Last Updated on September 15, 2025 by Chef Josie
Nothing beats buffalo chicken dip when you want a creamy, spicy, and easy crowd-pleaser. It’s the flavor of wings without the mess, perfect for game day or holiday spreads. We’ll cover the best ingredients, simple swaps, cooking methods, and tips to keep it hot and gooey.
Check out another dip favorite here: Marry Me Chicken Dip.
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Table of Contents
What Is Buffalo Chicken Dip?
This dip blends shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and melted cheese into a warm, scoopable spread. It’s everything people love about buffalo wings in a less-messy form.
Classic Ingredients
- Shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover works best)
- Cream cheese for richness
- Hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Cheddar or mozzarella for melty goodness
Why It’s Popular
Every bite delivers heat, tang, and creaminess. It’s a guaranteed hit at parties, paired easily with chips, celery, or bread.
Discover great ideas like this crisp Viral Cucumber Salad or try the refreshing Iceberg Lettuce Salad for balance.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 Servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy, spicy, cheesy dip perfect for game day or parties.
Ingredients
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2 cups shredded chicken
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8 oz cream cheese
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1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
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1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
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1 cup shredded cheddar
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Mix chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and dressing until smooth.
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Spread in baking dish.
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Top with cheddar and mozzarella.
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Bake 20 minutes until bubbly.
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Serve hot with chips, celery, or bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 15g
Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Knowing the right swaps makes your dip flexible for any kitchen.
Creamy Base Choices
Cream cheese is classic, but you can mix in sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dip.
Hot Sauce Options
Frank’s is the go-to, but milder wing sauces or spicier blends also work.
Ranch or Blue Cheese?
Ranch keeps it mild and herby, while blue cheese adds tangy depth.
Best Cheeses
Cheddar gives sharpness, mozzarella stretches, and Monterey Jack blends smoothly.
Learn more about a creamy pasta side like Lemon Ricotta Pasta or finish with a sweet bite like Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
There are several ways to prepare this dip, all simple and crowd-tested.
Oven-Baked
Spread the mix in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Slow Cooker
Combine everything in a crockpot. Set to low, then switch to “warm” for serving during parties.
Quick Methods
On the stovetop or microwave, heat ingredients until smooth and melty. Best for small batches.
Looking for inspiration? Try this trendy Natural Ozempic Juice alongside for a lighter sip.
3-Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Dip
Yes, you can keep it ultra-simple.
The Trio
Chicken, cream cheese, and hot sauce, that’s all you need.
Scale It Up
Add shredded cheddar, ranch, or blue cheese if you want more flavor layers, but the 3-ingredient version still delivers bold taste.
Don’t miss our fun treat idea: Trader Joe’s Dubai Chocolate for a sweet game-day balance.
The Best Chicken for Buffalo Dip
The chicken you choose makes a difference in texture and flavor.
Rotisserie or Leftovers
Rotisserie gives juicy shreds with built-in seasoning. Leftovers work too if reheated gently.
Canned or Poached
Canned chicken is quick but needs draining. Poaching fresh chicken keeps it moist for shredding.
Shredding Tips
Use two forks, a hand mixer, or a stand mixer to shred chicken fast.
Check out this creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta for another easy comfort dish to pair.
Flavor Boosts & Variations for Buffalo Chicken Dip
You can keep it classic or dress it up with extras.
Savory Add-Ins
Crispy bacon, scallions, or blue cheese crumbles give more punch.
Lighter or Low-Carb Tweaks
Swap in Greek yogurt, skip some cheese, or serve with veggie dippers for keto-friendly balance.
Extra Cheesy
Blend cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack for maximum pull.
Discover great ideas like this refreshing Cranberry Spaghetti for a creative twist on savory-sweet balance.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip
Pair your dip with crisp, salty, or soft dippers.
Best Dippers
Tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrots, baguette slices, pretzels, or crackers.
Perfect Pairings
Balance the heat with sides and mains.
Don’t miss our cool Viral Iceberg Lettuce Salad or finish strong with Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken dip is the kind of recipe that wins over everyone—spicy enough to stand out, creamy enough to keep you dipping, and versatile enough to tweak for any crowd. Whether you stick to the classic five ingredients or try the 3-ingredient shortcut, this dip will always deliver. Make it ahead, serve it bubbling hot, and pair it with crisp dippers or fresh sides for the ultimate game day spread.
Don’t miss our refreshing twist to balance the heat: Detox Island Green Smoothie.
Buffalo Chicken Dip FAQs
What ingredients are in buffalo chicken dip?
Chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and shredded cheese.
How to make buffalo chicken dip with 3 ingredients?
Just use chicken, cream cheese, and hot sauce. Bake until hot and melty.
What is the best chicken to use for buffalo dip?
Rotisserie chicken is the juiciest and easiest. Leftovers or canned chicken also work.
Do you put sour cream in buffalo chicken dip?
Some recipes add sour cream for tang and creaminess, but it’s optional.
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