Best Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines spicy buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a little cooling ranch zest. It’s the perfect mix of spicy, tangy, and cheesy flavors all melted together into one irresistible dip.
I love making this dip for game day or any casual get-together because it’s so easy to whip up and always a hit. I usually double the recipe because people can’t seem to get enough of it, and I secretly enjoy sneaking little spoonfuls when no one’s watching. It just has that perfect balance of heat and creaminess that keeps you coming back for more.
My favorite way to enjoy this dip is with crunchy celery sticks and salty tortilla chips on the side. It’s great for sharing and makes any gathering feel cozy and fun. If you want to spice things up even more, I sometimes add a sprinkle of extra blue cheese on top before baking—trust me, it’s delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken because it’s already cooked and easy to shred. You can also use leftover roasted chicken or even canned chicken for a quicker option.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy base. Make sure it’s softened to mix smoothly. You could try a dairy-free cream cheese if you want a vegan version.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is the heart of the dip’s flavor. Frank’s RedHot is my go-to, but any hot sauce with a bit of vinegar kick will work fine. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you want it.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds tang and coolness to balance the heat. Ranch is milder, while blue cheese has a stronger flavor. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Cheeses: I use cheddar and mozzarella for a nice mix of sharpness and melty stretch. Feel free to swap mozzarella with Monterey Jack or use extra sharp cheddar for more bite.
How Do You Get the Dip Perfectly Melty and Creamy?
The key is to mix everything well before baking and bake until bubbly. Here’s how:
- Soften cream cheese fully so it blends easily with the sauces.
- Mix the chicken, cheeses, sauces, and green onions evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Use an oven-safe skillet or baking dish so you can serve straight from the oven.
- Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, until the edges bubble and the top turns slightly golden.
- If adding blue cheese crumbles, sprinkle them on the last 5 minutes so they don’t overcook and lose flavor.
This slow melt lets everything come together into a smooth, rich dip that’s easy to scoop and enjoy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to combine all your ingredients easily without spilling.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for mixing the dip smoothly without scratching your bowl.
- Oven-safe skillet or baking dish – perfect for baking and serving the dip warm right from the oven.
- Measuring cups – to keep your buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheeses just right.
- Knife and cutting board – handy for chopping green onions and any add-ins.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked ground turkey to mix things up while keeping the dip hearty.
- Try blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a punchier, tangier flavor.
- Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat if you love it spicy.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits or chopped green chiles for smoky or slightly sweet hints.
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing for extra tang)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles for topping
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes baking time, for a total of roughly 30-35 minutes until your dip is hot, bubbly, and ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dip mixture is prepared.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir well until everything is smooth and evenly blended.
3. Add the Chicken and Cheese:
Fold in the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and chopped green onions. Stir gently until all ingredients are mixed evenly.
4. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and starting to turn golden on top.
5. Optional Topping and Garnish:
Five minutes before the dip finishes baking, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top if you like. When fully baked, remove from the oven and garnish with more chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the warm dip alongside tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks. Scoop up your creamy, spicy, cheesy dip and enjoy the crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quick thawing. Pat dry to avoid extra moisture in the dip.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to step 4, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
What Are the Best Dippers for Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks are classic choices. You can also use sliced bell peppers, pita chips, or crusty bread for different textures and flavors.
