This Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy appetizer that’s perfect for game day, parties, or any gathering. Packed with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and loads of melted cheese, this dip is baked until bubbly and golden brown. Serve it with chips, crackers, or veggies, and watch it disappear in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and cheesy Loaded with melted cheese and a rich, creamy base.
- Perfectly spicy Just the right amount of heat from buffalo sauce.
- Easy to make Just mix, bake, and serve.
- Crowd-pleaser Always a hit at parties, game days, and gatherings.
- Versatile Serve with chips, veggies, or use it as a filling for sliders or wraps.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing, if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons green onions (chopped, for garnish)
Optional for serving:
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Crackers
Directions
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the dip:
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Stir until well mixed and creamy.
3. Transfer to a baking dish:
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a shallow oven-safe skillet.
4. Bake the dip:
- Bake for 2025 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- If desired, broil for 23 minutes to brown the top slightly.
5. Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onions before serving.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add 12 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or use extra-hot buffalo sauce.
- Blue Cheese Version: Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing and add extra blue cheese crumbles on top.
- Bacon Buffalo Dip: Add ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor.
- Healthy Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and light cheese for a lighter dip.
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip: Mix all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 23 hours.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch, but freshly shredded or rotisserie chicken will offer a better texture and flavor.
What’s the best buffalo sauce for this dip?
Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice, but any buffalo sauce brand will work depending on your spice preference.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dip up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.
How do I keep the dip warm for a party?
Transfer the baked dip to a slow cooker on the “warm” setting to keep it hot throughout the event.
Can I make this dip without ranch or blue cheese?
Yes, simply omit the dressing or replace it with sour cream for a milder flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Just serve with gluten-free chips or veggies.
Can I add vegetables to the dip?
Yes, diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or green chilies make great additions for extra flavor and texture.
What cheese works best for buffalo chicken dip?
Cheddar and mozzarella offer the perfect creamy and melty texture, but pepper jack or Monterey Jack also work well for extra spice.
Can I make this dip dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese, cheese, and dressing alternatives for a dairy-free version.
How spicy is buffalo chicken dip?
It’s mildly spicy as written but can be adjusted by using a milder or spicier buffalo sauce.
Conclusion
This Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate party appetizer—creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold buffalo flavor. Whether you’re serving it for game day, a potluck, or a casual get-together, this easy dip is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Customize it to suit your spice level and serve it hot with chips, veggies, or crackers for the perfect snack!
Description
Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip is a spicy, creamy, and cheesy appetizer made with shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing—perfect for game day, parties, or snacking with chips and veggies.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (8×8 or similar size).
- In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and ranch dressing until well combined.
- Stir in half of the cheddar cheese and the blue cheese if using.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 2025 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm with chips or veggies.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
- Substitute blue cheese with more cheddar if preferred.
- This dip can be made ahead and baked right before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 55mg