Buffalo Chicken Dip is the recipe I get asked for the most every football season, and it never lasts more than ten minutes on the table.
It’s creamy, spicy, loaded with cheese, and comes together with a handful of ingredients you can grab from any grocery store.
This Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe uses shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Frank’s RedHot sauce to recreate everything you love about a plate of buffalo wings, minus the bones and the mess.
I first made this for a small get together and ended up scraping the bottom of the dish with a chip while everyone asked where the rest of it went.
It has been my go to party appetizer ever since, and I think it’s about to become yours too.
It pairs wonderfully with a batch of buffalo chicken wraps if you want to build out a full buffalo themed spread.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 8 servings (about 3 cups) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
This dip checks every box you want at a party. It’s rich, tangy, spicy, and impossible to stop eating once you start.
It also comes together fast, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun.
- Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple, easy to find ingredients
- Perfectly balances heat, tang, and creaminess
- Can be prepped ahead and baked right before guests arrive
- Feeds a crowd without much effort
You might also enjoy: Bang Bang Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Ingredients
Every ingredient here has a job to do, from building the creamy base to bringing that signature buffalo heat.
Nothing is wasted space in this dip.
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 3/4 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
This same flavor combination shows up in one of my other favorites. Read Also: Jalapeno Popper Soup Recipe
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, just a few basics that make mixing and baking easier.
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer
- Meat shredding claws
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Rubber spatula
If you’re building out a spicier lineup for game day, don’t skip my air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites, they’re a great meatless addition to the table.
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are a few products I actually use in my own kitchen when I make this dip, and I think they genuinely make the process easier or the result better.
1. Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
This is the sauce that started the whole buffalo flavor category, and it’s still the one I reach for every single time.
It has the right balance of vinegar tang and heat without overpowering the creamy base of the dip.
2. KitchenAid Hand Mixer
Softened cream cheese can still fight you a little, and a good hand mixer smooths everything out in seconds.
It also makes quick work of whipping the mixture before it goes into the baking dish.
3. Meat Shredding Claws
Shredding a rotisserie chicken by hand or with two forks takes forever.
These claws cut that time down dramatically and give you evenly shredded pieces that mix into the dip perfectly.
4. Ceramic 9×13 Baking Dish
A sturdy ceramic dish heats evenly, so you avoid burnt edges while the center is still cold. It also looks nice enough to bring straight to the table.
You might also enjoy: Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
1. Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a small amount of butter or cooking spray so the dip doesn’t stick to the sides.
- Set the dish aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Soften and Mix the Cream Cheese
- Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed for about 30 seconds until it’s smooth and free of lumps.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure everything gets incorporated evenly.
3. Add the Sauce and Dressing
- Pour the Frank’s RedHot sauce and ranch dressing into the bowl with the cream cheese.
- Mix on low speed until the sauce and dressing are fully blended into the cream cheese with no streaks remaining.
- The mixture should look pale orange and smooth at this point.
4. Fold in the Chicken and Cheeses
- Add the shredded chicken to the bowl.
- Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, all of the mozzarella cheese, and the sliced green onions.
- Using the spatula, fold everything together by hand until the chicken and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Do not use the electric mixer for this step, since it can shred the chicken too finely.
5. Transfer to the Baking Dish
- Spoon the mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Use the spatula to spread it into an even layer, pressing gently so there are no large gaps or air pockets.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake Until Bubbly
- Place the dish in the preheated oven, uncovered.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and the edges of the dip are bubbling.
- If you like a golden top, switch the oven to broil for the final 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 3 to 4 minutes, since it will be very hot straight out of the oven.
- Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese and a little extra sliced green onion over the top, if using.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, and crackers.
Once it’s baked, this dip pairs so well with the same crunchy dippers you’d serve with my buffalo chicken sweet potato casserole at your next gathering.
Tips for The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
A few small adjustments can take this dip from good to the one people request every time.
- Let the cream cheese come fully to room temperature before mixing, or you’ll end up with lumps
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor
- Taste the sauce mixture before adding the chicken, and adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level
- Don’t skip greasing the baking dish, since the cheese can stick to the edges
- Let the dip rest a few minutes after baking so it firms up slightly and doesn’t run off your chips
The flavor profile here works well in cold dishes too, like my buffalo chicken pasta salad, if you want to use up leftover ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This dip is flexible enough to anchor an entire spread or sit alongside other appetizers.
It holds up well next to both crunchy dippers and other warm dishes on the table.
