Buffalo Chicken Dip

This Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate game day appetizer that disappears in minutes at every party! Loaded with tender shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and a perfect blend of cream cheese and ranch, this dip delivers bold, spicy flavor in every scoop.
What makes this recipe a total winner is how incredibly easy it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients and about 25 minutes of your time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dip that tastes like it came from your favorite sports bar. The combination of creamy cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and savory chicken creates an addictive flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, tailgating, or just craving something deliciously indulgent, this buffalo chicken dip is your answer. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers, and watch it become the star of your spread. The best part? You can make it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when your guests arrive. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become your go-to party dip!

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip

There are so many reasons why this buffalo chicken dip stands out from the rest. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level to your preference by choosing mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce. The texture is perfectly creamy yet substantial enough to scoop with sturdy chips without making a mess.
Another huge plus is that this dip can be prepared in advance. You can assemble everything the night before and refrigerate it, then just bake it when you’re ready to serve. This makes party planning so much easier and less stressful.
The ingredients are simple and affordable. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already. There’s no need for exotic ingredients or complicated techniques. Just mix, bake, and enjoy. It’s comfort food at its finest, combining the beloved flavors of buffalo wings with the convenience of a shareable dip.
Plus, leftovers are amazing! You can use leftover buffalo chicken dip as a sandwich filling, stuff it into quesadillas, top baked potatoes, or even use it as a pizza topping. The possibilities are endless, which means nothing goes to waste.

Ingredient Breakdown:

Let me walk you through each ingredient and why it’s important for creating the perfect buffalo chicken dip.

Cooked Chicken – I use 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can also use leftover grilled chicken or poached chicken breasts. The rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and saves you time.

Cream Cheese – 8 oz of softened cream cheese creates that ultra-creamy, rich base that holds everything together. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.

Ranch Dressing – 1/2 cup of ranch dressing adds tangy flavor and extra creaminess. You can substitute with blue cheese dressing if you prefer that classic buffalo wing pairing.

Buffalo Sauce – 1/2 cup of your favorite buffalo sauce brings the signature spicy, tangy kick. Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice, but use whatever brand you love.

For the Cheesy Topping:

Shredded Cheddar Cheese – 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top and adds a bold, savory flavor that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – 1 cup of mozzarella gives you that gorgeous cheese pull and adds mild, creamy flavor without overpowering the buffalo taste.

Optional Garnishes:

Green Onions – Chopped green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Blue Cheese Crumbles – For the true buffalo wing experience, sprinkle some blue cheese on top before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature ensures the dip heats through evenly without burning the cheese on top. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.

Prepare the Dip Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to blend everything together until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy with no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy buffalo mixture. Make sure every piece of chicken is well incorporated for consistent flavor in every bite.

Assemble in Baking Dish:
Transfer the buffalo chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom, creating a uniform layer. This ensures even cooking and makes serving easier.

Add the Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the buffalo chicken mixture, followed by the shredded mozzarella. Don’t skip this step because the melted cheese creates a gorgeous golden-brown crust that adds texture and visual appeal.

Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is fully melted, bubbly around the edges, and starting to turn golden brown on top. The dip should be heated through completely.

Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This brief resting time makes it easier to serve and prevents anyone from burning their mouth on molten cheese. Garnish with chopped green onions and blue cheese crumbles if desired.
Serve immediately with your favorite dippers like tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, crackers, or sliced baguette.

Recipe Tips and Variations
Make It Milder: If you’re serving guests who prefer less heat, use mild buffalo sauce and add an extra tablespoon of ranch dressing to tone down the spice.

Make It Spicier: Love extreme heat? Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper or use extra hot buffalo sauce. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños for extra kick.

Slow Cooker Method:You can make this in a slow cooker instead. Combine all ingredients except the cheese topping in your slow cooker, cook on low for 2-3 hours, then add cheese and cook for another 15 minutes until melted.

Different Proteins: Try using shredded turkey, pulled pork, or even canned chicken for variety. Each protein brings its own unique flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Option:Use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan ranch, and dairy-free shredded cheese to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy.

Storage and Reheating Instruction:

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and intensify over time, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this dip! Place cooled dip in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 2g
• Makes approximately 8 servings

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Serving Suggestions

The beauty of buffalo chicken dip is its versatility. Here are my favorite ways to serve it:

Crispy tortilla chips provide the perfect crunchy vehicle for scooping. Celery and carrot sticks offer a refreshing, healthy contrast to the rich, creamy dip. Crackers like Ritz or Club crackers add a buttery element. Sliced baguette or toasted bread rounds make it feel more elevated for dinner parties. Pretzel crisps or regular pretzels bring a salty crunch that pairs beautifully with the buffalo flavor.

For a complete game day spread, pair this dip with other appetizers like mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, loaded nachos, or a fresh vegetable platter.

FAQ Section: