Buffalo Chicken Dip is one of those tasty party favorites that’s creamy, spicy, and packed with shredded chicken and classic buffalo wing flavors. It’s a mix of tangy hot sauce, melted cheese, and cool ranch or blue cheese dressing that all come together in a warm, gooey dip you just can’t resist. Whether you scoop it up with chips, celery sticks, or toasted bread, it hits all the right notes.
I’ve made this dip more times than I can count, and what I love most is how easy it is to throw together for last-minute get-togethers or game days. I like to tweak the heat just enough so it has a nice spicy kick without overwhelming everyone’s taste buds. If you like it extra creamy, a little extra cheese always does the trick—no complaints from anyone!
My favorite way to serve this dip is warm, straight from the oven, with crispy tortilla chips on the side for scooping. It’s always the first thing to disappear at any party or family gathering. I remember bringing it to a potluck once, and it started a friendly competition about whose dip recipe was best. Spoiler: this one won by a landslide every single time. It’s just such a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this dip since it’s already cooked and shredded. You can use leftover chicken or canned chicken if you want a shortcut. Just make sure it’s well-shredded for easy mixing.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy base and helps balance the heat. If you want a lighter version, try using reduced-fat cream cheese, but don’t skip it—it’s essential for that rich texture.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic and has the right level of heat and tang. If you like it milder, reduce the amount or swap for a milder hot sauce. For a stronger kick, add extra or mix in a little cayenne pepper.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Ranch adds creaminess and cools down the spice nicely. Blue cheese adds a tangier, bolder flavor. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts well and adds a nice flavor punch. You can use mild cheddar or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you want a different cheese vibe.
Green Onions & Blue Cheese: These toppings add fresh color and texture. Green onions give a mild oniony crunch, while blue cheese crumbles add rich bursts of flavor. Both are optional but highly recommended.
How Can I Get the Cheese Melted Perfectly Without Drying Out the Dip?
Melting cheese evenly without drying the dip takes a bit of care:
- Preheat the oven fully to 350°F before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Spread the dip evenly in the dish to help it heat through uniformly.
- Cover loosely with foil in the first half of baking if you want it extra creamy, then remove foil for the last 5 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
- Watch it closely near the end—once the cheese is bubbly and melted, it’s ready! Overbaking can dry it out.
- If your dip cools down and firms up, just reheat briefly in the microwave or oven, stirring if needed.
Following these steps keeps your dip cheesy, warm, and creamy every time, perfect for scooping with crunchy chips or fresh celery sticks!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – to easily combine all the ingredients without making a mess.
- Oven-safe baking dish or skillet – perfect for baking and serving the dip warm.
- Spatula or spoon – helps you mix and spread the dip evenly in the pan.
- Measuring cups – so you get the right balance of cheese, sauce, and dressing.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing green onions or other add-ins.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a bolder, tangy flavor that pairs well with buffalo sauce.
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky, salty crunch that contrasts nicely with the spicy dip.
- Mix in chopped spinach or kale to add some freshness and a pop of color without overpowering the dip.
- Try diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra spicy kick when you want more heat.
The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing for stronger flavor)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 green onions, sliced (divided)
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be ready to serve a warm, cheesy dip in roughly 30-35 minutes. Perfect for quick prep before game day or any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Mix Ingredients:
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, and shredded chicken. Stir everything together until it’s mixed well.
2. Add Cheese and Green Onions:
Next, fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and one of the sliced green onions. This helps spread the cheesy flavor throughout the dip.
3. Transfer and Top:
Spread your mixture evenly in an oven-safe baking dish or skillet. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top to get that melted, golden crust when baked.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the dip for 20 to 25 minutes, until it’s hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is fully melted. Keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take the dip out of the oven and garnish with the remaining sliced green onions and crumbled blue cheese if you’re using it. Serve immediately with chips, celery sticks, or crackers for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before shredding. Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for faster thawing. Pat the chicken dry to avoid extra moisture in the dip.
How Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
You can mix all the ingredients except the toppings and store the uncooked dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. When ready, bake as directed and add the toppings before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heat.
Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Dip?
Absolutely! Use less buffalo sauce for milder flavor or add extra if you want more heat. You can also balance spice by using more ranch or blue cheese dressing.