Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy, and irresistible party favorite that brings all the flavors of classic buffalo chicken wings into one delicious dip. It’s loaded with shredded chicken, tangy cream cheese, a splash of hot sauce, and melted cheese that all come together to make a crowd-pleaser.
I love making this dip because it’s so easy and quick to put together, yet everyone always asks for the recipe. The balance between the heat from the buffalo sauce and the smooth creaminess is just perfect. I usually add a little extra cheese on top to get that golden, bubbly finish which makes it even more tempting.
This dip is fantastic served warm with crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, or lots of crispy tortilla chips for scooping. It’s perfect for game day, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want a cozy, flavorful snack. I always end up snacking on this while chatting with friends and somehow the dip disappears way faster than I expect!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. You can also cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs at home. For a vegetarian twist, try substituting cooked jackfruit or shredded cauliflower.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its rich, creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. For a lighter version, you can try using Greek yogurt, but the texture will be less thick.
Hot Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic for buffalo flavor. You can adjust the heat by using mild or extra spicy wing sauces based on your taste.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Ranch is milder, while blue cheese adds a stronger, tangy flavor. If you want to avoid dairy, use a vegan dressing or make your own with dairy-free mayo and herbs.
Cheddar Cheese and Blue Cheese: Cheddar melts nicely and adds a sharp taste. Blue cheese topping is optional but adds an iconic buffalo wing flavor. You can swap cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you want a milder cheese.
How Do You Get the Best Creamy, Smooth Texture in Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Softening cream cheese completely is key. It blends well with the sauce and chicken, and helps the dip bake evenly.
- Take cream cheese out of the fridge 30 minutes before mixing or microwave it in short bursts (10 seconds) until soft, but not melted.
- Mix cream cheese with wing sauce and dressing before adding chicken for a smoother base.
- Use shredded cheese rather than blocks to help it melt faster and blend into the dip.
- Bake until the dip is hot and bubbly, but avoid overbaking as it can dry out the dip.
- Let the dip cool slightly before serving, so it thickens and sticks to chips well.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I use a large one to combine all the ingredients easily without spilling.
- Whisk or spatula – helps mix cream cheese and sauces smoothly for a creamy dip.
- Baking dish (like an 8×8-inch or small casserole dish) – sturdy and oven-safe for baking the dip until bubbly and golden on top.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure the ingredients are just right for the perfect flavor balance.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding cooked bacon bits for smoky extra flavor and crunch.
- Mix in diced green onions or chopped cilantro to add a fresh, herbal touch.
- Use mozzarella or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a different cheese melt and spice level.
- Swap the hot wing sauce for buffalo blue cheese dressing for a tangier, cheesy twist.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- ½ cup hot wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in less than 40 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy, spicy dip ready to share!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you’ve mixed everything together.
2. Mix the Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and hot wing sauce. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Stir in the shredded chicken and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is mixed nicely and coated evenly.
4. Bake the Dip:
Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot and bubbly.
5. Add Blue Cheese and Serve:
If you like blue cheese, sprinkle the crumbles on top right after baking. Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for dipping.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- Spatula or spoon for mixing
- Baking dish (8×8-inch works great)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add crumbled cooked bacon for extra smoky flavor.
- Stir in chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Use pepper jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar for a milder or creamier cheese profile.
- Try buffalo blue cheese dressing instead of hot wing sauce for a tangier dip.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water. This helps avoid excess moisture that can make the dip watery.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed and serve warm.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
What Are the Best Dippers for Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Tortilla chips and celery sticks are classic and offer great crunch. You can also use carrot sticks, crackers, or even sliced baguette for dipping.