Buffalo chicken dip is the ultimate party starter—spicy, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting game day, a casual get-together, or just craving something bold and comforting, this dip never disappoints. Made with tender chicken, tangy ranch, melty cheese, and just the right amount of heat, it’s a dish that always disappears fast. If you’ve been searching for a foolproof buffalo chicken dip recipe that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to wow your guests, you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Comes together in under an hour with simple prep.
- Simple Ingredients – Pantry-friendly staples like cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Always the first dish to vanish at potlucks, parties, and game nights.
- Unbelievably Delicious – Perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy.
- Versatile – Serve with chips, bread, or veggies—or wrap leftovers in tortillas for an easy snack.
Unlike many versions, this recipe strikes the perfect balance: creamy without being too heavy, spicy without overpowering, and baked to a golden, bubbly finish. It’s comfort food in dip form—made to impress.
Ingredients Needed
For the Base
- Cooked chicken – Shredded; use breasts, thighs, rotisserie, or leftovers (about 3–4 cups).
- Cream cheese – Full-fat block style for the best creamy texture.
For the Sauce
- Ranch dressing – Adds tangy creaminess; blue cheese dressing works too.
- Hot sauce – Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice.
- Garlic powder – A touch of savory depth.
- Black pepper – Optional, for extra seasoning.
For Garnish & Topping
- Shredded cheese – A mix of cheddar and mozzarella for gooey meltiness.
- Green onions or chives – Fresh and bright, for topping before serving.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
1. Cook the Chicken
If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, poach it first: bring a large pot of water to a boil, add chicken breasts, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until done (about 20–25 minutes). Let cool slightly before shredding.
2. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar size) with non-stick spray so the dip doesn’t stick.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine cubed cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk until smooth and fully melted. This ensures the dip stays creamy and lump-free.
4. Mix in the Chicken and Cheese
Add shredded chicken, green onions, and 1 cup each of mozzarella and cheddar. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
5. Bake the Dip
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Bake for 20–30 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and melted through. For a golden crust, switch to BROIL for 2–3 minutes—watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with extra green onions or chives. Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or crackers.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Best Served Hot – Buffalo chicken dip is at its creamiest right out of the oven.
- Dippers – Pair with chips, pretzels, crostini, or fresh veggie sticks for balance.
- Leftovers – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between bursts.
Helpful Notes
- Shortcut Option – Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and less prep.
- Make Ahead – Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake before serving.
- Spice Control – Adjust hot sauce to taste; add extra for a fiery kick or reduce for a milder dip.
- Extra Flavor – Mix in crispy bacon bits or top with crumbled blue cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach chicken breasts in simmering water for 20–25 minutes. Cool slightly and shred.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Step 3: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 4: Stir in shredded chicken, 1 cup cheddar, and 1 cup mozzarella until well combined.
- Step 5: Transfer mixture to baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake 20–30 minutes until bubbling. Broil 2–3 minutes for golden top.
- Step 6: Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve warm with chips, crackers, or veggies.
Notes
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken dip is more than just a party snack—it’s a guaranteed hit that brings people together. With its creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spicy flavor, it’s the dip everyone reaches for first. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and a star rating below. Don’t forget to share this recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so your friends can enjoy it too.
👉 What’s your favorite way to serve buffalo chicken dip—with chips, bread, or veggies? Let us know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What chicken should I use?
Any cooked chicken works: poached breasts, baked thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover turkey. For convenience, pre-cooked or rotisserie is the easiest option.
Why is my dip so greasy?
Dark meat (thighs) can release more fat. For a lighter, less oily dip, use chicken breast and full-fat cream cheese (low-fat can separate).
Can I use any type of cream cheese?
Full-fat block cream cheese is best. Whipped or low-fat versions may split when baked.
Can I use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch?
Yes! Both ranch and blue cheese work beautifully, so use whichever flavor you prefer.
How long to bake buffalo chicken dip?
At 350°F, bake for 20–30 minutes until bubbling. Add 2–3 minutes under the broiler for a golden top.
What’s the best hot sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot is the classic, but you can experiment with your favorite hot sauces for different heat levels.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes—since it’s made with chicken, cheese, cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce, it’s naturally low-carb and keto-approved.
Can I freeze buffalo chicken dip?
Freezing is not recommended; the texture becomes grainy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.