When it comes to game-day favorites or holiday gatherings, there’s one dish that never lasts long on the table: Buffalo Chicken Dip. This creamy, cheesy, spicy creation was born from a love of hot wings, but with less mess and way more scoopability. I first whipped this up during one of our Sunday football marathons. My husband, the forever spice enthusiast, went back for thirds before halftime. Since then, it’s become our go-to for everything from tailgates to potlucks.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly why this hot chicken dip is always a hit, how to make it with ease, the must-have variations to keep things exciting, and answers to your most common questions.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish checks all the boxes: it’s fast, flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a comforting snack, this buffalo-style spread delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. The shredded chicken soaks up the tangy heat of hot sauce, while the cream cheese and ranch dressing mellow things out to give you that irresistible creamy texture. It’s bold without being too spicy, rich without feeling heavy.
Perfect with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Love heat? Add more hot sauce. Need it milder? Use a buffalo wing sauce blend. It even reheats well, making it a smart prep-ahead dish for gatherings.
You’ll also love how easily this sits alongside other crowd-pleasers. For something sweet and creamy to balance the spice, try my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip, another party classic from our kitchen.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This buffalo chicken dip is creamy, spicy, cheesy, and a party favorite. Perfect for game days, potlucks, and holiday spreads.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup buffalo hot sauce
½ cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional)
Optional: crumbled blue cheese, green onions
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, ranch, and buffalo sauce.
3. Mix in cheddar and mozzarella until well combined.
4. Spread mixture into baking dish.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
6. Broil for 2–3 minutes for golden top.
7. Serve hot with chips, celery, or crackers.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
Make it milder by reducing hot sauce and adding more ranch.
Prep ahead and bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Ingredients
You only need a few staples to bring this spicy chicken dip to life:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese if preferred)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is the classic)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella (optional for extra meltiness)
Optional additions:
- Crumbled blue cheese for topping
- Chopped green onions
- A splash of Worcestershire for depth
Pair it with crunchy dippers like celery, crackers, or toasted pita. This dish is especially good as part of a themed appetizer spread. If you’re building a holiday board, the Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board offers great pairing inspiration.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
This recipe couldn’t be simpler and it all comes together in just one bowl and a baking dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir until fully mixed.
- Fold in shredded cheeses and mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a small baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and hot.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes to get the top golden and bubbly.
Want to skip the oven? You can make this in a slow cooker too. Just set it on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. For stove-top prep, everything melts beautifully in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Looking for a full meal with this flavor? Check out my Baked Chicken with Buffalo Sauce; it’s the main-dish cousin of this dip and just as addictive.
Tips & Variations
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dip is perfect for prepping in advance. Mix everything the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
- Spice Control: For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce and increase the ranch.
- Alternative Cheeses: Try swapping in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor. You can even go smoky with gouda or a cheddar blend.
- Low-Carb/Keto Option: Serve with bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, or cauliflower florets instead of chips.
Want something equally comforting but a little less spicy? Try these Creamy Garlic Sauce Baby Potatoes; a rich and cozy side dish that plays well with anything buffalo-flavored.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of chicken is best for buffalo dip?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is the easiest and most flavorful choice, but any cooked chicken breast or thighs work too.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to drain it well and fluff with a fork to separate before mixing.
How long does buffalo chicken dip last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.
Can I freeze buffalo chicken dip?
You can freeze it before baking. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Freezing after baking is not recommended due to texture changes.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, built for sharing and devouring with minimal effort. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and endlessly dippable; the kind of appetizer that disappears fast no matter how much you make. It’s a staple for any game day or casual party, but also works year-round as part of a fun snack dinner or movie night treat.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
