This bold and creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate party appetizer! With tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, tangy cream cheese, and melted cheddar, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that pairs perfectly with chips, crackers, or veggies. Whether for game day or a casual gathering, this dip delivers a spicy kick everyone will love.
Did You Know?
Buffalo sauce originated in Buffalo, New York, where it was famously used to coat chicken wings. Combining hot sauce with melted butter, it’s known for its tangy heat that’s irresistible in appetizers like this dip.
Fun Fact: Adding cream cheese and shredded chicken to buffalo sauce transforms the bold flavors into a creamy, comforting dish.
Yield
Serves 6–8
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and buffalo hot sauce. Stir until smooth.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip
Spread the mixture into an oven-safe dish or small cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, or celery sticks for dipping.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 240, Protein: 12g, Carbohydrates: 4g, Fiber: 0g, Net Carbohydrates: 4g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 55mg, Sodium: 580mg, Sugars: 1g, Glycemic Index: Low
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe and saves time. Simply shred the meat and you’re ready to go.
- For a milder dip, use a 50:50 mix of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing in the base.
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, swap ranch for blue cheese dressing or add crumbled blue cheese on top.
- To keep the dip warm for hours, transfer it to a slow cooker after baking and set it on "low."
- Serve with a mix of dippers like tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, and pita bread for variety.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings—it’s always the first dish to disappear!
- Save money by using store-brand cream cheese, hot sauce, and shredded cheese without sacrificing flavor.
- Make it keto-friendly by serving with low-carb crackers or veggies instead of chips.
- Add extra cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top for an extra-cheesy finish.
- Leftover dip can be reheated the next day or spread on a sandwich for a spicy twist.
Let’s Learn About Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo sauce combines hot sauce and butter for a tangy, spicy flavor. The heat comes from cayenne pepper, but the butter mellows it, creating the perfect balance. To customize your dip, adjust the level of buffalo sauce to suit your spice preference. For those who enjoy extra heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. For a mild twist, blend in a little more ranch dressing to tone it down without losing the signature flavor.