- Tortilla chips or pita chips for scooping
- Celery and carrot sticks for a lighter, crunchy option
- Sliced baguette or garlic bread
- Alongside a batch of chicken wings for a full buffalo spread
- As a topping for baked potatoes or nachos
Another favorite on my site: Spinach Artichoke Dip
Variations of Buffalo Chicken Dip
Once you’ve made the classic version, it’s easy to switch things up based on what you’re craving or what you have on hand.
- Slow Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally
- Extra Spicy: Add a diced jalapeno or a splash of cayenne pepper sauce
- Milder Version: Reduce the hot sauce to 1/2 cup and add an extra 1/4 cup of ranch dressing
- Bacon Buffalo Chicken Dip: Fold in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon
- Ranch Free: Swap the ranch dressing for an equal amount of sour cream
Read Also: Cheese Ball Recipe
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers, if there are any, keep well and reheat nicely for the next day.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months, though the texture may soften slightly once thawed
- Oven Reheating: Warm covered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through
- Microwave Reheating: Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until warm
You might also enjoy: Cheese Dip Recipe
Nutritional Facts
These values are estimated per serving, based on 8 total servings from this recipe.
Actual numbers will vary depending on the exact brands and amounts used.
- Calories: approximately 290
- Protein: 15 grams
- Fat: 23 grams
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Sodium: 700 milligrams
For another cheesy, crowd pleasing appetizer, take a look at my pizza dip recipe next.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
While this is very much a treat, a few of the ingredients do offer some nutritional upside.
Chicken is a lean protein source that helps keep you fuller for longer, even in a rich dip like this one.
- Chicken provides protein that supports muscle repair and keeps you satisfied
- Green onions add small amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K
- Cheese contributes calcium, which supports bone health
- Hot sauce made from peppers contains capsaicin, which has been linked to a small metabolic boost
Read Also: Cowboy Caviar Recipe
FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Dip
1. Can I make Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix everything together and store it covered in the baking dish in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going into the oven cold.
2. What’s the best chicken to use for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is the easiest option since it’s already cooked and full of flavor.
Leftover grilled or baked chicken breast works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
3. How spicy is this dip, and can I adjust the heat?
As written, this recipe has a moderate level of heat that most people find enjoyable rather than overwhelming.
You can easily scale the hot sauce up or down to match your own spice tolerance.
4. Can I make this dip in a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Absolutely, combine all the ingredients directly in the slow cooker insert.
Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until everything is melted and combined.
5. What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
Blue cheese dressing is the most common swap and adds even more of that classic buffalo wing flavor.
Sour cream also works well if you want a milder, tangier base.
This same style of dip and swap works nicely with jalapeno poppers recipe if you’re planning a full appetizer table.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 2 8 oz blocks cream cheese softened; 16 oz or 450g total
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken about 300g; rotisserie chicken works great
- 3/4 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce about 180ml
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing about 120ml
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided; about 170g
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese about 115g
- 1/4 cup green onions thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese optional
- tortilla chips for serving
- celery sticks for serving
- crackers for serving
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Meat shredding claws
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Rubber spatula
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
- Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed with an electric hand mixer for about 30 seconds until smooth and free of lumps, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Pour the Frank’s RedHot sauce and ranch dressing into the bowl. Mix on low speed until fully blended with no streaks remaining; the mixture should look pale orange and smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, all of the mozzarella cheese, and the sliced green onions. Fold together by hand with a spatula until evenly distributed; do not use the electric mixer for this step.
- Spoon the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread into an even layer, pressing gently to remove gaps. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and the edges are bubbling. For a golden top, broil for the final 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3 to 4 minutes. Garnish with crumbled blue cheese and extra sliced green onion, if using, and serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, and crackers.
Nutrition
Notes
- Let the cream cheese come fully to room temperature before mixing, or you’ll end up with lumps.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Taste the sauce mixture before adding the chicken, and adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Don’t skip greasing the baking dish, since the cheese can stick to the edges.
- Let the dip rest a few minutes after baking so it firms up slightly and doesn’t run off your chips.
- Make ahead: mix everything together and store covered in the baking dish in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking; add a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
- Slow cooker version: combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Storage: refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months (texture may soften slightly once thawed).
- Reheating: warm covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, or microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until warm.
- Variations: add diced jalapeno or cayenne for extra spice, reduce hot sauce to 1/2 cup and add 1/4 cup extra ranch for a milder version, fold in 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon, or swap ranch for an equal amount of sour cream.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Dip is one of those recipes that earns a permanent spot in your rotation the first time you make it.
It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and always the first dish to disappear from the table.
I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so drop a comment below once you’ve made it.
Feel free to share a photo with me if you make it, I always love seeing your versions of this dip.
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- Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
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