Best Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect mix of spicy, creamy, and cheesy—all the flavors you love from classic buffalo wings but in an easy-to-share dip form. This dish combines tender shredded chicken, tangy hot sauce, and plenty of melted cheese for a warm, comforting bite every time. It’s crunchy and smooth, with just enough kick to make your taste buds happy.
I love making this dip when friends come over because it’s a total crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of recipe that everyone reaches for first, and I swear it disappears almost as fast as I can scoop it out. One trick I’ve learned is to use a mix of cheeses—cream cheese for creaminess, cheddar for sharpness, and a little mozzarella for stretchiness. It really makes a difference in the texture and flavor.
Whenever I serve this at parties, I like to pile it high on tortilla chips or celery sticks to add a little crunch and freshness. It’s always a hit during game day or casual get-togethers, and I find it puts people in a good mood whether they like things mild or enjoy a spicy punch. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up, you can have it ready in no time and spend the extra minutes mingling instead of cooking.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Buffalo Chicken Dip
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or even canned chicken if pressed for time.
Cream Cheese: This makes the dip creamy and thick. If you want a lighter option, try using a low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a different twist.
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice that balances heat and flavor well. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance or swap for a milder hot sauce if needed.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Ranch is smooth and cooling, while blue cheese adds a tangy punch. Pick your favorite or use Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a fresher twist.
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar gives flavor and color, mozzarella adds stringy meltiness. You can swap mozzarella with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
How Do I Make the Dip Smooth and Well Mixed?
Getting the dip creamy and well-blended makes every bite smooth and enjoyable. Here’s how to do it:
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing, either by leaving it out for 30 mins or microwaving for 15-20 seconds.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing until completely smooth—use a hand mixer if you have one.
- Add shredded chicken and cheese, then gently fold everything together to keep the cheese from clumping.
- Spread evenly in your baking dish to ensure even cooking and melting.
These small steps help the dip come out bubbly, creamy, and perfectly combined for serving!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish – A small to medium oven-safe dish is perfect for baking and serving the dip.
- Mixing bowl – Use this to combine all your ingredients smoothly before baking.
- Spoon or spatula – Helps you stir the dip evenly and spread it in the baking dish.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For getting the right amount of cheese, sauce, and dressing.
- Oven mitts – Essential for safely handling the hot baking dish when taking it out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese if you prefer a tangier, richer flavor that pairs well with buffalo sauce.
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky crunch that adds depth and texture.
- Mix in diced celery or bell peppers for extra freshness and a bit of crunch.
- Use shredded rotisserie turkey or pulled pork instead of chicken for a different protein twist.
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dip ready in about 30-35 minutes—perfect for when guests arrive or to enjoy during game time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Mix:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo hot sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add Chicken, Cheese, and Green Onions:
Next, fold in your shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix everything well so all the ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the dip bubbles up and the top turns a light golden brown.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the dip out of the oven and sprinkle extra chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for dipping. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding and mixing it in. Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.
How Can I Make This Dip Less Spicy?
To tame the heat, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or swap it for a milder hot sauce. You can also add a bit more ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance out the spice.
Can I Prepare Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix all the ingredients in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.
How Should I Store Leftover Dip?
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving again.
