Best Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s creamy, spicy, and packed with shredded chicken and tangy buffalo sauce. It’s the perfect dip for game days, parties, or anytime you want a little kick with your snack. The mix of cream cheese, cheese, and that classic buffalo flavor makes it irresistible.
I love making this dip because it’s so quick and easy to put together, but tastes like you spent hours on it. I usually serve it warm straight from the oven with plenty of crunchy chips or fresh celery sticks for dipping. It always disappears fast, and I find myself going back for just one more scoop.
One thing I’ve learned is that you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. I like mine pretty spicy, but if you’re serving kids or people who don’t handle heat well, just dial it back a bit and everyone’s happy. Buffalo Chicken Dip is always a hit—warm, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy to keep everyone coming back for more.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a real time-saver and adds great flavor. Leftover roast chicken or even canned chicken can work if you’re in a hurry.
Cream Cheese: This makes the dip creamy and rich. Soften it well to avoid lumps. For a lighter option, try a cream cheese blend or use Greek yogurt, but the texture will be slightly different.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice for that signature buffalo taste. If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount or use a milder hot sauce you enjoy.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds creaminess and balances the heat. You can swap ranch for blue cheese dressing or vice versa depending on your preference.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella melt nicely, giving richness and stretch. Blue cheese crumbles add tang and intensity—feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan.
How Do You Get the Best Creamy & Bubbly Texture in Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Softening the cream cheese ahead helps the dip mix smoothly without lumps. Mix all ingredients well to combine flavors evenly.
- Spread the dip evenly in the baking dish for even cooking.
- Bake at 350°F until bubbly and lightly browned on top—this usually takes 20-25 minutes.
- Don’t skip the last garnish of green onions; it adds a fresh crunch and pop of color.
- Serve warm—Buffalo Chicken Dip gets firmer as it cools, so warm servings are best for that gooey texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to stir all ingredients together easily without making a mess.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – great for mixing and scraping the sides of the bowl.
- Oven-safe baking dish (8×8 inch works well) – perfect for baking the dip until hot and bubbly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of cheese, sauce, and dressing every time.
- Knife and cutting board – handy for slicing green onions or any add-ins.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try substituting shredded rotisserie chicken with cooked ground turkey for a different texture and flavor.
- Add diced celery or carrots into the dip mix for extra crunch and freshness.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to boost the spiciness and add a creamy melt.
- Top with chopped cooked bacon before baking to add smoky, salty notes everyone loves.
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dip:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
For Garnish and Serving:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: celery sticks, crackers, or chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll have a warm, cheesy, spicy dip ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for quick party appetizers or snacks anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dip Ingredients:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, hot sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing until smooth. Then, add the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix everything well so the flavors combine evenly.
2. Bake the Dip:
Spread the creamy mixture evenly into an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the top. Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for the dip to be hot, bubbly, and just starting to brown on top.
3. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, carefully take the dish out of the oven. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve your buffalo chicken dip warm with celery sticks, crackers, or chips for dipping. Enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker prep.
How Can I Make This Dip Less Spicy?
Reduce the amount of hot sauce or choose a milder buffalo sauce. You can also add more cream cheese or ranch dressing to tone down the heat without losing flavor.
Can I Prepare Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Mix all the ingredients and refrigerate the dip for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as directed—just add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy and hot throughout.