Best Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to serve at every get-together. It combines tender shredded chicken, tangy hot sauce, lots of melted cheese, and a touch of ranch or blue cheese dressing to create the perfect balance of heat and creaminess.
I love making this dip because it’s so simple and quick, yet packed with flavor. It’s one of those recipes that always disappears fast, no matter the occasion. I usually toss everything in a baking dish and let it get bubbly and golden in the oven, which smells amazing and gets everyone excited to dig in.
Serving this dip with crunchy tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot rounds makes it even more fun and satisfying to eat. It’s perfect for game day, parties, or just a cozy night in. Honestly, I find it hard to stop eating it once I start—so having extra on hand is always a good idea!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken because it’s already cooked and shredded, which saves time. You can also cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs at home if you prefer fresh.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. You can use light or full-fat cream cheese depending on your preference.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Ranch is milder and creamy, while blue cheese adds a stronger tangy flavor. Choose what you like or swap with Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a healthier option.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for Buffalo flavor. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you want it, or try another hot sauce to change the heat or flavor profile.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice bite, while mozzarella melts smoothly for creaminess. Feel free to mix in pepper jack for extra zing or use all cheddar for richness.
Green Onions: These add freshness and a mild onion crunch. You can skip or replace with chives or finely diced mild onions.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy, Bubbling Buffalo Dip?
The secret to the best Buffalo Chicken Dip is mixing everything smoothly and baking it until it’s hot and bubbly with a golden cheesy top.
- Softening Cream Cheese: Let it sit at room temp so it mixes easily with the other ingredients without lumps.
- Mix Thoroughly: Combine cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce until smooth, then add chicken and cheese. This helps even flavor and texture throughout.
- Baking: Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. Watch for bubbling sides and melted golden cheese on top. Don’t rush this—baking lets the flavors blend and cheese melt perfectly.
- Serving: Serve warm with crunchy chips or crisp veggies to contrast the creamy dip.
Following these steps will help you create a dip that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of that classic Buffalo kick that everyone loves.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe baking dish or skillet – Perfect for mixing and baking the dip without extra cleanup.
- Mixing bowl – Helps you blend the cream cheese, hot sauce, and other ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula or spoon – Great for mixing and spreading the dip evenly in the dish.
- Measuring cups – To get the right cheese and sauce amounts for balanced flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked ground beef or turkey to change the protein while keeping it hearty.
- Add crumbled blue cheese for a tangier, richer taste if you like bold flavors.
- Mix in chopped celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness.
- Use a milder hot sauce or add a dash of honey to tone down the spice for kids or sensitive palates.
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing if preferred)
- ½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In less than 40 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy, spicy dip ready to enjoy with your favorite dippers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Mix:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. Stir them together until smooth and well blended.
2. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Mix in the shredded chicken and chopped green onions. Then, fold in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese so everything is nicely combined.
3. Bake and Serve:
Spread the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish or skillet. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Remove from oven, garnish with extra green onions if you like, and serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing to avoid extra moisture in the dip.
How Can I Make This Dip Less Spicy?
To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder option. You can also add a little more ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the spice and keep it creamy.
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Mix all the ingredients and store the dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, transfer to a baking dish and bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
