Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
If you’re hunting for the ultimate party appetizer or simply craving a crave-worthy snack, look no further than this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip. This bubbly, cheesy, tangy dip combines everything you love about buffalo wings—tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch, bold Frank’s Red Hot, and heaps of cheddar—into one irresistibly scoopable dish. Whether you’re celebrating game night or hosting friends, this dip always vanishes fast, so make sure to grab a bite before it’s gone!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic behind Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip is just how few ingredients you need, each playing a key role in building bold flavor and dreamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some tips and insights to make every bite exceptional:
- Shredded cooked chicken: Using leftover roasted chicken keeps things juicy, but any cooked chicken, even rotisserie, works beautifully for deep flavor.
- Cream cheese (room temperature): Softened cream cheese blends in smoothly, lending the dip its trademark creamy body and mild tang.
- Frank’s Red Hot sauce: The classic kick! It brings heat and that unmistakable buffalo zip, so don’t swap it unless you’re a heat adventurer.
- Hidden Valley ranch dressing: Ranch balances the spice with herby, garlicky, cool notes—Hidden Valley is a favorite, but any creamy ranch works.
- Mild cheddar cheese: Adds stretchy, gooey, melty goodness; don’t forget extra for bubbling, golden topping!
- Chopped green onions: These brighten up the finished dish, adding a pop of fresh color and a subtle oniony crunch.
How to Make Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start strong by setting your oven to 375°F so it’s perfectly hot and ready as soon as the dip is assembled—this helps ensure you get a bubbling, evenly-baked finish every time.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
If your chicken isn’t shredded yet, now’s the time! Shred cooked chicken with two forks or your fingers for best texture. Leftover chicken works like a charm, especially if you’ve roasted your own.
Step 3: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Frank’s Red Hot sauce, ranch dressing, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Don’t be shy—mix it well until every piece of chicken is coated in that creamy, spicy, cheesy mixture.
Step 4: Spread in the Dish
Evenly spread the chicken mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish. Don’t worry about getting it perfect; the magical part comes when it bakes and the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Top with Extra Cheese
Sprinkle a generous handful of extra cheddar cheese across the top of your dip. This is where the golden, gooey, irresistible crust comes from, so don’t skimp!
Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to get gorgeously golden around the edges.
Step 7: Let It Cool Slightly
Once out of the oven, allow the dip to settle and cool for a few minutes. Not only will this protect eager fingers from the cheese lava, but it ensures the dip is the perfect consistency to scoop.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions for freshness and color. Serve your Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip warm with lots of tortilla chips, crunchy crackers, or cool veggie sticks for dipping action that never gets old.
How to Serve Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Garnishes
While chopped green onions are a classic topping for Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip, you can also add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles for an extra flavor punch. If you’re feeling bold, a light drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce over the top looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dip deserves great dippers! Tortilla chips are always a crowd-pleaser, but don’t stop there. Serve alongside celery sticks, sliced cucumbers, carrot sticks, pretzel crisps, or even toasted baguette slices for a mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try baking your Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip in a bread bowl for an edible centerpiece. Mini individual ramekins make cute, personalized servings. You can even spoon the dip into crispy wonton cups or atop roasted potato skins for a fun twist on classic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip is just as delicious the next day. Store any cooled dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s perfect for quick snacks or next-day lunches—just be sure to reheat it until hot and bubbly again.
Freezing
If you’d like to make this dip ahead or save some for later, it freezes beautifully. Transfer the prepared (but unbaked) dip to a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add a fresh sprinkle of cheddar, and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty, about 10 to 15 minutes. For individual servings, the microwave works well—just heat in short bursts and stir between, so the dip stays creamy and doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this dip?
Absolutely! While shredding your own cooked chicken gives the best texture, canned chicken is a super handy shortcut and works well in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well before mixing.
Is there a substitute for ranch dressing?
If ranch isn’t your favorite, swap it for blue cheese dressing for a bigger, bolder flavor profile that still complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
Can I make this dip in advance?
Yes! You can mix the dip together and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add your extra cheddar cheese on top and bake fresh right before serving.
What’s the best way to make it spicier or milder?
For more heat, add a bit more Frank’s Red Hot sauce, a dash of cayenne, or even diced jalapeños. To keep things milder, use less hot sauce and add a little extra ranch to balance it out without losing that buffalo kick.
Can I make this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip in a slow cooker?
You sure can! Just mix everything except the garnishes and cook on low for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Top with green onions before serving for a hot, hands-off appetizer.
Final Thoughts
Seriously, Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip is the definition of crowd-pleaser—cheesy, zesty, and unbelievably simple to whip up. Whether you’re feeding friends or sneaking a scoop for yourself, this dip always hits the spot. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and watch this dip disappear—it’s just too good not to share!
Print
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering. This creamy and spicy dip is loaded with shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese, baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (leftover roasted chicken works well)
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce
- 1/2 cup Hidden Valley ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken if not already shredded.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch dressing, shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese until well mixed.
- Spread Mixture: Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Top with extra cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then garnish with green onions before serving warm with chips or veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Dip, Chicken Dip Recipe, Game Day Appetizer
