Best Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleaser that mixes tender shredded chicken with creamy cheese and that classic spicy buffalo sauce everyone loves. It’s rich, a little tangy, with just the right kick to keep things exciting. The melted cheese on top gets all bubbly and perfect for dipping with chips, celery, or even carrot sticks.
I always make this dip when we have friends over because it disappears so fast—there’s just something about the combination of spicy buffalo flavor and melty cheese that grabs everyone’s attention. I like to add a little extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping if I want to cool things down a bit. It’s simple to make, and you don’t have to be a chef to get it just right.
My favorite way to serve this Buffalo Chicken Dip is straight from a warm dish right to the table, with plenty of crunchy chips around for scooping up every last bit. It’s perfect for game day, parties, or any time you want a tasty snack that feels a little special without much effort. Honestly, once you try this, it’s going to be your go-to recipe for gathering people around with smiles and empty plates.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience and flavor. You can also boil chicken breasts or use leftover cooked chicken. For a vegetarian version, try shredded jackfruit or chickpeas.
Cream Cheese: This is the base for creaminess. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. Neufchâtel cheese is a lower-fat alternative but still creamy.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice. You can adjust the heat with milder sauces or add hot sauce if you like it spicier. For less heat, reduce the amount or swap with mild wing sauce.
Ranch & Blue Cheese Dressings: Both add creaminess and balance heat. Use only ranch if you prefer, or swap blue cheese with more ranch or plain Greek yogurt to cut calories.
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds flavor, mozzarella ensures it’s stretchy and melty. You can swap mozzarella with Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder melt.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the top brown beautifully. You can omit if watching calories, though you’ll miss a bit of that golden crust.
How Do I Get a Smooth, Creamy, and Bubbly Dip Every Time?
The secret is in mixing and baking properly:
- Make sure cream cheese is soft—this helps everything blend smoothly without lumps.
- Mix the Buffalo sauce and dressings thoroughly with the cream cheese before adding chicken and cheeses. This ensures an even spicy, creamy flavor.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish so it cooks uniformly.
- Drizzle melted butter on top. It makes the cheese brown nicely instead of just melting flat.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it toward the end; you want it bubbly and lightly golden, not dried out.
Let the dip rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop and more satisfying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – for combining all your ingredients easily in one place.
- Hand mixer or sturdy spoon – to blend the cream cheese and sauces until smooth.
- Baking dish (8×8-inch or similar) – perfect size for baking and serving the dip.
- Oven mitts – to safely handle the hot dish when removing it from the oven.
- Spoon or spatula – for spreading the dip evenly in your baking dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked ground turkey or sausage for a different protein texture.
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor and crunch when serving.
- Mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Stir in chopped fresh cilantro or parsley at the end for a fresh, bright note.
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken breast)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (optional, can substitute with extra ranch)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (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 total, you can have the dip ready to serve in about 30-35 minutes including baking time. Perfect for a quick and delicious appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and warm when your dip is ready to go in.
2. Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with Buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and blue cheese dressing (if using). Stir until everything blends into a smooth and creamy mixture.
3. Add Chicken and Cheese
Fold in the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together evenly so every bite packs flavor.
4. Bake the Dip
Spread the mixture evenly into a baking dish (about 8×8 inches or similar). Drizzle the melted butter on top — this helps the dip brown beautifully. Bake for 20-25 minutes until it’s bubbling hot and the top has turned golden.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once you take it out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely before shredding. The best way is to thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry to avoid extra moisture in the dip.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip mixture and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should 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 until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Use Instead of Blue Cheese Dressing?
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, simply replace it with extra ranch dressing or plain Greek yogurt to keep the creaminess without the tangy flavor.
