Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate creamy, spicy, ultra-cheesy party snack that always disappears in minutes. With its irresistible layers of tender chicken, tangy hot sauce, and melty cheese, this crowd-pleaser is practically guaranteed to steal the show at game days, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Buffalo Chicken Dip keeps it simple with classic ingredients, but each one truly pulls its weight in flavor, creaminess, or gooey cheese factor. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why it matters.

• 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides hearty, protein-packed bites—the backbone of the dip. Shredded rotisserie chicken works if you’re in a time crunch!
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed: Makes the dip super creamy and rich, and helps everything hold together luxuriously.
• 1 cup ranch dressing: For that tangy, herby, cooling balance against the hot sauce—use your favorite homemade or store-bought brand.
• 1 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot!): The signature spicy and tangy kick. Frank’s is classic, but use the one you love most.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds warmth and depth.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a gentle garlicky edge that rounds out the savoriness.
• ½ cup green onion, chopped: A pop of freshness and color in every bite.
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided): This melts beautifully, giving you that irresistible cheesy stretch.
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided): For sharp flavor and melty golden goodness on top.

Variations

One of the joys of Buffalo Chicken Dip is how flexible it is—you can tweak, swap, and play until it fits your exact cravings or dietary needs without breaking a sweat.

• Make It Blue: Swap out ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing (or stir in blue cheese crumbles) for a bold, punchy dip with classic Buffalo flavor vibes.
• Rotisserie Shortcut: Use 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken for a saves-the-day shortcut, especially when you’re pressed for time.
• Go Lighter: Use light cream cheese and reduced-fat shredded cheese for a slightly less indulgent version that’s still packed with flavor.
• Spice Level: Turn up the heat with extra hot sauce or add a few dashes of cayenne, or go milder with less sauce—make it totally your own!
• Slow Cooker: Prepare everything in your Crockpot for an easy, hands-off appetizer that stays warm and ready for grazing.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip

Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken

If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, place the breasts in boiling water, remove from heat, cover, and let them gently poach for about 25 minutes. When they’re finished, let them cool just enough to handle, then use two forks (or your fingers) to shred them into perfectly bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prep the Oven and Pan

While the chicken cools, set your oven to preheat at 350°F and generously spray a 9×9-inch baking pan (or similar ovenproof dish) with non-stick spray. This helps prevent your cheesy masterpiece from sticking—making serving and cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine your cubed cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Place over medium-low heat, and whisk constantly until everything melts together into a gloriously smooth, orange-tinged sauce. Take a moment to taste and add extra hot sauce if you’re feeling bold!

Step 4: Add Chicken, Greens, and Cheese

To your luscious sauce, add the shredded chicken, chopped green onion, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1 cup cheddar. Stir it all up until every bit of chicken is coated in spicy, cheesy goodness. Pour (or spoon) this mixture into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 20–30 minutes, or until the sides are bubbling and the cheese is totally melted. For an epic, golden finish, place under the broiler for 2–3 extra minutes—just keep an eye out so it doesn’t burn!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let your Buffalo Chicken Dip cool just slightly before serving so it’s scoopable but still hot and gooey. Set it out with tortilla chips, celery, crackers, or your favorite dippers for instant appetizer bliss!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra green onions or even some crumbled blue cheese over the top for vibrant color and a flavor boost. A drizzle of ranch or an extra squirt of hot sauce can make your Buffalo Chicken Dip extra eye-catching and deliciously personalized.

Side Dishes

This dip was made for scooping! Tortilla chips, crunchy celery sticks, carrot spears, pretzels, or sturdy crackers are all perfect partners. For a heartier spread, pair it with sliders, loaded potato skins, or a tray of fresh veggie sticks to round out your snack table.

Creative Ways to Present

Level up your appetizer spread by serving Buffalo Chicken Dip in a bread bowl, individual ramekins, or even spooning it into mini bell peppers for party-perfect bites. Or, slather leftovers in a flour tortilla with greens for the most epic Buffalo chicken wrap lunch of your dreams.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Chicken Dip keeps beautifully covered in the fridge for 2–3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and know that flavors continue to meld so it’s just as irresistible (if not more!) the next day.

Freezing

Absolutely! Cool the dip completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just know the texture may be slightly softer after thawing, but the flavor is still spot on for quick snacks and leftover magic.

Reheating

Reheat Buffalo Chicken Dip gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently, until hot and gooey. For bigger portions, warm in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until bubbly all the way through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, hosting game night, or just treating yourself, this Buffalo Chicken Dip is your ticket to instant snack happiness. Try it—you’ll see how fast it becomes the most-requested recipe in your kitchen!

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