Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleaser that’s creamy, spicy, and packed with shredded chicken and tangy buffalo sauce. It’s the perfect mix of cheesy goodness and a bit of heat that makes it hard to stop eating once you start. This dip melts together cream cheese, cheese, and buffalo wing flavors into a warm, comforting dish everyone loves at parties or game days.
I always keep this recipe on hand because it’s so simple to make and a guaranteed hit. I like to use rotisserie chicken to save time, and mixing in plenty of buffalo sauce gives it just the right kick. One of my favorite bits is topping it with extra cheese and baking it until bubbly and golden on top—it feels like a little celebration in every bite.
My go-to way to serve Buffalo Chicken Dip is with crunchy celery sticks, tortilla chips, or even toasted bread. I find that the cool crunch of celery helps balance the spicy warmth of the dip perfectly. Whenever I bring this to a gathering, people come back to it again and again, and I always end up having to make a second batch. It’s truly the ultimate snack for sharing and enjoying with friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds good flavor. If you don’t have it, cooked chicken breast or thighs work just fine. For a vegetarian option, shredded jackfruit can be a fun substitute.
Cream cheese: This is the base that makes the dip creamy and smooth. If you want a lighter version, try using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt, but expect a slightly different texture.
Buffalo wing sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic here because of its balanced heat and flavor. You can adjust the amount to make it more or less spicy, or swap for any hot sauce you like.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing: This adds creaminess and a tangy flavor. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand. For a dairy-free option, you can use a vegan ranch dressing.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice kick of flavor. You could substitute with mozzarella for milder taste or pepper jack for extra spice.
How Do You Get That Perfect Creamy, Bubbly Texture?
Combining the ingredients smoothly and baking at the right temperature is key.
- Soften the cream cheese first. This helps it mix easily and prevents lumps.
- Mix cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and dressing until completely smooth before adding chicken and cheddar.
- Spread the dip evenly in the baking dish—this helps it heat uniformly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Don’t rush this, so the cheese melts and the flavors meld.
- Optional: broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if you want a golden top, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I prefer a medium-sized one for easy stirring and combining all ingredients.
- 9-inch baking dish – a shallow dish works best for even baking and bubbly edges.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredients just right.
- Spatula or spoon – makes mixing and spreading simple and quick.
- Oven – to bake the dip until hot and bubbly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese twist: Mix in shredded pepper jack or Monterey Jack for more spice and creaminess.
- Protein swap: Use cooked turkey or turkey sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor.
- Veggie boost: Stir in chopped bell peppers, jalapeños, or cooked spinach for added texture and flavor.
- Spice level: Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like it really spicy.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup hot buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 20-25 minutes to bake, so in under 40 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dip ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing until smooth and well combined. Then add the shredded chicken and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing everything until it’s evenly combined.
2. Bake the Dip:
Spread the mixture evenly into an 8-inch baking dish or similar. Place it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly all over.
3. Add Toppings and Serve:
Take the dip out of the oven and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions, if you like. Serve it warm with crunchy tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for dipping. Enjoy the creamy, spicy deliciousness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before shredding. The easiest way is to thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave, then pat dry to avoid extra moisture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a small oven-safe dish until warmed through.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip mixture and place it in your baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Buffalo Wing Sauce?
If you don’t have buffalo sauce, mix hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with melted butter for a similar flavor. Adjust the ratio to taste, usually about 3 parts hot sauce to 1 part melted butter works well.