Wing Dip is all about big flavor with minimal effort. Just a handful of ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy dip that’s impossible to resist. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few pro tips to make it even better:

  • Rotisserie Chicken – Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this extra easy, but any cooked and shredded chicken will work. Pro tip: Use a hand mixer to shred it in seconds!
  • Buffalo Sauce – Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite. Want it milder? Mix in a little extra ranch or cream cheese.
  • Cream Cheese – Full-fat cream cheese gives the dip that rich, creamy texture. Let it soften at room temp for easy mixing.
  • Ranch Dressing OR Blue Cheese Dressing – Pick your team: ranch for a classic creamy vibe or blue cheese for a bold, tangy kick.
  • Cheddar Cheese – Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than the pre-shredded stuff. Mix some in and sprinkle extra on top for that gooey, golden finish.
  • Celery or Crackers for Dipping – Celery keeps things fresh and crunchy, while crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices turn it into a snack-worthy feast.

That’s it! Just a few simple ingredients and you’re on your way to the best Buffalo Chicken Dip ever. Now, let’s get cooking!

Jesseca, author of One Sweet Appetite.

This Buffalo Chicken Dip is an absolute game-changer! It’s creamy, cheesy, just the right amount of spicy, and always the first thing to disappear at any party. I’ve made it more times than I can count, and every time, someone asks for the recipe. It’s that good.


Tip from Jesseca:

Mix everything together before baking to ensure the flavors blend perfectly. And if you really want to take it up a notch, broil the dip for the last 2-3 minutes to get that golden, bubbly cheese top. Game-day perfection!

Substitutions and Variations

This easy Buffalo Chicken Dip is already a winner, but you can easily tweak it to fit your taste (or whatever you have in the fridge). Here are some easy swaps and fun variations:

Substitutions

  • Chicken: No rotisserie chicken? Use canned chicken for a shortcut or cook and shred boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Swap for mild wing sauce if you want less heat or add extra hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Ranch or Blue Cheese: Greek yogurt can lighten things up while still keeping it creamy.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Try Monterey Jack for extra meltiness or a Mexican blend for a little twist.

Variations

  • Extra Cheesy: Stir in some mozzarella for that perfect cheese pull.
  • Bacon Lover’s Edition: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before baking.
  • Loaded Dip: Top with sliced green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or even diced jalapeños for more flavor.
  • Slow Cooker Method: This is the perfect buffalo chicken dip in crock pot. Throw everything in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, for an easy, hands-off version.

No matter how you mix it up, this dip is guaranteed to disappear fast. So go ahead—make it your own!

Top down image showing a white mixing bowl filled with cream cheese, buffalo sauce, shredded cheddar, and ranch dressing.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

This Chicken Dip comes together in just a few easy steps. It’s simple, fast, and packed with flavor—perfect for game day or any gathering!

  1. Heat the Chicken & Sauce: Warm the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the Creaminess: Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing, cooking until smooth.
  3. Cheese Time: Mix in half of the cheddar cheese, then transfer to a slow cooker.
  4. Melt & Serve: Top with the remaining cheese, cover, and cook on low until hot and bubbly.

That’s it! Grab your favorite dippers and get ready to watch it disappear.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Buffalo Dip is just as good the next day—if there’s any left! Here’s how to store and prep it in advance for stress-free snacking.

Make-Ahead Instructions

  • Mix It Up Early: Prepare the dip up to a day in advance, stopping before the final cooking step. Store it covered in the refrigerator.
  • Heat & Serve: When ready to serve, transfer the dip to a slow cooker or oven-safe dish and heat until warm and bubbly. If using the oven, bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, or heat in a skillet over low heat until creamy again.
  • Freeze (Not Recommended): While technically freezable, the texture may change due to the cream cheese. If you do freeze it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly, stirring well.

Whether making it ahead or saving leftovers, this dip stays just as delicious!

Top down image showing a white mixing bowl filled with cream cheese, buffalo sauce, shredded cheddar, and ranch dressing being mixed together with a spatula

Expert Recipe Tips

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience – It’s already cooked, perfectly tender, and easy to shred, saving you time. A hand mixer can make shredding even faster.
  • Adjust the Heat Level – Want it milder? Use less buffalo sauce or mix in extra ranch. Craving more heat? Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Shred Your Own Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheddar will give you the best gooey, creamy texture.
  • Elevate with Toppings – Add crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor.
  • Best Dippers – Celery, tortilla chips, pretzels, toasted baguette slices, or even bell pepper strips make the perfect scooping tools.
Top down image showing a baked cheese dip sitting in a white rectangle dish. Around the dish are round crackers and celery sticks with a teal napkin

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix everything together up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, heat it in a slow cooker on low or bake it at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warm and bubbly.

How can I make this dip spicier or milder?

To make it spicier, add extra buffalo sauce, a few dashes of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. To tone it down, use a mild wing sauce or mix in more ranch or cream cheese to balance the heat.

What are the best dippers to serve with this?

Classic choices include tortilla chips, celery sticks, crackers, pretzels, or toasted baguette slices. For a low-carb option, try bell pepper strips or cucumber slices.

Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?

Technically, yes, but the texture might change due to the dairy. If you freeze it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly, stirring well to bring back the creamy consistency.

Can I use a slow cooker instead of baking?

Yes! Simply mix everything together, transfer it to a slow cooker, and cook on low for about 35 minutes until hot and bubbly. This method keeps the dip warm for hours, making it perfect for parties.

image showing a white rectangle baking dish filled with a chocolate dip that is being scooped out with a celery piece

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Buffalo Chicken Dip

Author Jesseca
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Serves: 20
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy appetizer that’s perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing snack. Made with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavor. Serve it with chips, crackers, or veggies for the ultimate dip experience!

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups rotisserie chicken
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (like Franks)
  • 16 oz cream cheese ((2 sticks))
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
  • celery for dipping
  • crackers for dipping

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir occasionally and let it heat through, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing if using). Stir continuously until everything is well combined and smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
  • Pour the mixture into a slow cooker, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
  • Cover and cook on low for about 35 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
  • Stir before serving and pair with celery, crackers, or tortilla chips.

Video

Notes

Want that golden, cheesy top? Pop the dip under the broiler for 2-3 minutes before serving for an extra melty finish!

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 231kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 13gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 726mgPotassium: 44mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 394IUCalcium: 85mgIron: 0.1mg

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American

Recipe adapted from All Recipes

image showing a white rectangle baking dish filled with a chocolate dip that is being scooped out with a celery piece. Text overlay reads "easy buffalo chicken dip

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