Ever find yourself looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing party appetizer? This buffalo chicken dip recipe is it! The first time I made this dip was for a Super Bowl party, and not a single bite was left. Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and packed with shredded chicken—it’s basically buffalo chicken wings in dip form.
Whether you’re hosting game day, a casual potluck, or just need a savory snack for movie night, this dip has your back. You’ll love how quick it comes together and how easy it is to tweak to your liking. In this post, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, smart substitutions, expert tips, variations, and serving ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking.
- Game Day Favorite: Perfect with celery sticks or tortilla chips.
- Customizable Heat Level: Use mild or hot buffalo sauce.
- Creamy & Cheesy: Made with cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: Easily reheats for leftovers or parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is classic)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded jack cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, blue cheese crumbles
Tip: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ranch Dressing: Swap with blue cheese dressing for tangier flavor.
- Jack Cheese: Use mozzarella or gouda for a milder melt.
- Chicken: Use canned chicken or leftover grilled chicken in a pinch.
- Buffalo Sauce: Mix hot sauce with melted butter if you’re out of buffalo sauce.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Add Chicken & Cheese: Fold in shredded chicken, cheddar, and jack cheese.
- Spread in Dish: Transfer mixture to a small baking dish (like 8×8-inch) and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Optional: broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden top.
- Serve: Top with green onions or blue cheese crumbles and serve hot with dippers.
Equipment: Mixing bowl, baking dish, spatula, oven mitts
Expert Tips / Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese won’t mix well.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake just until bubbly to prevent drying out.
- Add Toppings After Baking: Keep green onions and crumbles fresh.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the dip and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Slow Cooker Option: Mix ingredients and heat on low for 2 hours.
Variations & Add-Ons
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra hot sauce.
- Creamier Texture: Add 1/4 cup sour cream to the mix.
- Low-Fat Version: Use low-fat cream cheese and light ranch.
- Veggie Add-In: Stir in finely diced celery for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Dippers: Tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks
- Crunchy Bites: Toasted baguette slices or pita chips
- Game Day Style: Serve in a mini slow cooker to keep warm
- Meal Option: Use as a filling in quesadillas or stuffed potatoes
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (cheese and dairy may separate).
- Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts or bake at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Sugar: 1g
Prep, Cook, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make buffalo chicken dip ahead of time?
Yes! Mix and store in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Is buffalo chicken dip spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat depending on the buffalo sauce used. Adjust to taste.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Combine ingredients and heat on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, just drain well and shred it before mixing.
What cheese is best for buffalo chicken dip?
A blend of cheddar and jack cheese melts beautifully and complements the heat.
Conclusion
This buffalo chicken dip recipe is my go-to for parties, game day, or anytime I want something cheesy, spicy, and comforting. It’s simple, quick, and endlessly customizable. The creamy blend of cheese and buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken is pure magic.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Share your twist in the comments or tag me if you add it to your game day spread. Happy dipping!
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Add Chicken & Cheese: Fold in shredded chicken, cheddar, and jack cheese.
- Spread in Dish: Transfer mixture to a small baking dish (like 8×8-inch) and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Optional: broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden top.
- Serve: Top with green onions or blue cheese crumbles and serve hot with dippers.
Notes
- Ranch Dressing: Swap with blue cheese dressing for tangier flavor.
- Jack Cheese: Use mozzarella or gouda for a milder melt.
- Chicken: Use canned chicken or leftover grilled chicken in a pinch.
- Buffalo Sauce: Mix hot sauce with melted butter if you’re out of buffalo sauce.
- Make Ahead: Mix and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.
- Slow Cooker: Mix ingredients and cook on low for 2–3 hours.
- Freezing: Not recommended as cheese and dairy may separate.
