This easy buffalo chicken dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer that comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients. It delivers bold buffalo flavor balanced with smooth ranch and melted cheese, making it perfect for game days, family gatherings, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing dip.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal prep, making it ideal even when you’re short on time. The texture is rich and creamy, while the flavor has just the right amount of heat that can easily be adjusted to your preference. It’s versatile, works in a slow cooker, oven, or microwave, and pairs well with a wide variety of dippers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (2 standard blocks)
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 2/3 cup ranch dressing
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast

For serving (optional):

• Tortilla chips
• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks

Directions

1. If not already prepared, cook the chicken breast until fully done, then shred it finely.
2. Add the cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, shredded mozzarella cheese, and shredded chicken into a slow cooker.
3. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
5. Stir again before serving. If desired, sprinkle a small amount of extra mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
6. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker with tortilla chips or vegetables.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings as an appetizer.
Preparation time is about 5 minutes, and cooking time is 1 hour, for a total time of roughly 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Variations

For a milder dip, reduce the buffalo wing sauce to 1/3 cup. If you enjoy extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of chili flakes. You can swap mozzarella cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a sharper flavor. For a lighter version, reduced-fat cream cheese can be used, though the dip may be slightly thinner.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. It can also be reheated in the oven at 350°F until warm.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it before serving.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes, the dip can be baked in the oven or heated in the microwave until fully melted and warm.

What type of chicken works best?

Cooked and shredded chicken breast works best, whether homemade or pre-cooked.

Is this dip very spicy?

The spice level is moderate, but you can easily adjust it by adding more or less buffalo sauce.

Can I freeze buffalo chicken dip?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change once thawed.

What can I serve with this dip?

Tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, crackers, or sliced bread all work well.

Can I use a different dressing instead of ranch?

Yes, you can substitute ranch with another creamy dressing if desired.

How do I keep the dip warm for a party?

Keep the slow cooker on the warm setting while serving.

Can I add extra ingredients?

Yes, chopped green onions or additional cheese can be added for extra flavor.

How do I know when the dip is ready?

The dip is ready when it is fully heated through and bubbling slightly around the edges.

Conclusion

Easy buffalo chicken dip is a reliable, flavorful appetizer that’s simple to prepare and always a hit. With its creamy texture, bold taste, and flexible cooking methods, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again for any gathering.

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