Best Buffalo Chicken Dip is the go-to crowd-pleaser for any gathering, packed with shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and that perfect spicy kick of buffalo sauce. It’s warm, cheesy, and just the right amount of tangy, with a texture that’s both smooth and chunky. If you love buffalo wings but want something easier to snack on, this dip is exactly what you’re looking for.
I love making this dip because it’s so simple and smells amazing while it’s baking. One of my favorite things is pairing it with crisp celery sticks and crunchy tortilla chips – the cool veggies help balance out the spicy buffalo flavor perfectly. Whenever I bring this to a party, it’s always the first thing to disappear from the table, and people ask for the recipe right away!
If you want to keep things easy on yourself, I recommend making the dip ahead of time and popping it in the oven just before guests arrive. It heats up beautifully and stays warm for a while, which means I can relax and enjoy the party instead of worrying about the food. This dip is a total winner that brings everyone together, whether it’s game day or just a casual night with friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken because it’s ready to go and full of flavor. If you don’t have rotisserie, shredded cooked chicken breasts or thighs work well too.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip that creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened first so it mixes easily. You can try light cream cheese for a lighter version.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my favorite for the right balance of heat and flavor. You can adjust the amount if you want it milder or hotter. For a milder sauce, try buffalo sauce with less heat or add a splash of honey to balance the spice.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Both add creaminess and cool down the heat a bit. Use your favorite or a dairy-free version if needed.
Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice sharpness, while mozzarella adds gooey meltiness. You can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend if you prefer.
Green Onions: They add freshness and a bit of bite. If unavailable, try chopped chives or mild red onion.
How Do You Get the Dip Creamy, Well-Blended, and Not Runny?
Mixing the ingredients well is key! Here’s how I do it:
- Soften cream cheese first (leave it on the counter for 30 mins or microwave for 15-20 sec) to make mixing smooth and easy.
- Use a spoon or spatula to blend cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and dressing until totally smooth before adding chicken and cheese.
- Stir in shredded chicken and cheeses evenly, so everything is coated well and no clumps form.
- Don’t add extra liquid (like milk) — the cheeses and cream cheese provide all the moisture you need.
- Bake the dip until bubbly and golden on top — this helps it set perfectly so it’s creamy, but holds together when scooped.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cast iron skillet – great for baking and serving, plus it keeps the dip warm longer.
- Mixing bowl – handy for combining all the ingredients smoothly before baking.
- Spatula or spoon – perfect for mixing and scraping the bowl clean.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the sauce and cheese amounts just right.
- Oven mitts – to safely handle the hot skillet when taking it out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap grilled chicken for shredded rotisserie to add a smoky flavor and ease of prep.
- Add crumbled blue cheese for a stronger, tangier taste that complements the buffalo sauce.
- Mix in chopped celery or green bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness.
- Stir in cooked bacon bits for a smoky, salty twist that pairs well with the creamy dip.
Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (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
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Tortilla chips, celery, and carrot sticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20–25 minutes to bake, so around 30–35 minutes total. It’s quick to mix together and the baking time allows the flavors to meld into a warm, creamy dip perfect for sharing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Mix:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing until smooth and creamy. This will create a flavorful base for your dip.
2. Combine Main Ingredients:
Next, gently fold in the shredded chicken, ¾ cup of cheddar cheese, ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir everything well so the chicken is coated and the cheeses are evenly distributed.
3. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the mixture to a cast iron skillet or baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden brown.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle additional chopped green onions and optional fresh parsley or cilantro on top for freshness. Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding and mixing it in. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for faster prep.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to step 4, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving, stirring occasionally for even warming.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! Use less buffalo wing sauce for a milder dip or add extra if you like it spicy. You can also balance heat by using ranch dressing instead of blue cheese if preferred.
