Buffalo Chicken Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This creamy, spicy, cheesy dip is the perfect appetizer for game day, parties, or any gathering where you want to serve up something delicious and satisfying. This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe takes just minutes to prepare and is always a hit! Get ready to learn how to make a classic dip with a simple, yet incredibly effective, flavor-boosting twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is not just easy; it’s unforgettable. What sets this recipe apart is a simple addition that elevates the entire dish.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Party Perfect: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from game day to potlucks.
Customizable Spice: Easily adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste.
The Secret Twist: After baking, I broil the dip for a minute or two until it’s bubbly and slightly browned. This enhances the Maillard reaction, creating deeper, more complex flavors. To understand more about this process, you can read about the science of the Maillard reaction. Then, I top it with thinly sliced scallions and a drizzle of melted butter mixed with a bit of extra hot sauce for a final burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 3/4 cup red hot sauce
- 1 (10 ounce) can chicken, drained (or equivalent rotisserie or freshly-cooked, chopped chicken)
- shredded cheddar cheese, you decide how much
- Frito corn chip, scoops
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Here’s a little more detail about the ingredients, plus some handy substitutions you can use.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese will give you the richest, creamiest texture. However, you can use low-fat cream cheese to cut down on calories. Dairy-free cream cheese alternatives also work well, but be aware that they may slightly alter the taste and texture.
Chicken: While canned chicken is convenient, I highly recommend using rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor. If using fresh chicken breasts, it will take about 20 minutes to cook them thoroughly; let them cool before shredding.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my go-to for authentic buffalo flavor. Adjust the quantity to your liking – use more for a spicier dip, less for a milder one. For a smoky variation, try Tabasco chipotle sauce.
Ranch Dressing: Homemade ranch dressing is fantastic, but store-bought is perfectly fine for this recipe. For a different flavor profile, try blue cheese dressing, sour cream, or even mayonnaise. Keep in mind that these substitutions will change the overall taste.
Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Colby Jack or a Mexican blend are both great options. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Serving Suggestions: While Frito Scoops are a classic, celery and carrots sticks are also delicious and offer a lighter option.
How to Make Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Here’s how I make this flavorful appetizer in my kitchen.
Step 1: Combine the Base
In a large bowl, beat together the 2 (8 ounce) packages of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of ranch dressing, and 3/4 cup of red hot sauce until smooth and well combined. For an extra smooth texture, you can melt the cream cheese in a saucepan over low heat before mixing.
Step 2: Incorporate the Chicken
Gently fold in the 1 (10 ounce) can of drained chicken, shredded. For an extra layer of flavor, try simmering the shredded chicken with a tablespoon or two of hot sauce before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into a pie plate that you have sprayed with Pam cooking spray. A casserole dish will also work perfectly if you don’t have a pie plate handy.
Step 4: First Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. At this point, the dip should be heated through and starting to bubble around the edges.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle your desired amount of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
Step 6: Final Bake & Broil
Return the dip to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. For the signature twist, broil for 1-2 minutes until the top is bubbly and browned, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with scallions and butter/hot sauce mixture, and serve hot with Frito scoops, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for dipping.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Want to keep your dip warm throughout your party? A slow cooker is the perfect solution! Simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and melting. Keep it warm on the “warm” setting for serving. A slow cooker, also known as a Crock-Pot, is ideal for keeping food warm, you can find more information on how they work at the FDA website.
If you’re looking for more easy recipes, try this slow cooker cowboy casserole.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Pro Tips
- Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for the best flavor.
- Broil for a bubbly, browned top (watch carefully to avoid burning).
- Don’t skip the scallion and butter/hot sauce garnish – it adds so much flavor!
- Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Use a crock pot to keep the dip warm at parties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overpowering the flavors with too much hot sauce.
- Using watery salad dressing.
- Overbaking the dip (cheese can become hard).
- Not softening the cream cheese enough (can result in a lumpy dip).
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip is incredibly versatile! I love to serve it with:
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks for a lighter option.
- Toasted baguette slices for a more substantial bite.
- Tortilla chips for a classic pairing.
- Bake the dip in filo cups or Tostitos scoops for an elegant appetizer.
- Serve over white rice for a full meal.
- For a low-carb option, serve with pork rinds.
- Get creative and add the dip to homemade pizza dough to make a calzone.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
Storage: Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the dip in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the cheese can become hard.
Conclusion
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is a guaranteed winner! The broiled top and scallion garnish take it to the next level, adding a depth of flavor and texture you won’t find in ordinary recipes. Don’t be intimidated – it’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. Feel free to experiment with different variations and serving ideas to make it your own. And if you love it as much as I do, please share this recipe with your friends and family!
For another great party appetizer, you might also like this easy onion dip recipe.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:
Can this Buffalo Chicken Dip be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
How long does Buffalo Chicken Dip last in the refrigerator?
It will last for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What are the best substitutions for ranch dressing?
Blue cheese dressing, sour cream, or mayonnaise can be used as substitutes, but they will alter the flavor profile.
What are the best toppings and dippers to serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Celery sticks, carrot sticks, tortilla chips, and baguette slices are all great options.
Can Buffalo Chicken Dip be made in a slow cooker, and what is the recommended timing?
Yes, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
How can I adjust the spice level in this dip?
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference. More hot sauce equals a spicier dip.
Can you freeze this recipe?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cream cheese may change upon thawing.
How can I make this dip healthier?
Use light cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of ranch dressing to cut down on fat and calories.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe - Cheesy & Spicy!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, beat together the 2 (8 ounce) packages of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of ranch dressing, and 3/4 cup of red hot sauce until smooth and well combined. For an extra smooth texture, you can melt the cream cheese in a saucepan over low heat before mixing.
- Gently fold in the 1 (10 ounce) can of drained chicken, shredded. For an extra layer of flavor, try simmering the shredded chicken with a tablespoon or two of hot sauce before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into a pie plate that you have sprayed with Pam cooking spray. A casserole dish will also work perfectly if you don't have a pie plate handy.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. At this point, the dip should be heated through and starting to bubble around the edges.
- Sprinkle your desired amount of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
- Return the dip to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. For the signature twist, broil for 1-2 minutes until the top is bubbly and browned, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with scallions and butter/hot sauce mixture, and serve hot with Frito scoops, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for dipping.
Notes
Lia Monet is a food blogger, recipe developer, and the founder of EasyAsMeals, a food blog focused on easy recipes, quick dinners, and everyday home cooking. She creates tested, family-friendly recipes using simple ingredients to help busy families cook affordable and delicious meals at home.
