Best Buffalo Chicken Dip is that perfect mix of spicy, creamy, and cheesy all in one bowl. It’s made with tender shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, smooth cream cheese, and lots of melted cheese that’s just begging to be scooped up with chips or veggies.
I always love making this dip when friends come over because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The spicy kick from the buffalo sauce is balanced out by the creaminess, which makes it easy to eat again and again without feeling overwhelmed. I find that letting it bake until it’s bubbly and golden on top really brings out all the flavors.
My favorite way to serve it is with crunchy celery sticks and crispy tortilla chips—there’s something so satisfying about digging into that warm, cheesy dip with a cool, fresh veggie. It’s great for game days, casual get-togethers, or whenever you just want a fun, tasty snack that feels like a treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is the base. I like using rotisserie chicken because it’s juicy and ready to go. You can also boil or bake chicken breasts if you prefer fresh. For a vegetarian twist, try shredded jackfruit or chickpeas.
Cream Cheese, Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These keep the dip creamy and rich. If you want to lighten it up, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or use light cream cheese. Mayonnaise adds smoothness but can be left out for a less rich dip.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star of the flavor. Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but any buffalo sauce will do. Adjust the amount if you like more or less heat. For less spice, try a mild hot sauce or buffalo-style BBQ sauce.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar and mozzarella melt well for gooey texture. Blue cheese adds that classic tang, but if you don’t like it, you can skip it or use feta for a milder tangy flavor.
How Do You Get That Perfectly Creamy and Bubbly Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Making this dip smooth and bubbling is key. Here’s how:
- Start with softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes.
- Mix all creamy ingredients well before adding chicken and cheese to get an even texture.
- Spread it in an even layer in your baking dish so it heats uniformly.
- Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it and remove when bubbly and the top has a light golden color.
- Let it cool slightly before serving—the dip thickens a bit, making it easier to scoop.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – perfect for mixing creamy ingredients and folding in chicken and cheese.
- 1-quart baking dish – just the right size for the dip to cook evenly and stay warm at the table.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing from the oven.
- Serving spoon or dip spreader – makes scooping or spreading the dip onto chips or veggies easy and mess-free.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked shredded turkey or pulled pork for a different but tasty protein twist.
- Add diced celery or chopped green bell peppers for a crunchy texture inside the creamy dip.
- Mix in pepper jack cheese for a little extra spicy kick if you love heat.
- Top with crispy cooked bacon bits for a smoky, salty boost that pairs perfectly with buffalo flavor.
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
For Serving (Optional):
- Celery sticks
- Tortilla chips
- Crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dip takes about 10 minutes to mix and assemble, then 20-25 minutes to bake until hot and bubbly. So, in total, plan for about 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the dip.
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and buffalo wing sauce until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add Chicken and Cheeses:
Stir in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and crumbled blue cheese until everything is well combined.
4. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the mixture evenly into a baking dish (about 1-quart size). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the top starts to lightly brown.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with extra crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions. Serve warm with celery sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding and mixing it in. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting, then pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Use Instead of Buffalo Sauce?
If you want less heat or a different flavor, try substituting with BBQ sauce, a mild hot sauce, or a buffalo-style wing sauce with less spice. Adjust the amount to match your taste preference.