Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and tender chicken. This dip is perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner, offering a flavor-packed, spicy twist on traditional dips. Easy to make and full of rich, savory goodness, Buffalo Chicken Dip is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.

This recipe is simple to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients, and can be made in the oven, slow cooker, or stovetop. Whether you’re hosting a football watch party, a potluck, or just craving something indulgent for dinner, Buffalo Chicken Dip is the answer. It’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and just the right amount of tangy, making it perfect for scooping with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

In this article, we will walk you through how to make this irresistible dip, share tips for perfecting the recipe, and suggest fun ways to serve it. Read on for all the details!

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Dip

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Buffalo Chicken Dip combines the best of both worlds – the spicy kick of buffalo sauce and the creaminess of cheese. It’s a flavor combination that everyone loves.
• Easy to Make: This dip is incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you make it in the oven, slow cooker, or on the stovetop, it requires minimal effort and just a few basic ingredients.
• Perfect for Parties: This dip is perfect for parties, tailgates, and family gatherings. It’s always a favorite and disappears quickly!
• Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy texture, paired with the zesty buffalo sauce and tender chicken, makes this dip the ultimate comfort food. It’s indulgent and satisfying with every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Buffalo Chicken Dip can be served with a variety of sides, such as chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks. It’s a great addition to any snack table.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on serving size.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 22-26g
• Carbohydrates: 5-8g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2-3g

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken Dip:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded, can use rotisserie chicken)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing for more traditional flavor)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken, if needed)
• 2 tablespoons green onions (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Chips, crackers, celery, or carrots (for dipping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook and Shred the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken if you haven’t already. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook chicken breasts or thighs and shred them. To cook the chicken yourself, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook it until it’s no longer pink inside, about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it with your fingers or a fork until it’s in bite-sized pieces. You’ll need about 2 cups of shredded chicken for the dip.

2. Prepare the Dip Base

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing if you prefer), and buffalo sauce. Use a spatula or whisk to mix these ingredients together until smooth and well-combined. The ranch or blue cheese dressing provides creaminess and balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce, while the buffalo sauce adds that signature spicy, tangy kick.

3. Add the Chicken and Cheese

Once your dip base is smooth, add the shredded chicken and the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir everything together to combine, making sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the mixture and the cheese is well incorporated.

The cheese not only helps bind the dip together but also contributes to its creamy, gooey texture when it melts in the oven. If you like extra cheesy dip, feel free to add a little more cheese at this stage!

4. Transfer to a Baking Dish

Transfer the dip mixture to a baking dish. A small or medium-sized baking dish, such as a 9×9-inch square or an 8×8-inch dish, works best. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish and sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for that delicious, cheesy crust.

5. Bake the Dip

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dip in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown. The dip should be heated through, with the cheese thoroughly melted and the edges just beginning to brown.

If you prefer a slightly crispy top, you can place the dip under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it so that the cheese doesn’t burn!

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the Buffalo Chicken Dip is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. If you like, sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions and cilantro over the top to add a burst of freshness and color. These garnishes provide a great contrast to the richness of the dip and give it a little extra flavor.

Serve the dip warm with your choice of chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables like celery or carrots. The creamy, spicy dip pairs perfectly with crunchy dipping options.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip

• Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and easy option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked, and the flavor is great. Just shred it and you’re ready to go!
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dip, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder brand. Alternatively, if you love spicy foods, feel free to add extra buffalo sauce or include some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Use Cream Cheese for a Smooth Texture: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it into the dip base. This ensures the dip has a smooth, creamy consistency without any lumps.
• Add More Cheese: For an extra cheesy dip, add more cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the mixture. You can even sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a cheesy, golden crust.
• Make it Ahead: Buffalo Chicken Dip can be made ahead of time. Prepare the dip through step 5 (before baking), then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake the dip as directed. This makes it easy to prepare the dip in advance for parties or gatherings.
• Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer to make the dip in a slow cooker, simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. You can also finish it by broiling the top for a few minutes to get that crispy, golden cheese.

Variations of Buffalo Chicken Dip

• Buffalo Chicken Dip with Blue Cheese: If you’re a fan of blue cheese, add some crumbled blue cheese to the dip base or use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch. It adds a tangy, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the buffalo sauce.
• Creamy Ranch Buffalo Chicken Dip: Use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese dressing for a milder, creamier dip. You can also add some ranch seasoning mix for an extra kick of flavor.
• Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Dip: Add crispy, crumbled bacon to the dip for an extra layer of flavor. The smoky, salty bacon pairs wonderfully with the spicy buffalo chicken.
• Vegetarian Buffalo “Chicken” Dip: For a vegetarian version of this dish, use plant-based chicken or soy protein instead of shredded chicken. The dip will still have the same creamy, spicy goodness without the meat.
• Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream of Chicken Soup: Some recipes call for adding a can of cream of chicken soup to the dip for extra creaminess and flavor. This version is even richer and more indulgent.

Storage and Shelf Life

Buffalo Chicken Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving. The dip is often even more flavorful the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld together.

To reheat, cover the dip with foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

You can also freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, transfer the cooled dip into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as desired.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Dip

While Buffalo Chicken Dip is fantastic on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Tortilla Chips: The classic dip companion, tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up the creamy, cheesy dip.
• Vegetable Sticks: For a healthier option, serve the dip with celery, carrots, or cucumber sticks. The crunchy vegetables pair perfectly with the creamy dip.
• Crackers: Saltine crackers, pita chips, or any type of crunchy cracker are great for dipping.
• Baked Potatoes: For a more filling meal, serve the dip over baked potatoes for a buffalo chicken “loaded” potato.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with ranch dressing would provide a fresh, light contrast to the richness of the dip.

Print

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate comfort food and a must-have for any party or gathering. Its creamy, cheesy base combined with the spicy kick of buffalo sauce makes it irresistible, and it’s sure to disappear quickly at your next event. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, this dip can be customized to suit any taste, and it pairs well with a variety of dippers. Whether you serve it with chips, crackers, or vegetables, Buffalo Chicken Dip is always a hit. Try it for your next get-together, and prepare for rave reviews!