Buffalo chicken dip: 7 irresistible reasons to dive in

By:

Christina R. Jones

August 18, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about buffalo chicken dip! This creamy, spicy delight is an absolute staple at every party I throw—or even just casual get-togethers. There’s something about that rich, cheesy goodness combined with a kick of heat that makes it irresistible. I remember the first time I made it for my friends; we were all gathered around the TV for the big game, and as soon as I pulled it out of the oven, the aroma filled the room. You could practically hear everyone’s stomachs growling! It vanished in record time, and everyone kept asking for the recipe.

It’s become my go-to appetizer, whether it’s for football Sundays, birthday parties, or just a cozy night in. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Trust me, once you try this buffalo chicken dip, it’ll be your new favorite too. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on making this delicious dip that always brings smiles to the table!

buffalo chicken dip - detail 1

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Dip

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Make sure your chicken is cooked and shredded beforehand; leftover rotisserie chicken works like a charm! And don’t skip on the cream cheese—it’s the secret to that creamy texture. You can adjust the buffalo wing sauce to your taste, whether you like it mild or want to bring the heat! Oh, and chopped green onions? They add a fresh crunch that balances out all that cheesiness. Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to party perfection!

How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Dip

Getting this buffalo chicken dip ready is simpler than you might think! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dip that everyone will rave about. Don’t forget to preheat your oven first; this will make sure your dip gets bubbly and delicious!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want your dip to bake evenly and get that perfect golden top.
Mix the chicken and buffalo sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken with 1/2 cup of buffalo wing sauce. Make sure the chicken is well-coated, as this will give your dip that signature spicy flavor. I like to use my hands to really mix it up, but a spoon works too if you prefer!
Add the creamy ingredients: Next, toss in the 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of ranch dressing. Use a spatula or a mixer to blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You want it to be as homogenous as possible, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
Stir in the cheese and onions: Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. The cheese adds richness, while the green onions give a nice fresh crunch that cuts through the creaminess.
Transfer to a baking dish: Spoon the mixture into a greased baking dish. A 9×9 inch dish works perfectly, but you can use whatever you have on hand!
Bake it up: Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and the edges are slightly golden. Oh, that smell will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
Serve warm: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This dip is best enjoyed warm, paired with tortilla chips or crisp celery sticks. Trust me, the combination is unbeatable!

And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll be the star of your next gathering with this delicious buffalo chicken dip. Just make sure to save some for yourself; it disappears quickly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this dip in no time!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and tender chicken creates a flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or a festive gathering, this dip fits right in!
Crowd-Pleaser: People can’t resist a good buffalo chicken dip! You’ll be the hero of the party when you serve it.
Customizable: Adjust the heat level to suit your crowd by tweaking the amount of buffalo sauce, making it as mild or spicy as you like!

This buffalo chicken dip is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection, just like it is in mine!

Tips for Success

To make sure your buffalo chicken dip turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip softening your cream cheese before mixing. It should be at room temperature for a smooth blend—nobody wants lumps! If you’re using leftover chicken, shred it finely to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Also, taste as you go! Adjust the buffalo sauce to your liking; it’s all about finding that sweet spot between spicy and creamy. If you find it gets too hot, adding a bit more ranch dressing can mellow it out. And remember, this dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge; just pop it in the oven right before serving. That way, you can enjoy the party too, instead of being stuck in the kitchen!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this delicious buffalo chicken dip (about 1/2 cup) packs in approximately 300 calories, with 20g of fat and 20g of protein. It also contains about 6g of carbohydrates and 2g of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always fun to indulge a little, especially when it’s as tasty as this dip!

FAQ About Buffalo Chicken Dip

Got questions about buffalo chicken dip? I’ve got you covered! One of the most common questions I hear is, “Can I use different types of cheese?” Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic, feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for an extra kick. Just remember, the creaminess is key, so stick with cheeses that melt well.

Another popular query is about serving suggestions. This dip is perfect with tortilla chips, but don’t forget about fresh veggies like celery or carrot sticks for a crunchy contrast. You can even serve it in mini bread bowls for a fun twist at parties!

Now, if you’re wondering about storage, here’s a tip: leftover buffalo chicken dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving again. I’ve also had success freezing it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly and defrost in the fridge before reheating. Trust me, it’s just as delicious the second time around!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers of your buffalo chicken dip is super easy! Just transfer any remaining dip into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dish. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it into a freezer-safe container. It should hold up well for about a month.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the dip in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop it back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until it’s heated through and bubbly. You can also use the microwave; just heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed to your liking. Trust me, it’ll taste just as delicious as the first time you made it!