Several years before I learned to cook, I made Buffalo chicken dip for a party. I wanted to bring chicken wings, but I didn’t know what I was doing in the kitchen. So I sought out a Buffalo chicken recipe that was easy to make, could be prepped ahead of time, and captured the winning flavors of hot wings. At the end of the party, the baking dish was practically licked clean. Everyone asked me for the recipe!
This easy Buffalo chicken dip is one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and time again. Five simple ingredients create a hot layered dip that’s completely irresistible, and its decadent cheesy topping takes it over the edge. It’s a party win whether you make it for a tailgate, potluck or holiday gathering.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Use a high-quality cream cheese, like one of our Test Kitchen’s recommended cream cheese brands. The block can be a little hard to spread straight out of the fridge, so let it warm slightly on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works really well for this recipe. If you want to use canned chicken, you’ll need about two 5-ounce cans of chicken. Make sure to drain them well before adding them to the dip.
- Buffalo wing sauce: This sauce gives Buffalo wings their signature flavor. It’s not as spicy as other hot sauces because it contains additional ingredients (like vinegar and butter) to tame the heat.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Either dressing works, so choose the one you prefer. Ranch provides a mild creaminess, while blue cheese adds an earthy, tangy taste.
- Colby-Monterey Jack cheese: Freshly grated cheese is best here. It melts better (and has a better texture) than packaged shredded cheese. You can even use a simple trick for grating cheese so nothing sticks to the grater.
Directions
Step 1: Create a cream cheese base
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Spread the cream cheese into an ungreased, shallow 1-quart baking dish.
Step 2: Layer the remaining ingredients
Layer the chicken, wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese salad dressing. Sprinkle with cheese.
Editor’s Tip: The dip will be easier to scoop if the chicken is chopped into bite-sized pieces. If you use shredded chicken, give it a quick chop to shorten the shreds. Or, use a stand mixer to shred chicken so the pieces are nice and small.
Step 3: Bake the Buffalo chicken dip
Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted, 20 to 25 minutes.
Serve the dip with baguette slices, celery ribs or tortilla chips.
Test Kitchen Tip: If you want an ooey-gooey top with very little browning, cover the dish with foil when baking.
Recipe Variations
- Make it in a slow cooker: Slow-cooker dips make great party appetizers. They travel well, and you can use the slow cooker to keep the dip warm during the party. To make slow-cooker Buffalo chicken dip, layer the ingredients in a 3-quart slow cooker. Cover it and cook on low for two to three hours, or until the dip is heated through.
- Skip the layers: We love this as a layered dip, but it tastes just as good if you mix everything together. Mix the cream cheese, chicken, wing sauce and salad dressing in a bowl. Then, transfer the dip to the baking dish. Sprinkle the cheese on top, and bake as directed.
- Adjust the spice level: If your guests like it spicy, add more wing sauce. You can also reduce the amount of sauce to temper the heat.
- Add bacon: The only thing better than Buffalo chicken dip is bacon Buffalo chicken dip! Folding in cooked, chopped bacon adds salty, smoky and savory vibes to this creamy dip.
- Use another cheese: Feel free to swap in your favorite cheese; cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack or pepper jack all work well here. Blue cheese crumbles are a great choice if you love blue cheese recipes.
Can you make Buffalo chicken dip ahead of time?
To make Buffalo chicken dip in advance, layer the ingredients in the baking dish up to one day ahead. Cover the dish, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dish sit on the counter while the oven preheats. Bake as directed.
How long does Buffalo chicken dip last?
Buffalo chicken dip lasts for up to four days—if you’re lucky enough to end up with leftovers, that is! Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm leftover dip in the microwave or oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°.
Can you freeze Buffalo chicken dip?
You can freeze Buffalo chicken dip in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. However, keep in mind that dairy-based ingredients (like cream cheese and creamy salad dressings) change in the freezer. The dip may not have the same texture once it thaws.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Tips
What do you eat with Buffalo chicken dip?
Buffalo chicken dip is a hearty dip, so serve it with sturdy snacks like crackers, tortilla chips, corn chips or a sliced baguette. Fresh-cut veggies offer a nice counterpoint to the dip’s rich flavors. Try celery sticks, carrots, sliced cucumbers, radishes or bell pepper wedges.
What can you do with leftover Buffalo chicken dip?
You can use Buffalo chicken dip as a filling for wraps or quesadillas, or stuff it in between two pieces of bread to make a fancy grilled cheese sandwich. The creamy dip also tastes great when tossed with warm pasta, served in a baked potato, or turned into Buffalo chicken-stuffed poblano peppers.
How do you thicken Buffalo chicken dip?
This Buffalo chicken dip recipe should be thick enough if made according to the directions. But if you prefer an even thicker dip, feel free to add an extra ounce or two of cream cheese. Alternatively, if it’s too thick, add milk—1 tablespoon at a time—until you reach a spoonable consistency. Keep in mind that both methods will dilute the seasoning a bit.
