Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe – Creamy, Spicy & Easy Appetizer

If you’re looking for the perfect appetizer to wow your guests or spice up your game day spread, buffalo chicken dip is the way to go. This creamy, tangy, and spicy dip combines the best flavors of buffalo wings with the rich creaminess of cheese, making it a favorite for parties, tailgates, and casual get-togethers.

The beauty of this dip lies in its simplicity – it’s easy to make, and everyone loves it. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a potluck, or just want something satisfying to munch on, this buffalo chicken dip recipe is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

To make this flavorful buffalo chicken dip, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing for a stronger flavor)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

These simple ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy dip with just the right amount of heat from the buffalo sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking and shredding your chicken. If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut. Just shred it with a fork and set it aside.

2. Make the Base

In a medium-sized pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.

3. Combine Chicken and Cheese

Once your sauce mixture is smooth and creamy, stir in the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until everything is well combined.

4. Bake the Dip

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the chicken mixture to a baking dish (an 8×8 dish works perfectly). Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the dip is hot and bubbly, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or crackers. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top for color and flavor.

Recipe Notes

Adjust the spice level: If you like your dip spicier, feel free to add more buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Use your favorite dressing: While ranch dressing is the go-to for buffalo chicken dip, feel free to swap it for blue cheese dressing for an even more authentic flavor.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just bake it until it’s hot and bubbly.

Time and Serving

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes enough for about 6-8 servings as an appetizer or snack.

How to Serve

Buffalo chicken dip is versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas:

With chips: Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, or potato chips for dipping.
With veggies: For a healthier option, serve with fresh vegetables like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices.
On a platter: Add buffalo chicken dip to a party platter with other appetizers like chips, guacamole, and mini sliders.
As a meal: Serve over a bed of rice or inside a wrap for a quick and satisfying meal.

Extra Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip

Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack or a smoky gouda can add an interesting twist.
Buffalo sauce: If you’re a fan of a more intense buffalo flavor, increase the amount of buffalo sauce and reduce the ranch dressing.
Make it creamy: To make the dip extra creamy, add a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream.

Kitchen Tools Needed

To make buffalo chicken dip, here’s what you’ll need:

Pan for cooking the cream cheese and buffalo sauce
Baking dish (8×8 works great)
Fork to shred the chicken
Spatula for stirring the dip
Oven to bake the dip until golden and bubbly

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have any leftover buffalo chicken dip, you’re in luck! It keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container, and reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.

You can also freeze buffalo chicken dip. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	270
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fat	20g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	700mg
Vitamin A	10% of the Daily Value

FAQs

Yes, you can! Simply add all of the ingredients (except the cheese for topping) into the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until hot and bubbly. Add the cheese about 30 minutes before serving.

While fresh or rotisserie chicken is ideal for the best flavor, canned chicken can work in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the dip.

For a vegetarian version, you can swap the chicken with shredded cauliflower or plant-based chicken substitutes. Adjust the seasoning and buffalo sauce to your taste.

To lighten it up, use low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt in place of ranch dressing, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also serve it with veggie sticks instead of chips.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo chicken dip is one of those recipes that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing it for a game day, potluck, or just a cozy snack, it’s a dish that never disappoints. With its creamy texture, spicy kick, and cheesy goodness, it’s bound to become one of your go-to appetizers. Enjoy making this delicious dip, and feel free to get creative with your ingredients!

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe – A Creamy, Spicy Favorite for Any Occasion

Ingredients