Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors in every bite. This dish combines tender shredded chicken with rich cream cheese, zesty hot sauce, and melty cheddar for a texture that’s irresistibly smooth and gooey.
Perfect for game day or casual gatherings, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it a lifesaver for last-minute entertaining. The bold, savory taste pairs perfectly with crunchy celery sticks or crispy tortilla chips, creating a satisfying contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Not only is this dip delicious, but it’s also surprisingly easy to whip up with minimal prep time. The creamy base balances the fiery kick of buffalo sauce, while the melted cheese adds a comforting richness. Each serving packs a punch of protein, making it a hearty snack or appetizer.
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, this dip delivers big flavor with little effort. Warm, indulgent, and packed with personality, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need for Buffalo Chicken Dip
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened (use full-fat for best texture)
- ½ cup (115 ml) ranch dressing (blue cheese dressing works too)
- ½ cup (115 ml) buffalo wing sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ⅓ cups (170 g) sharp shredded cheddar cheese, divided (shred your own for better melt)
- 2 cups (275 g) well-shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 thinly sliced green onions, for topping (optional)
- Corn chips, crackers, or toasted bread slices, for serving
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter an 8×8 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese (using an electric mixer or spatula) until smooth and creamy.
- Add the ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in the shredded chicken, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and green onions (if using). Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm, topped with additional green onions if desired, alongside corn chips, crackers, or toasted bread slices.
Spice It Up: Sauce and Topping Ideas
For a spicier kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or swapping the buffalo sauce for a hotter variety like habanero or ghost pepper sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, mix in a bit of honey or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat. Top with crumbled blue cheese, extra green onions, or even crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleaser! Serve it warm with corn chips, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices for dipping. It’s also great as a topping for baked potatoes or stuffed into soft pretzels. For a party platter, pair it with veggie sticks, crackers, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Make It Last: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If the dip thickens, stir in a splash of milk or ranch dressing to restore its creamy consistency.
Quick Fixes: Time-Saving Tips
Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken or canned chicken for a quick shred. Pre-shredded cheese works too, but shredding your own ensures a creamier melt. Prep the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
For a cheesier twist, swap half the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack. Vegetarian? Replace the chicken with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative. You can also make this dip in a slow cooker—combine all ingredients, cook on low for 2 hours, and stir before serving.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ⅓ cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese divided it’s best to buy a block of cheddar cheese and shred it yourself. I used a blend of white and yellow sharp cheddar.
- 2 cups well-shredded chicken
- 2 Thinly sliced green onions for topping optional
- Corn chips, crackers, toasted bread slices, etc. for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F (190C) and lightly butter an 8×8 baking dish.
- Mix cream cheese (with an electric mixer or spatula) in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and paprika and garlic powder and stir well.
- Add chicken and cheese and green onion and stir well.
- Transfer ingredients to prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining ⅓ cup (55g) of cheese.
- Bake in 375F (190C) oven for 15-20 minutes or bubbly.
- Serve warm, topped with additional green onions, if desired.
- Corn chips, crackers, toasted bread slices, etc. for dipping