Creamy, Spicy, and Addictive: How to Make the Best Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
Let’s face it—when it comes to party dips, Buffalo Chicken Dip reigns supreme. Whether it’s a family gathering, game day, or a casual get-together with friends, this dip never fails to impress. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with that unmistakable spicy buffalo kick. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make!
With just five simple ingredients—canned chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese—you’ll have a warm, bubbling dish of deliciousness that everyone will dive into. Pair it with chips, crackers, or veggies, and you’ve got yourself a no-fuss appetizer that’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the recipe, give you some tips and tricks for making it even better, and even share a few fun variations to mix things up. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get dipping!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
1. It’s quick and easy: With canned chicken and just a few pantry staples, this dip is ready to go in under 30 minutes.
2. It’s versatile: Serve it with chips, crackers, bread, or veggies—it pairs with just about anything!
3. It’s a crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a snack for movie night, this dip is always a hit.
4. Make it your way: You can easily adjust the heat level, swap out ingredients, or even make it ahead of time.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Dip
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Dip:
– 2 cans chunk chicken (drained): Using canned chicken makes this dip super quick and easy, but feel free to use shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts if you prefer.
– 16 oz cream cheese (softened): This adds the rich, creamy base to the dip.
– 1 cup ranch dressing: Ranch gives the dip a tangy flavor that balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.
– ¾ cup buffalo sauce: This is where the heat comes from. Use your favorite buffalo sauce—Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice!
– 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds a gooey, melty layer of cheesy goodness on top. You can mix some into the dip as well for extra cheesiness.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s get down to business. This Buffalo Chicken Dip couldn’t be easier to make! You can either bake it in the oven or throw it together in a slow cooker. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both methods.
Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give the dip that warm, bubbly, golden-brown finish.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Use a fork or spoon to mix everything until well combined.
Step 3: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into an oven-safe baking dish. I recommend using an 8×8 or 9×9 dish for the best results.
Step 4: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top of the dip.
Step 5: Bake the Dip
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies like celery and carrots for dipping.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you’re looking for an even easier, hands-off method, you can make this dip in a slow cooker!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add the canned chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Cook on Low
Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until everything is melted and combined.
Step 3: Top with Cheese
Once the dip is fully combined, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover, and cook for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Step 4: Serve
Once the cheese on top is melted, switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting and serve straight from the pot with chips, crackers, or veggies.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Here are a few pro tips to make sure your Buffalo Chicken Dip turns out perfectly every time:
1. Use softened cream cheese: Cold cream cheese won’t mix well and can make the dip lumpy. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before mixing.
2. Drain the chicken: Make sure to drain the canned chicken thoroughly to avoid a watery dip.
3. Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. For the best texture, shred a block of cheddar yourself.
4. Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder dip, use less buffalo sauce or swap it for a milder hot sauce. For extra heat, add a few dashes of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
5. Make it ahead: You can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven or slow cooker to reheat.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Variations
While the classic version is always a hit, here are a few fun ways to switch things up and make this dip your own:
– Buffalo Blue Cheese Dip: Swap the ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing and sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese on top before baking for an extra tangy, cheesy flavor.
– Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip: Add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
– Buffalo Chicken Bacon Dip: Mix in some crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
– Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip: Lighten it up by using reduced-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning instead of ranch, and grilled chicken instead of canned.
– Buffalo Cauliflower Dip: Make a vegetarian version by swapping the chicken for roasted cauliflower florets.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip
This dip pairs perfectly with a variety of dippable options. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside it:
– Tortilla Chips: A classic pairing, tortilla chips are sturdy enough to scoop up all that cheesy goodness.
– Crackers: Try buttery crackers or wheat crackers for a tasty crunch.
– Bread: Slices of French bread or toasted baguette make excellent dippers.
– Veggies: If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve the dip with fresh celery sticks, carrots, or sliced bell peppers.
Storing and Reheating Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with this dip!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
– Refrigerate: Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
– Reheat: To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
– Freezing: Buffalo Chicken Dip freezes well! Transfer the cooled dip to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake or microwave until hot.
Common Questions About Buffalo Chicken Dip
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the dip together and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great! Just shred it and use about 2 cups of cooked chicken in place of the canned chicken.
Can I use blue cheese instead of cheddar?
If you love blue cheese, you can certainly swap some (or all) of the cheddar for crumbled blue cheese. It will give the dip a more tangy, bold flavor.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a must-have recipe in your appetizer arsenal. It’s quick, easy, and loaded with flavor—perfect for game days, parties, or whenever you’re in the mood for a cheesy, spicy snack. Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of the fun variations, this dip is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Now that you know how to make the best Buffalo Chicken Dip, it’s time to grab your ingredients and get cooking. Happy dipping!
Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Cans Chunk Chicken Drained
- 16 Ounces Cream Cheese Softened
- 1 Cup Ranch Dressing
- 3/4 Cup Buffalo Sauce
- 1 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the mixture into an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve with chips, crackers, or veggies.