Best Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game days, parties, or whenever you’re craving a little kick. It blends tender shredded chicken with tangy buffalo sauce, smooth cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a touch of ranch or blue cheese dressing to keep things cool and flavorful. A dip that’s thick, hearty, and packed with that classic buffalo taste everyone loves.
I always say this dip is my go-to when friends come over because it’s so simple to make but feels like a special treat. I like to mix everything just right so you get a perfect balance of heat and creaminess in every bite. It’s also great because you can make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when your guests arrive—almost no fuss, just pure deliciousness.
My favorite way to serve this dip is with crisp celery sticks and crunchy tortilla chips. Icing on the cake? A sprinkle of chopped green onions on top for a little fresh pop of color and flavor. It always disappears fast, so be ready to grab your share before it’s all gone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I usually use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and great flavor, but leftover cooked chicken or even canned chicken can work in a pinch.
Cream Cheese: It’s the base that makes this dip creamy. Make sure it’s softened before mixing to avoid lumps. You can try light cream cheese to cut calories, but the dip might be less rich.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my favorite for that classic tang and heat. If you prefer less spice, use half buffalo sauce and half hot sauce or adjust to your taste.
Cheeses (Cheddar, Mozzarella, Blue Cheese): Cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella brings gooey meltiness, and blue cheese adds tang. Feel free to skip blue cheese if you’re not a fan or replace it with extra cheddar.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: This cools down the heat and adds creaminess. Use your favorite brand or homemade if you have it. Greek yogurt mixed with herbs can be a lighter option.
How Can I Get the Perfect Creamy and Bubbly Texture?
The secret is mixing all ingredients until smooth before baking. Make sure cream cheese is soft to avoid lumps in the dip.
- Combine ingredients well to spread flavors evenly.
- Use shredded cheese rather than slices—they melt faster and blend better.
- Bake at 350°F until bubbly and lightly golden on top, about 20-25 minutes.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil and keep baking until bubbling.
Let the dip cool slightly before serving so it thickens up. This makes scooping easier and stops it from running off your chips or veggies.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish (8-inch round or similar) – perfect size to hold the dip and heat evenly in the oven.
- Mixing bowl – to combine all the ingredients smoothly without making a mess.
- Spoon or spatula – helps you mix everything well and spread the dip evenly.
- Measuring cups – to get the right amounts of cheese, sauce, and dressing for balanced flavor.
- Oven mitts – important for safely handling the hot baking dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken with cooked ground beef or turkey for a heartier, meat-lover version.
- Stir in some cooked, diced bacon pieces for extra smoky flavor and crunch.
- Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to boost the heat level.
- Mix in some cooked corn or black beans for a bit of sweetness and texture contrast.
How to Make the Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- ½ cup hot buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Crackers, tortilla chips, or celery sticks, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes roughly 10 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to bake. So in total, plan for around 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough to whip up just before guests arrive!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the dip.
2. Make the Creamy Buffalo Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch (or blue cheese) dressing, and hot buffalo sauce. Stir until the mixture is nice and smooth.
3. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Mix in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese until everything is well combined.
4. Bake the Dip:
Spread the mixture evenly in an 8-inch round (or similar-sized) baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from oven and sprinkle on the crumbled blue cheese (if using). Add sliced green onions for a fresh garnish. Serve warm with crackers, tortilla chips, or celery sticks for dipping.
Enjoy your creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken beforehand, either in the fridge overnight or using a quick cold water bath. Shred it well before mixing to keep the texture perfect.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Store leftovers 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.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed—add a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
What’s a Good Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you don’t have ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing works great too. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt mixed with some dried herbs and a pinch of garlic powder for similar flavor.