Best Buffalo Chicken Dip is everything you want in a party appetizer—creamy, spicy, and packed with tender shredded chicken and that classic buffalo sauce kick. It’s the perfect mix of cheesy goodness and flavorful heat that always gets everyone reaching for their favorite chips or veggies. If you love buffalo wings but want something easier to share, this dip is exactly what you need.
I love making this dip when friends come over because it’s so quick to put together and always disappears fast. I usually mix in a good amount of melted cream cheese and a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing to keep it nice and creamy, which makes it way more than just spicy sauce. The combo of flavors and textures always feels like a little celebration in every bite—I promise, it’s hard to stop eating!
My favorite way to serve this dip is warm and bubbly, straight from the oven, with plenty of sturdy tortilla chips, celery sticks, or even soft pretzels for dipping. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together—perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want something comforting and tasty that everyone loves. I usually make a double batch because it’s guaranteed to be gone in no time at all!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my favorite for this dip—it’s tender and ready to use. You can also use cooked chicken breasts or thighs, shredded by hand or with a fork.
Cream cheese: This makes the dip creamy and rich. Softening it first helps it mix evenly. If you want a lighter option, try low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt, though the texture will be a bit different.
Buffalo wing sauce: The heart of the flavor! Frank’s RedHot is classic, but any buffalo-style sauce works. Adjust the amount if you want it milder or hotter.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Adds creaminess and balances the heat. Pick your favorite or swap out for sour cream if you want a tangy twist.
Cheddar and mozzarella cheese: Cheddar brings sharpness, mozzarella adds gooey stretch. You can mix these or use just one type based on preference. Pepper jack can add a little extra kick too.
Green onions: Fresh green onions add a nice crunch and fresh bite at the end. If you don’t have them, a sprinkle of chives or parsley works fine.
How Do I Make Sure Buffalo Chicken Dip is Creamy and Not Dry?
Getting a creamy and bubbly dip is all about mixing and baking just right. Here’s how I do it:
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing. This stops lumps and blends smoothly with the sauce and dressing.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly to spread flavors and moisture evenly.
- Don’t over-bake! Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted on top. Overbaking can dry it out.
- Serve immediately while warm and melty. If leftovers cool off, gently reheat before serving for the best texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to combine all your ingredients without spilling.
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon – to blend cream cheese smoothly with the sauces.
- 8×8-inch baking dish – perfect size to bake the dip evenly and serve from.
- Oven mitts – keep your hands safe when pulling the hot dish out of the oven.
- Spoon or spatula – for stirring and serving the dip.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked ground turkey or shredded rotisserie turkey for a different protein.
- Add chopped cooked bacon for smoky flavor and extra crunch.
- Mix in some diced jalapeños if you prefer your dip spicier and with a bit of heat.
- Stir in blue cheese crumbles for a tangy twist instead of ranch dressing.
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing if preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10 minutes mixing all the ingredients and roughly 20–25 minutes baking the dip until it’s hot, bubbly, and perfectly melty. So in total, plan for about 35 minutes from start to finish, including prep and baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot. This will help the dip cook evenly and melt the cheese just right.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix until smooth and creamy—that’s the flavorful base of your dip!
3. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Stir in the shredded chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix everything together well so every bite gets a bit of everything.
4. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the mixture into an 8×8 inch (or similar sized) baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top. Place it in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dip is hot all the way through, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Carefully remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle with extra chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve warm with your favorite dippers like tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before using. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Shred it well before mixing into the dip.
How Do I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the entire dip up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the dip is cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through and bubbly again.
Can I Adjust the Heat Level?
Absolutely! Use more or less buffalo wing sauce to control the spiciness. For a milder dip, reduce the sauce and add more ranch or blue cheese dressing to keep the dip creamy and balanced.
