Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect mix of spicy, creamy, and cheesy all in one bowl. It’s made with shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, and melted cheese that come together into a dip that’s super easy to love. The bold buffalo flavor gives it a nice kick, while the creamy texture makes it impossible to stop dipping your chips or veggies into it.
I always like to make a big batch of this dip when friends are coming over because it’s such a crowd-pleaser. The spicy heat can be adjusted to your liking, and I find it’s best served warm so all the cheese is gooey and perfect. When I serve it, I always keep extra celery and carrot sticks on the side to balance the spice and add a fresh crunch.
This dip reminds me of all those fun game day parties, where everyone gathers around with plates full of snacks. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together because everyone reaches for the dip at the same time, and there’s always a happy buzz around the bowl. For me, Buffalo Chicken Dip is a little slice of celebration in every bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease and great flavor. If you don’t have any, cooked leftover chicken or even canned chicken works fine. Just make sure it’s well drained.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip a creamy base. I like it softened for easy mixing. For a lighter option, try using Neufchatel cheese.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic here. You can adjust the amount to make it as mild or spicy as you want. For less heat, use buffalo wing sauce or add a little honey to balance it out.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice cheesy flavor and meltiness. You can swap it with Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you prefer a milder cheese. Blue cheese crumbles on top add tang but are optional if you’re not a fan.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds creaminess and cools down the spicy sauce. Use either one based on your taste or go with a dairy-free dressing for a vegan twist.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy and Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip?
The key is mixing and baking just right so the dip is smooth, creamy, and warm without drying out. Here’s what helps:
- Soften cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature to avoid lumps when mixing.
- Mix well: Blend cream cheese, dressing, and hot sauce together until smooth before adding chicken and cheese. This gives an even flavor throughout.
- Layer cheese evenly: Add the extra cheddar on top to get a nice bubbly cheesy crust after baking.
- Bake at 350°F: Keep to 20-25 minutes so it heats through nicely but doesn’t dry out. When it’s bubbly around the edges, it’s done!
- Serve warm: Buffalo chicken dip tastes best hot, so serve immediately with chips and veggies for the perfect bite every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I use a big one to combine all the ingredients easily.
- Oven-safe dish – a 9-inch baking dish or casserole dish works well for baking the dip.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy when measuring hot sauce, dressing, and cheese.
- Spatula or spoon – helps to stir everything together and spread evenly.
- Oven – ensures the dip gets bubbly and cheesy; no special tools needed.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try blue cheese crumbles on top for a tangy burst; perfect if you love strong cheese flavors.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits before baking for extra smoky flavor and crunch.
- Add chopped celery or green onions into the dip for some freshness and crunch.
- Swap buffalo hot sauce for barbecue sauce for a sweet, smoky twist.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or celery (optional, for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Chicken Dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in under 40 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy, spicy dip ready to enjoy at your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Mix Ingredients:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and hot sauce. Stir everything until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
2. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Next, stir in the shredded chicken and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dip from the oven. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions or celery on top for extra flavor and a nice touch. Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for dipping. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding and mixing. 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 refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm the dip in the oven at 350°F until bubbly or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip mixture, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as directed. This helps develop deeper flavors and saves time on game day.
What Can I Use Instead of Blue Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can omit it or substitute with extra shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. Ranch dressing also complements the buffalo flavor nicely if you want a milder taste.