Best Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect party snack that everyone loves! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender shredded chicken and that classic spicy buffalo sauce zing. The dip has a great balance of heat and gooey goodness that makes it impossible to stop eating once you start.
I love making this dip for game days or casual get-togethers because it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I usually serve it warm with some crunchy celery sticks, carrots, or crispy tortilla chips for dipping. It’s an easy dish that brings people together, and I promise it disappears fast every time!
One tip I’ve picked up is to use a good quality buffalo sauce and a mix of cream cheese and cheddar to get the texture just right. You can easily adjust the spice level if you want it milder or with a little extra kick. This dip reminds me of cozy nights hanging out with friends, sharing food and laughs—there’s something about it that just feels like home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is great for saving time and adding flavor. If you don’t have rotisserie, cooked shredded chicken from a store-bought rotisserie or even leftover chicken works well.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened first to mix smoothly. You can use a low-fat version, but full-fat cream cheese gives the best taste.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for the right balance of heat and flavor. If you want it milder, use less sauce or a milder hot sauce. If you like spice, add a little more!
Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella adds sharpness and creaminess. Feel free to swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little extra kick.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Both add tang and help balance the heat. Use your favorite brand or homemade dressing. If you prefer, sour cream can be a substitute, but it’ll be a bit less flavorful.
How Do I Get My Buffalo Chicken Dip Perfectly Creamy and Bubbly?
The key is in combining the ingredients well and baking it just right. Here’s how:
- Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps and make the dip smooth.
- Mix the buffalo sauce and dressing evenly with the cream cheese for balanced flavor.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and cheeses thoroughly to distribute them evenly.
- Spread the mixture evenly in an oven-safe dish so it heats uniformly.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until the edges bubble and the top is lightly golden.
- Don’t overbake—it can dry out. Just hot and bubbly is perfect.
- Add blue cheese and green onions after baking for extra flavor and a fresh pop.
Warm dip pairs best with crunchy veggies or chips you can scoop with ease. Enjoy sharing this delicious comfort food!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – to combine all your ingredients smoothly without mess.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – perfect for mixing and scraping the bowl clean.
- 1-quart baking dish or oven-safe skillet – holds the dip while baking and easy to serve from.
- Measuring cups – to get your sauce and cheese amounts just right.
- Oven mitts – handy for safely handling the hot dish when it comes out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shredded rotisserie turkey for a seasonal twist with the same great texture.
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky crunch that pairs wonderfully with the spicy sauce.
- Mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to turn up the heat when you want it spicier.
- Stir in some chopped spinach for extra color, nutrients, and a mild flavor boost.
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Crackers, tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking time, so you’ll have a warm, cheesy, spicy dip ready to enjoy in less than 40 minutes total. It’s quick and easy to put together, perfect for last-minute get-togethers or game days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Your Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, stir softened cream cheese with buffalo wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing until smooth. Then add shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix it all together well so every bite is flavorful.
2. Bake the Dip:
Spread your mixture evenly into a 1-quart baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and hot all the way through.
3. Add Toppings and Serve:
Remove the dip from the oven. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top if you like, and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve warm with crunchy crackers, tortilla chips, celery, and carrot sticks for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This helps keep the texture perfect in the dip.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to keep it warm and creamy.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip mixture, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as usual until bubbly and hot.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
You can substitute with a blend of Greek yogurt and sour cream for a lighter option, but the texture might be less creamy and rich. For best results, stick with cream cheese if possible.
