Appetizers & Snacks

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a rich, spicy, and utterly addictive appetizer made with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, smooth cream cheese, and melted cheese all baked together to bubbly perfection. It’s a party favorite — creamy, cheesy, with that signature buffalo kick that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Whether it’s game night, a casual get-together, or a family dinner, this dip transforms a few simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing snack that disappears fast. Serve it with chips, crackers, or veggies — and watch it vanish!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances heat, creaminess, and cheesiness in every single bite. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and cool, creamy cheese is simply irresistible.

It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and can be served straight from the oven or slow cooker. What I really love is how comforting it feels — rich, flavorful, and always a hit with guests. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like a warm hug for your taste buds.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this dish because:

  • It’s effortless to prepare — just mix, bake, and enjoy!
  • It’s perfect for parties, game days, or potlucks.
  • The spicy-creamy balance makes it completely addictive.
  • You can make it ahead, bake later, and it reheats beautifully.
  • It pairs with everything — chips, celery, bread, or even spoonfuls straight from the dish!

Once you try it, it’ll become your go-to appetizer for every occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 8 servings
  • Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving

🍗 Cuisine and Course

  • Cuisine: American
  • Course: Appetizer / Snack / Party Dip

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works best)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (your preference)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, for topping)

Optional Garnish:

  • Chopped green onions or parsley
  • Extra drizzle of buffalo sauce

Simple Cooking Directions

  1. Preheat the oven and mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Transfer to a baking dish and bake until hot and bubbly.
  3. Top with cheese, bake a few minutes more, and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Shred or dice your cooked chicken (you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie).
  3. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easy mixing.

Step 2: Make the Dip Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch (or blue cheese) dressing.
  2. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add shredded chicken, cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Dip

  1. Transfer the mixture to a greased 8×8-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish.
  2. Spread evenly and top with extra cheddar or mozzarella.
  3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
  4. Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden, slightly crispy top.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  2. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
  3. Serve warm with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.

How to Serve

Serve this dip warm and melty — straight from the baking dish or in a slow cooker to keep it hot throughout your party.

Perfect pairings:

  • Tortilla chips or pita chips for crunch
  • Celery and carrot sticks for a fresh contrast
  • Toasted baguette slices for extra indulgence
  • Crackers or pretzels for easy snacking

It’s ideal for parties, game nights, or cozy family evenings.

Additional Recipe Tips

  • Use rotisserie chicken — it saves time and adds great flavor.
  • Adjust the heat — add more or less buffalo sauce depending on your spice preference.
  • Make it creamier: Mix in a few tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Don’t overbake — you want it hot and melty, not dry.
  • Keep it warm for parties by transferring to a slow cooker on “warm” setting.

Variations

  1. Blue Cheese Lovers: Use blue cheese dressing and top with blue cheese crumbles.
  2. Extra Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce.
  3. Bacon Buffalo Dip: Stir in ¼ cup of crispy bacon bits before baking.
  4. Ranch Lovers: Swap buffalo sauce for mild wing sauce and use extra ranch.
  5. Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Spread this dip on small slider buns for mini sandwiches.
  6. Keto Version: Serve with celery sticks or cucumber slices instead of chips.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven or microwave until hot. Stir before serving.
  • Freeze (Unbaked): Assemble the dip in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
    • Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
  • Freeze (Baked): Cool completely, portion, and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer (optional, for smooth blending)
  • 8×8-inch (or similar) baking dish
  • Spatula
  • Oven or slow cooker

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake when ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, you can — though shredded cooked chicken gives a better texture and flavor.

Q3: How can I keep it warm for a party?
Serve it in a small slow cooker on “warm” setting — it stays creamy and hot for hours.

Q4: Can I make it lighter?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and ranch, and swap half the cheese for Greek yogurt.

Q5: Can I make this dip in a microwave?
Yes — mix all ingredients, microwave in a safe bowl for 3–5 minutes (stir halfway), and serve immediately.

Conclusion

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip is everything you want in a party appetizer — rich, cheesy, spicy, and irresistibly delicious. It’s a comfort food classic that’s as easy to make as it is to love.

Perfect for game days, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this dip never fails to impress. With its creamy texture, bold buffalo flavor, and cheesy melt, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Recipe by Rhonda AndersonCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

Ingredients

  • Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works best)

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (softened)

  • ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)

  • ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (your preference)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, for topping)

  • Optional Garnish:

  • Chopped green onions or parsley

  • Extra drizzle of buffalo sauce

Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare Ingredients : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shred or dice your cooked chicken (you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie). Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Step 2: Make the Dip Mixture : In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch (or blue cheese) dressing. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add shredded chicken, cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
  • Step 3: Bake the Dip : Transfer the mixture to a greased 8×8-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish. Spread evenly and top with extra cheddar or mozzarella. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden, slightly crispy top.
  • Step 4: Garnish and Serve : Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish. Serve warm with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.