How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip: The Ultimate Party Appetizer

Few appetizers are as universally loved and devoured as a steaming dish of Buffalo Chicken Dip! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, potlucks, or any gathering where delicious food is a must. It effortlessly combines the tangy kick of buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and tender chicken, creating an irresistible dip that will have everyone coming back for more. Forget complicated recipes – this Buffalo Chicken Dip is incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.

Inspired by the classic flavors of buffalo wings, this dip takes all the best parts – the spicy sauce, the savory chicken – and transforms them into a shareable, dippable delight. If you’re a fan of buffalo chicken wings, you absolutely need to try this dip. It’s the perfect way to enjoy those flavors without the mess of wings, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next party.

This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the level of spice to suit your preference, and it can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy hosts. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find this How To Make Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe straightforward and satisfying.

Why This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe Works

What makes this particular Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe stand out from the rest? It’s all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures, combined with ease of preparation. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Effortless to Make: With just 5 main ingredients and a few simple steps, this dip comes together in minutes. Minimal prep work means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests.
Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of creamy cream cheese, tangy ranch dressing, spicy buffalo sauce, and savory cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion that is both comforting and addictive.
Crowd-Pleasing Guarantee: Buffalo Chicken Dip is a classic for a reason. Its familiar and beloved flavors make it a hit with everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies.
Versatile and Customizable: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level. Add blue cheese for a tangier flavor, or experiment with different cheeses for your own unique twist.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dip ahead of time and bake it just before serving, saving you valuable time on party day.

Key Ingredients for the Best Buffalo Chicken Dip

To create the most delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip, you’ll need these simple yet essential ingredients:

Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the base of the dip, providing a rich and creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and consistency.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing adds a tangy and herbaceous element that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade ranch.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star of the show! Choose your preferred buffalo wing sauce – from mild to hot – depending on your spice preference. Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for authentic buffalo flavor.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides a savory and slightly sharp flavor that melts beautifully into the dip. For best results, shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
Shredded Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken is the protein component, making the dip hearty and satisfying. Rotisserie chicken or slow-cooked shredded chicken are excellent options for convenience and flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip

Follow these easy steps to create a mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Dip that will impress your guests:

Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter an 8×8 inch baking dish or a similar sized oven-safe dish.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix with an electric mixer or spatula until smooth and well combined.
Add Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the shredded chicken and most of the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve some for topping). Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Transfer to Baking Dish & Top with Cheese: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the dip.
Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.

Tip for Shredded Chicken: For perfectly shredded chicken, use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option, or you can easily cook chicken in a slow cooker for tender, shreddable meat. Ensure the chicken is well-shredded for the best texture in the dip.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Dip

Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Shredding your own cheese from a block ensures a creamier and meltier dip.
Don’t Overbake: Bake the dip just until it’s heated through and bubbly, and the cheese is melted. Overbaking can dry out the dip.
Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dip, start with a milder buffalo sauce or use less buffalo sauce and more ranch dressing. For extra heat, use a hotter buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Add Blue Cheese (Optional): For a more traditional buffalo wing flavor, add ½ cup of blue cheese crumbles to the dip mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking.
Make it Ahead: Prepare the dip mixture ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bake just before serving.

Serving Suggestions: What to Dip into Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip is incredibly versatile when it comes to dippers. Here are some of our favorite options:

Tortilla Chips: Classic and always a hit! Corn tortilla chips are sturdy and perfect for scooping up the creamy dip.
Crackers: Choose your favorite crackers – from buttery Ritz crackers to sturdy wheat crackers.
Toasted Baguette Slices: Slices of toasted baguette or crostini provide a satisfying crunch and are great for dipping.
Vegetables: For a healthier option, serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices.
Pita Bread or Naan: Warm pita bread or naan, cut into triangles, are delicious for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make Ahead: You can prepare the Buffalo Chicken Dip mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Storage: Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through and bubbly.

Serving at Room Temperature: Buffalo Chicken Dip should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours for food safety reasons. If serving for a longer period, keep it warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting or in a chafing dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Dip

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, you can substitute canned chicken for shredded chicken in a pinch. Use one 10-ounce can of well-drained chunk chicken. Make sure to shred the canned chicken well before adding it to the dip. Freshly cooked and shredded chicken is always recommended for the best flavor and texture, but canned chicken is a convenient alternative.

Can I add blue cheese to buffalo chicken dip?

Absolutely! Blue cheese and buffalo sauce are a classic pairing. You can reduce the cheddar cheese in the recipe to ½ cup or omit it entirely and add ½ cup of blue cheese crumbles. You can also sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top of the dip before baking or serving.

What if my dip is too thick?

If your dip is too thick, you can thin it out slightly by adding a tablespoon or two of milk or ranch dressing until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make buffalo chicken dip in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Buffalo Chicken Dip in a slow cooker! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through and bubbly. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Keep the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for serving.

Get Ready to Dip!

Buffalo Chicken Dip is more than just an appetizer; it’s a party essential. With its creamy texture, spicy kick, and cheesy goodness, it’s guaranteed to be the star of any gathering. Now that you know how to make buffalo chicken dip, you’re ready to create this crowd-pleasing favorite at home. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate party dip! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and let them in on the secret to the perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Yields: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (115ml) ranch dressing
½ cup (115ml) buffalo wing sauce
½ teaspoon paprika
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 ⅓ cups (170g) sharp shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups (275g) cooked and well-shredded chicken
Optional toppings: thinly sliced green onions, blue cheese crumbles

For serving: Corn chips, crackers, toasted bread slices, vegetables

Equipment

Large bowl
Electric mixer or spatula
8×8 inch baking dish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter an 8×8 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
Stir in shredded chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining ⅓ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Garnish with green onions or blue cheese crumbles, if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dippers.

Recipe Notes

Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or slow-cooked shredded chicken are excellent choices. You’ll need about 8-10 oz of cooked chicken to yield 2 cups shredded.
Make Ahead: Dip can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bake as directed before serving.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Enjoy! Let’s get dipping!