Buffalo Chicken Dip
There’s something irresistibly delicious about Buffalo Chicken Dip. It combines the spicy tang of buffalo sauce with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender shredded chicken, creating the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, casual get-together, or just craving a flavorful snack, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready in under 30 minutes and made with simple ingredients, it’s an easy recipe to throw together that will impress everyone at the table.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
Buffalo chicken dip hits all the right notes: it’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and packed with protein. The bold flavors of buffalo sauce paired with ranch dressing create a mouthwatering balance of heat and coolness. Plus, the shredded chicken adds substance, making it more than just a dip — it’s a hearty snack that satisfies. Served hot and bubbly with crispy tortilla chips, it’s perfect for sharing and guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy and flavorful, this dip delivers every time.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or cook and shred your own. This adds protein and texture.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy base that holds everything together.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Adds a cool, herby flavor that balances the heat.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Choose your favorite buffalo wing sauce for that signature spicy kick.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey deliciousness and adds sharpness.
- 1 green onion, chopped: A fresh, mild bite that adds color and flavor.
- Tortilla chips, for serving: Crunchy and perfect for scooping up the dip.
Equipment & Tools
- Mixing bowl: To combine all your ingredients smoothly.
- Oven-safe baking dish: An 8×8-inch or similar-sized dish works well for baking the dip.
- Spatula or spoon: For mixing and serving.
- Measuring cups: To ensure accurate ingredient portions.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping the green onion.
Make Buffalo Chicken Dip: A Simple Method
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish or use a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Base
In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese
Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce mixture.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onion over the top for a fresh pop of flavor. Serve immediately with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping.
Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives
- Swap tortilla chips for celery sticks, cucumber slices, or pork rinds to keep it low carb.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and ranch dressing to maintain richness without added sugars.
- Choose a buffalo sauce with no added sugars or make your own with hot sauce and butter.
- Serve with Cheddar Scallion Buttermilk Biscuits made with almond flour for a keto-friendly bread option.
Author’s Commentary
This Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s incredibly versatile and so easy to customize. I love how the cream cheese and ranch dressing create a luscious, smooth texture that balances the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly. Using shredded chicken means you can make this dip with leftovers or a quick rotisserie chicken, which saves a ton of time.
One of my go-to hacks is to add a little extra cheddar on top before baking — it melts into a golden crust that’s pure heaven. And for a fresher twist, the green onion adds just enough brightness to cut through the richness.
If you want a more substantial snack, try serving this dip alongside some homemade Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Tenders or in sliders using Pulled Chicken Sliders. It’s a surefire way to impress your guests and keep everyone coming back for more!
Storage & Reheat Guide
- Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm the dip in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until heated through, or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
- Freeze: You can freeze the dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Note: Freshen up reheated dip with a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions or a dash of buffalo sauce.
Your Top Questions
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it until hot and bubbly. This makes it a great option for busy days or parties.
What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
If you prefer, you can substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a tangier flavor, or use a homemade yogurt-based dip to lighten it up. Just make sure it’s creamy to maintain the right texture.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of shredded?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook and shred the chicken first. Poaching or baking chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shredding with forks works well. Using pre-cooked shredded chicken like rotisserie chicken saves time.
Is there a way to make this dip less spicy?
Definitely! Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce. You can also add extra ranch dressing or cream cheese to mellow out the heat while keeping the flavor balanced.
One Pan, More Ideas
- Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Tenders – Perfectly crispy and juicy, these pair wonderfully with buffalo dips.
- Pulled Chicken Sliders – Use leftover chicken and buffalo sauce to create a fun slider variation.
- Cheddar Scallion Buttermilk Biscuits – Soft, cheesy biscuits that make an excellent vehicle for scooping up dip.
Ready, Set, Cook
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this Buffalo Chicken Dip is a no-fuss recipe that guarantees maximum flavor with every bite. Whether you’re preparing for a party or craving a cozy snack, this dip is a winner. Grab your chicken, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a spicy, creamy treat that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Serve it hot, share it generously, and watch it disappear fast!
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Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish or use a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onion over the top for a fresh pop of flavor. Serve immediately with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly before serving.
- Try low-carb alternatives like celery sticks or cucumber slices instead of tortilla chips.
- For less spice, reduce buffalo sauce or use milder hot sauce and add extra cream cheese or ranch.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time or cook and shred fresh chicken breasts.
