Best Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect mix of spicy, creamy, and cheesy all rolled into one warm, gooey dip. It’s packed with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, smooth cream cheese, and plenty of melted cheese, making every bite full of bold flavor and a little kick. This dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re watching the game, hosting a party, or just craving something tasty and comforting.
I love making this dip because it’s so easy to put together, and it always disappears fast! One tip I’ve learned is to use good-quality buffalo sauce—it really makes a difference in flavor. I also like to adjust the heat to match whoever’s there, adding more or less sauce depending on how spicy we want it. It’s one of those recipes where you can make it your own without much fuss.
Whenever I bring this to gatherings, people can’t stop going back for more. I usually serve it with crunchy celery sticks, tortilla chips, or even slices of toasted baguette. It’s the kind of dip that brings everyone together and makes any snack time feel special. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some protein while still enjoying something fun and flavorful.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease and flavor. If you don’t have one, cooked chicken breasts or thighs shredded by hand work great, too.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy base. Make sure it’s soft for easy mixing. You can try Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option, but the texture may differ slightly.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic here and delivers perfect heat and tang. If you prefer less spice, try a mild buffalo sauce or cut it with a little butter.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds coolness to balance the heat. Ranch is milder and more common, while blue cheese adds punchy flavor. Pick your favorite or mix both for variety.
Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for richness and mozzarella for melty stretchiness. Try Monterey Jack or Colby if cheddar isn’t at hand—they melt well, too.
How Do You Make Sure the Dip Comes Out Smooth and Creamy?
The key is soft cream cheese and mixing well before baking. Start by letting the cream cheese sit at room temp about 30 minutes.
- Mix cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and dressing until smooth—no lumps.
- Add shredded chicken, folding it in gently to spread evenly without breaking chicken too much.
- Fold in half the cheese so it melts inside the dip, leaving some cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Spread the mix evenly in your dish to cook uniformly.
- Bake just until bubbly and cheese on top is melted. Overbaking can dry the dip.
This way, you get a creamy inside and that irresistible cheesy top every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish or oven-safe skillet – perfect for cooking and serving the dip warm.
- Mixing bowl – handy to combine cream cheese and sauces evenly.
- Spoon or spatula – for stirring ingredients smoothly and spreading the dip.
- Measuring cups – to get the sauce and cheese amounts just right.
- Knife and cutting board – to chop green onions for a fresh garnish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shredded turkey after holidays for a tasty twist.
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor and crunch.
- Mix in diced jalapeños if you like it spicier and with some texture.
- Stir in some cooked corn or black beans for a fun Southwest twist.
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 20-25 minutes of baking. In total, you can have this delicious dip ready in about 30-35 minutes from start to finish — quick and easy to whip up for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready when your dip mixture is prepared.
2. Mix the Dip Ingredients:
In a large bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken thoroughly, then fold in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
3. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbling, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Take the dip out of the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for extra flavor and color. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding it. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip mixture and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
What Can I Use Instead of Ranch Dressing?
If you don’t have ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing works great, or you can use sour cream mixed with a bit of garlic powder and dried herbs for a similar flavor.
