Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy crowd-pleaser that brings the bold flavors of buffalo wings into a dip form. It’s loaded with shredded chicken, tangy hot sauce, cream cheese, and plenty of melty cheese, giving it that irresistible gooey texture. This dip is perfect for game day, parties, or any time you want something flavorful and easy to share.
I always love making this dip because it comes together quickly and almost everyone loves it. One simple tip I’ve learned is to mix everything well before baking so every bite has that perfect buffalo kick. Plus, it’s super fun to scoop up with sturdy chips, celery sticks, or even soft pretzels—it’s pretty much impossible to stop eating it once you get started!
When I serve Buffalo Chicken Dip, I like to warm it right before guests arrive so it’s nice and melty. It’s not just a dip; it’s a total party starter that gets everyone chatting and grabbing for more. Honestly, it reminds me of those fun gatherings where everyone just relaxes, laughs, and enjoys some seriously tasty food together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my top pick because it’s tender and ready to use. Leftover cooked chicken or even canned chicken can work if you’re in a pinch.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess and helps bind everything together. For a lighter option, try using light cream cheese or Greek yogurt, but the texture will be different.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic here. If you want less heat, mix it with a bit of honey or use a milder hot sauce. For a dairy-free version, look for vegan buffalo sauces.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch adds tang and balances the spice. You can substitute blue cheese dressing or a dairy-free ranch for variety or dietary needs.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella give great melting and flavor. You can swap mozzarella with Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for more spice.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: These give a sharp contrast to the spicy dip. If you don’t like blue cheese, just skip or replace with extra cheddar.
How Can I Get the Dip Creamy & Well-Mixed Without Clumps?
Mixing everything smoothly is key for a creamy, flavorful dip. Here’s how I do it:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened—leave it out for 30 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds to soften.
- Use a spoon or mixer to blend the cream cheese, ranch, and buffalo sauce first until smooth, no lumps.
- Then fold in shredded chicken and cheeses gently but fully to distribute evenly.
- Spread the mixture flat and smooth in your baking dish before adding blue cheese on top.
- Bake until bubbly to help the flavors meld and the texture gets silky.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I use this to blend the cream cheese, sauces, and chicken easily.
- Hand or stand mixer – makes mixing smooth and quick, especially with softened cream cheese.
- 8-inch or 9-inch baking dish – perfect for baking the dip evenly.
- Spatula or spoon – helps spread the mixture and smooth the top before baking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy when adding ingredients.
- Baking sheet (optional) – if you want to serve with chips or celery, for easy transport.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for more spice and meltiness.
- Swap chicken with canned or cooked turkey for a different taste.
- Drizzle honey or add a splash of lime juice for a sweet or tangy twist.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: celery sticks and crackers or chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in about 30-35 minutes total, you’ll have a hot, melty dip ready to enjoy with your favorite dippers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo wing sauce. Stir everything together until you get a smooth and creamy mixture.
2. Add Chicken and Cheeses
Next, fold in the shredded chicken along with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Make sure all ingredients are well combined so every bite is flavorful.
3. Bake and Garnish
Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch round baking dish or similar. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is bubbling and the edges start to turn golden brown.
4. Serve Warm
Remove from the oven and sprinkle sliced green onions and extra blue cheese on top if you’d like. Serve your delicious buffalo chicken dip warm with celery sticks, crackers, or tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
How Do I Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to a day in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, and then bake it right before serving for the best melty texture.
What Are Good Dippers for Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Classic options include celery sticks, tortilla chips, crackers, and even soft pretzels. Choose sturdy dippers to scoop up all that creamy, spicy goodness!