Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next gathering? Look no further! This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip is incredibly easy to make and will be the star of any party or game day. This recipe uses simple ingredients and your slow cooker to create a creamy, flavorful dip everyone will love. Get ready to learn how to make a super easy and flavorful buffalo chicken dip in your slow cooker, plus a tangy twist that sets it apart.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another buffalo chicken dip recipe. It’s special, and here’s why:
Our secret ingredient: crumbled blue cheese! This unexpected addition takes this dip to the next level.
The blue cheese offers a sharp, pungent counterpoint to the richness of the cream cheese and cheddar, and complements the buffalo wing sauce. The tangy, salty notes cut through the richness and spice, creating a truly addictive flavor profile.
This recipe is incredibly easy, perfect for parties, and always a hit! It’s also a great way to use leftover chicken. It’s the perfect appetizer for game day, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the fun.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this amazing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip:
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
4 oz crumbled blue cheese (added during the last 30 minutes of cooking)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, canned chicken for a budget-friendly option, or pre-cooked chicken breasts. Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor, while canned chicken is quick and easy. If using canned, drain it well. Cooked chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper before cooking, also work perfectly.
Cream Cheese: Using room temperature cream cheese will make it easier to melt and incorporate into the dip. For a dairy-free option, try using a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
Buffalo Sauce: It’s important to use *wing* sauce, specifically Frank’s RedHot Wing Sauce, for the best flavor. Regular hot sauce doesn’t have the same buttery, tangy flavor as wing sauce.
Cheese: You can use different cheddar cheese variations, such as mild or sharp, depending on your preference. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own often melts more smoothly.
Ranch Dressing: For a twist, you can use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch. This will enhance the blue cheese flavor even more.
How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect dip:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Place all ingredients (except the blue cheese!) into the slow cooker and heat on high for about an hour, until everything is melted. The aroma of buffalo sauce and cheddar will start to fill your kitchen, signaling that the magic is happening.
Step 2: Stir and Melt
Give it a stir a few times along the way to ensure even melting. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
Step 3: Add Blue Cheese
Stir in the blue cheese crumbles and continue to cook for 30 minutes or until the blue cheese has softened slightly. This allows the blue cheese flavor to meld into the dip without completely melting away.
Step 4: Keep Warm and Serve
Turn heat to low or warm while serving to keep the dip at the perfect temperature. This ensures your guests can enjoy a warm, gooey dip throughout the party.
Choosing the Right Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Dip
The type of chicken you use can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your buffalo chicken dip. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:
Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds a ton of flavor. Simply shred the chicken, discarding the skin and bones. The smoky, savory notes of rotisserie chicken enhance the overall taste of the dip.
Canned Chicken: Canned chicken is a budget-friendly and convenient option. However, it can sometimes be a bit bland. To improve its flavor, drain the chicken very well and consider adding a pinch of salt and pepper or some extra wing sauce to the dip.
Cooked Chicken Breasts: If you prefer to cook your own chicken, poaching or baking chicken breasts are great methods. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before cooking for added flavor. Once cooked, shred the chicken and add it to the dip.
Slow Cooker Size and Timing Guide
Using the right size slow cooker and adjusting the cooking time accordingly is crucial for achieving the perfect buffalo chicken dip consistency.
Small Slow Cooker (1.5-3 quarts): If you’re using a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the ingredient quantities slightly to prevent overflow. Reduce the cooking time to about 45 minutes to an hour on high, then switch to low to keep it warm.
Medium Slow Cooker (4-6 quarts): This is the ideal size for this recipe. Follow the standard cooking times as specified in the instructions: approximately 1 hour on high until melted, then 30 minutes with the blue cheese on low or warm.
Large Slow Cooker (7+ quarts): In a larger slow cooker, the dip may cook faster due to the increased surface area. Monitor the dip closely and consider reducing the initial cooking time to avoid overcooking. Check it after about 45 minutes.
Keep in mind that slow cookers can vary in temperature, so adjust cook times as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Pro Tips
Start with room temperature cream cheese for smoother melting.
Don’t overcook; the dip should be creamy, not dry.
Stir frequently while melting to prevent burning.
Add the blue cheese during the last 30 minutes to prevent it from completely melting away.
Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
For a spicier dip, add a dash of cayenne pepper or more wing sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using regular hot sauce instead of wing sauce.
Overcooking the dip, which can lead to a dry or separated consistency.
Not stirring frequently enough, causing the bottom to burn.
Adding cold cream cheese directly to the slow cooker, which can result in lumps.
Skipping the blue cheese addition – it really makes a difference!
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas
Serve warm with tortilla chips. These are a classic choice that complements the creamy dip perfectly.
Offer celery sticks and carrot sticks for dipping. These provide a refreshing and healthy alternative.
Provide pita bread or crackers as alternative dippers. This adds variety and caters to different preferences.
Garnish with green onions or a sprinkle of extra blue cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serve alongside other game day favorites like wings and sliders for a complete spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead
The dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently in the microwave or slow cooker before serving.
For longer storage, freeze the dip in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
Love a good appetizer? You might also enjoy this easy onion dip recipe!
Conclusion
This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect appetizer for any occasion, thanks to its ease of preparation and the irresistible tangy twist of blue cheese. Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can easily master this recipe. Try different variations, such as using blue cheese dressing instead of ranch, or serving it with different dippers. Print this recipe and share it with your friends! Also, check out our other amazing appetizer recipes.
For another fun appetizer idea, consider this easy buffalo chicken dip recipe.
FAQ
What is buffalo dip made of?
Buffalo dip typically contains chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, and cheddar cheese. Our version adds a special touch with blue cheese!
What goes with buffalo chicken dip?
Tortilla chips and celery sticks are classic choices, but you can also use carrot sticks, crackers, or pita bread.
How spicy is buffalo chicken dip?
The spiciness depends on the amount of wing sauce used. You can adjust the amount to your preference. Use mild wing sauce for a less spicy version or add a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Can I make buffalo chicken dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it 1-2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
How should I store buffalo chicken dip?
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it.
Can buffalo chicken dip be frozen?
Yes, buffalo chicken dip can be frozen. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture may change slightly after freezing.
If you’re interested in learning more about safe food storage practices, you can visit the FoodSafety.gov website.
For information about slow cookers and their safe usage, you might find the USDA’s guide on slow cookers and food safety helpful.
Easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip with Tangy Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place all ingredients (except the blue cheese!) into the slow cooker and heat on high for about an hour, until everything is melted. The aroma of buffalo sauce and cheddar will start to fill your kitchen, signaling that the magic is happening.
- Give it a stir a few times along the way to ensure even melting. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
- Stir in the blue cheese crumbles and continue to cook for 30 minutes or until the blue cheese has softened slightly. This allows the blue cheese flavor to meld into the dip without completely melting away.
- Turn heat to low or warm while serving to keep the dip at the perfect temperature. This ensures your guests can enjoy a warm, gooey dip throughout the party.
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.
