This tangy, creamy Buffalo chicken dip tastes just like Buffalo chicken wings! Perfect for parties and game day, this chicken dip is best served hot with crackers and celery sticks. Everyone loves the results!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with the bold flavors of Buffalo wings, but in dip form. This is the go-to appetizer for parties, tailgating, and casual gatherings. Best of all, it’s made in the crockpot, so you can set it and forget it while the dip stays warm for the whole party!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups canned chicken, drained (about two large cans)
- 16 ounces cream cheese (two packages)
- 1 cup buffalo hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot works great)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Prepare the cream cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small chunks. This helps it melt faster.
- Add to the crockpot: Add the chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to ensure the cream cheese melts evenly.
- Serve: Once bubbly and heated through, serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip
This dip is perfect with:
- Tortilla chips for a classic dipper.
- Celery sticks for a fresh crunch.
- Carrot sticks or pretzels for a fun twist.
- Baguette slices or crackers for extra variety.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave. If reheating on the stove, add a little extra buffalo sauce or ranch to keep the dip creamy.
Can You Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes! This dip freezes well for up to 1-3 months. Let it cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding extra ranch if needed.
Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Use fresh chicken: While canned chicken is easy, using rotisserie chicken or poaching your own chicken will give the dip an even fresher, richer flavor.
- Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more or less buffalo sauce to control the heat. If you prefer a milder dip, start with less sauce and taste as you go.
Variations
- Add salsa: For extra flavor, add a jar of chunky salsa to the dip while cooking.
- Top it off: Add fresh toppings like chopped chives, green onions, or a handful of crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor.
- Change the cheese: Swap Cheddar for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a spicy twist.
FAQs
- Why is my buffalo chicken dip too runny?
- The dip can be runny if there’s too much liquid in the chicken or if you used low-fat cream cheese. Make sure to drain the chicken well, and consider using full-fat cream cheese.
- Can I bake this dip instead of using a crockpot?
- Yes! You can transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- What can I serve this with?
- Buffalo chicken dip is great with tortilla chips, celery sticks, crackers, or baguette slices. You can even use it as a topping for baked potatoes or in tacos!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A creamy and tangy Buffalo chicken dip that tastes just like Buffalo chicken wings, perfect for parties and game day.
Ingredients
- 4 cups canned chicken, drained (about two large cans)
- 16 ounces cream cheese (two packages)
- 1 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cut the cream cheese into small chunks to help it melt faster.
- Add the chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese to the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 180-240 minutes, or on high for 60-120 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes.
- Once bubbly and heated through, serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers.
Notes
Use fresh chicken for richer flavor, consider shredding your own cheese for better melting, and adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American