If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, Buffalo Chicken Dip is the recipe you need in your life! Creamy, tangy, and packed with the spicy flavor of classic Buffalo wings, this dip is everything you love about game-day snacks — without the mess of bones. I’m so excited to share this one with you because it’s truly become a staple at my parties, and I can’t wait for it to be the same for you!
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What Is Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Imagine the bold, zesty flavor of Buffalo chicken wings — but in a rich, cheesy, scoopable form. That’s Buffalo Chicken Dip in a nutshell! It’s the kind of dish that disappears within minutes of being served, with friends and family gathered around, dunking crackers and celery with glee.
This recipe brings together shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, plenty of gooey cheddar cheese, and a good kick of Frank’s RedHot sauce, all warmed into melty, savory perfection.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip
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Quick to make: Just 15 minutes of prep time!
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Perfect for gatherings: It’s a total touchdown at parties, potlucks, and game days.
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Comforting and craveable: The spicy, cheesy goodness is so addictive.
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Flexible: Easy to tweak depending on what you have at home.
I promise, once you make this, it’ll become your signature dish for every get-together!
How Buffalo Chicken Dip Tastes
Creamy, spicy, savory, and just the right amount of tangy, this dip is everything you love about Buffalo wings — plus the cheesy comfort factor that makes it even more irresistible. Every bite is rich but balanced by the zest of hot sauce and the coolness of ranch.
Benefits of Making Buffalo Chicken Dip
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Crowd-pleaser: Appeals to kids and adults alike!
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One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means you get to actually enjoy your party.
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Make-ahead friendly: You can prep it earlier and just heat when ready.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Dip
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2 (10-ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
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¾ cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
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2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
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1 cup ranch dressing
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1½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
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1 bunch celery, cut into 4-inch pieces
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1 (8-ounce) box chicken-flavored crackers
Tools You’ll Need
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Medium skillet
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Mixing spoon or spatula
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Slow cooker (optional but recommended for keeping it hot during parties)
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Serving platter or bowl
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
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Chicken: Freshly shredded rotisserie chicken can be swapped for canned.
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Cheese: Add a little mozzarella for an extra gooey stretch!
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Dressing: Prefer blue cheese over ranch? Swap it in for a more traditional Buffalo flavor.
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Spice level: Add extra hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you like it fiery!
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip (Step-by-Step)
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Gather all ingredients so you’re ready to rock.
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In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the chicken and hot sauce until heated through (about 3–5 minutes).
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Add the cream cheese and ranch dressing. Stir continuously until the mixture is blended and smooth (another 3–5 minutes).
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Mix in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, stirring gently.
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Transfer to a slow cooker and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
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Cover and cook on LOW for about 35 minutes until everything is hot and bubbling.
That’s it! No fancy techniques or special skills required — just hearty, delicious food.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip
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Crisp celery sticks (classic and refreshing)
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Chicken-flavored crackers (the perfect savory crunch!)
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Tortilla chips
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Toasted baguette slices
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Carrot sticks
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Even mini bell peppers for a colorful spread!
And if you’re like me, you might just end up eating it straight with a spoon. No shame!!
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
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Use softened cream cheese: It blends so much easier.
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Keep it warm: Serve it straight from the slow cooker if you can.
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Adjust spice to taste: Don’t be afraid to tweak the amount of hot sauce.
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Double it: If you’re serving a big crowd, this dip disappears fast!
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat in the microwave or on LOW in a slow cooker until warmed through.
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Freeze? I don’t recommend it — the texture can get weird. It’s so good fresh, though, you probably won’t have any leftovers!
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re looking for more comforting, crowd-pleasing chicken recipes, here are some of my favorites:
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Deliciously Easy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites — Perfect for busy weeknights, these bites are juicy, flavorful, and ready in a flash!
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Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken: A One-Skillet Wonder for Busy Nights — Bright, creamy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is a total winner.
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Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits: A Cozy Classic Reinvented — Ultimate comfort food made even easier with fluffy, buttery biscuits on top!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dip, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just heat it up when you’re ready to serve, and it tastes just as fresh and fabulous!
Is there a dairy-free version of Buffalo Chicken Dip?
You sure can make a dairy-free version! Use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free shredded cheese. The texture might be a little different, but it’ll still be creamy and delicious.
Can I bake Buffalo Chicken Dip instead of using a slow cooker?
Yes! Just pop it into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbly. The cheese on top gets golden and a little crispy — so good!!
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Dip spicier?
Absolutely — you’re the boss of the spice! Add extra Frank’s RedHot, a few dashes of cayenne pepper, or even some diced jalapeños if you’re feeling wild.
What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
If you want to change it up, you can swap the ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing for a more traditional Buffalo wing flavor. It gives it a little more tang!
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of canned chicken?
Oh, definitely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully and adds an extra juicy, savory flavor to the dip. I honestly love using it whenever I have leftovers!
How do I keep Buffalo Chicken Dip warm for a party?
The slow cooker is your best friend here! Keep it on the WARM setting so the dip stays hot and scoopable for hours without drying out.
Can I freeze leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Technically, yes, but I don’t recommend it. The cream cheese can get grainy once thawed. It’s so easy to make fresh — and trust me, it disappears fast anyway!
What are the best dippers for Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Classic celery sticks and crackers are amazing, but tortilla chips, carrot sticks, mini bell peppers, or even pretzels are fantastic too! Honestly, you could dip a flip-flop in this stuff and it would still taste good.
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
You bet! Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas, white beans, or even jackfruit for a plant-based version that’s still packed with flavor and heat.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Dip is everything you could want in a party dish: comforting, cheesy, spicy, and wildly addictive! Best of all, it’s easy to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to be a massive hit with everyone at the table. I’m kicking myself for not having shot it at my last gathering — the pot was licked clean!!
If you loved this, you’ll adore the other easy, flavor-packed chicken recipes linked above. Trust me, you’ll be the MVP of every meal!
I’d love to see your version of this Buffalo Chicken Dip!
Tag me and share your photos on Pinterest: Pinterest.com/recipesbysylvia — it truly makes my day seeing your beautiful creations!!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 284
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Fat: 23g
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Carbohydrates: 9g
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Protein: 11g
5 Reasons to Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 5 cups (about 20 servings) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Dip is creamy, spicy, and cheesy — everything you love about Buffalo wings without the mess! Perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients
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2 (10-ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
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¾ cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
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2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
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1 cup ranch dressing
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1½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
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1 bunch celery, cut into 4-inch pieces (for serving)
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1 (8-ounce) box chicken-flavored crackers (for serving)
Instructions
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Gather all your ingredients and have them ready.
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In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the chicken and hot sauce until heated through, about 3–5 minutes.
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Stir in the cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook and stir until well blended and smooth, about 3–5 more minutes.
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Mix in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese.
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Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker, and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
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Cover and cook on LOW until the dip is hot, bubbly, and irresistible — about 35 minutes.
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Serve warm with celery sticks and chicken-flavored crackers. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
Notes
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Use freshly shredded rotisserie chicken for extra flavor!
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Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese if you’re a true Buffalo wing traditionalist.
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Make it ahead: Prepare everything and refrigerate, then heat when ready to serve.
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For a baked version, use a baking dish and heat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
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Want it even spicier? Add extra hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
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Equipment
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Medium Skillet
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Slow Cooker
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Spatula or Mixing Spoon
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Measuring Cups
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- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker (or Stovetop to Slow Cooker)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 284 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 66mg
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Dip, game day appetizer, party dip, chicken recipes, cheesy dips, slow cooker dips