Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip: Ultimate Party Recipe

g ready for game day or a weekend party? I always find myself needing that one dish that everyone loves. This Buffalo Chicken Dip is always the first to disappear! This Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot recipe is incredibly easy to make and tastes amazing. If you want to learn how to make the easiest and most delicious buffalo chicken dip in your slow cooker, you’ve come to the right place. Plus, I’ll share my tips for variations to make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any buffalo chicken dip. I’ve added a few touches to elevate it to the next level.

Easy and Quick: You basically dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

Crowd-Pleaser: Buffalo chicken dip is always a hit at parties, get-togethers, and especially during game day. Trust me, your guests will thank you.

Make-Ahead: You can prep this dip ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days or when you’re hosting a party. Just throw it in the slow cooker when you’re ready to serve!

The Secret Twist: I add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth and umami. It enhances the savory notes and complements the buffalo wing sauce beautifully. I also add ¼ cup of finely chopped celery for a bit of fresh crunch and texture, adding a refreshing contrast to the creamy dip.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 pound cooked chicken (shredded )
• 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• ¾ cup Frank’s Red Hot Wing sauce (Wing sauce, not regular hot sauce)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for this recipe. It’s convenient and flavorful. In a pinch, canned chicken will work, but make sure to drain it well.

Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help it melt smoothly. For a dairy-free option, use your favorite dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

Ranch Dressing: I usually go with a classic ranch dressing, but feel free to experiment with different brands and flavor profiles. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade ranch dressing is always a winner.

Buffalo Wing Sauce: It’s important to use wing sauce, not just regular hot sauce, for that authentic buffalo flavor. I recommend Frank’s RedHot Wing Sauce. If you prefer a milder dip, start with less wing sauce and add more to taste.

Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar cheese melts much better than pre-shredded. You can use mild, sharp, or a blend of both, depending on your preference.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Place all the ingredients into your slow cooker. Make sure that cream cheese is softened to help everything melt smoothly. The colorful mix of shredded chicken, cubed cream cheese, creamy ranch, spicy wing sauce and cheddar cheese creates a promising blend, ready to be transformed.

Step 2: Slow Cook

Heat on high for about an hour, until everything is melted. Check and stir every 20 minutes to ensure even melting. As the dip heats up, the aroma of buffalo sauce and cheese will fill your kitchen, signaling that deliciousness is on the way.

Step 3: Stir

Give it a stir a few times along the way. Stirring is important to ensure that all ingredients are evenly incorporated and melted together.

Step 4: Keep Warm

Turn the heat to low or warm while serving. This will keep the dip warm and prevent it from burning. The finished dip should have a creamy, cheesy texture with a slight kick of spice – the perfect combination!

Alternative Cooking Methods

Baking Instructions

You can also bake this dip in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place all ingredients in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is lightly browned. Baking gives the top a nice, slightly browned crust.

Stovetop Instructions

For a quicker method, make the dip on the stovetop. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until everything is melted and well combined. This method is faster but requires more attention to prevent burning.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Pro Tips

• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother melting.
• Grate your own cheese for better melting and flavor.
• Don’t substitute wing sauce with regular hot sauce unless you want it extremely spicy.
• Add the Worcestershire sauce for extra depth and umami flavor.
• Stir the dip frequently while it’s melting to prevent burning.
• Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.
• Adjust the amount of wing sauce to control the spice level.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold cream cheese (it won’t melt properly).
• Not stirring frequently enough (the dip can burn).
• Overcooking the dip (it can become dry).
• Using too much wing sauce (it can become too spicy).
• Forgetting the Worcestershire sauce (missed flavor dimension).

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

• Tortilla chips (restaurant-style or blue corn).
• Celery sticks and carrot sticks (for a refreshing crunch).
• Pita bread or baguette slices (toasted or grilled).
• Crackers (various types).
• Garnish with green onions, blue cheese crumbles, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently. Alternatively, reheat in the slow cooker on low.

Make-ahead: Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add 15-20 minutes to slow cooking time to account for starting with chilled dip.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The Worcestershire sauce adds a unique depth of flavor, while the celery provides a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the creamy texture and spicy kick. For another great party snack, you could also try this easy onion dip. Give it a try and customize it to your liking! Share this recipe with your friends and family, or explore other appetizer recipes on my blog. Enjoy!

FAQ

What is buffalo dip made of?

Buffalo dip is typically made with cooked chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, and cheddar cheese. My recipe also includes Worcestershire sauce and celery.

What goes with buffalo chicken dip?

Great dippers for buffalo chicken dip include tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, pita bread, baguette slices, and crackers. You can also garnish it with green onions, blue cheese crumbles, or a drizzle of ranch dressing. Looking for different types of crackers? You can read about the history of crackers. These crispy air fryer zucchini fries would be fantastic!

Is buffalo sauce just hot sauce?

No, buffalo wing sauce is not just hot sauce. While hot sauce is often a key ingredient, buffalo wing sauce typically includes other ingredients like butter, vinegar, and spices to create a distinct flavor profile.

How spicy is buffalo chicken dip?

The spice level of buffalo chicken dip can be adjusted to your liking. Use more or less wing sauce to control the heat. You can also opt for a mild wing sauce.

How do I make buffalo chicken dip in the oven?

To bake buffalo chicken dip, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place all ingredients in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is lightly browned.

How to store leftovers & reheat?

Store leftover buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, or in the slow cooker on low.

Consider serving these with a kale mango smoothie.