The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video) (2024)

Jump to Recipe

This Buffalo Chicken DipRecipe is everyone’s favorite game day or party appetizer! Made with juicy shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, cream cheese, hot sauce, and loads of cheese, this easy and delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip is then baked until golden, bubbly, and perfect for dipping.

The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video) (1)

Creamy and extra cheesy, this Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe easily qualifies as one of my all-time favorite party foods (and many readers would agree!) Made with simple ingredients like shredded chicken, hot sauce, and cheese, it’s no mystery why this dip is the very first thing to disappear from the snack table.

It’s also super easy to prepare, cook, and eat.

Without the mess of sticky buffalo chicken wings, and baked right in an easily portable baking dish, this gooey, scoopable, mouthwatering chicken buffalo dip is one of my most popular recipes with over 350 reader comments and a (nearly) 5-star review.

Check out this equally delicious Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Ingredients in Buffalo Chicken Dip

  • Chicken
  • Cream cheese
  • Ranch dressing
  • Hot sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Green onions or Chives
  • Shredded cheese

Recipe Notes & Tips

1. What chicken should I use?

Buffalo chicken dip can be made using shredded poached chicken, baked chicken breasts or baked chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Anything works. You could even use canned chicken (as a last resort). Save time and use pre-cooked chicken (you will need approximately 3-4 cups) or cook your chicken ahead of time.

2. Why is my dip so greasy?

A couple of readers have mentioned that their dip turned out super greasy. Given the ingredients, it’s impossible to make buffalo chicken dip not greasy. However, you can easily reduce some of the excess fat by using chicken breast meat (white meat) instead of chicken thigh meat (dark meat).

3. Can I use any type of cream cheese?

For best results, use full-fat block cream cheese. Low-fat cream cheese may separate when baked.

4. Can I use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch dressing?

Buffalo chicken dip is delicious with both ranch dressing and bleu cheese dressing, so go ahead and use your favorite. For me personally, I wanted to stay away from any kind of Dry Ranch Dressing Mix and use the real deal instead.

5. How long to bake buffalo chicken dip?

At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, it takes approximately 20-30 minutes for buffalo chicken dip to cook until golden, melted, and warmed through.

6. What is the best hot sauce for buffalo chicken dip?

Frank’s RedHot Sauce, hands down. Used in all my buffalo sauce recipes, including buffalo cauliflower, baked buffalo chicken, or these buffalo turkey meatballs. It’s easy to find this hot pepper sauce in most supermarkets or online.

7. Is this recipe keto?

Packed full of poached shredded chicken breasts, mixed cheese, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce, buffalo chicken dip is 100% low carb and keto-approved.

8. Can I Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?

I do not recommend freezing buffalo chicken dip. Reheated from frozen and the cheese mixture becomes chalky, lacking the luxurious, creamy texture we love so much.

The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video) (2)

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip

Make this easy chicken buffalo dip by following these step-by-step instructions,

1. Cook the chicken.

If your chicken is not yet cooked, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and return to a boil. Remove from heat and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Allow your chicken to poach, covered, for approximately 25 minutes. When fully cooked, remove from the pot and allow to rest until cool enough to handle

  • NOTE: the cooking time for the chicken is not included in the total cook time for this dish.
  • TIP leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken is great in this recipe. You’ll need approximately 3-4 cups of cooked and shredded chicken.

In the meantime, preheat your oven to 350F and spray a 9×9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Make your creamy buffalo ranch sauce.

After your chicken has been cooked and shredded, heat the cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small pot over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly until combined and creamy, then remove from heat.

  • TIP – If your cream cheese is fresh out of the refrigerator, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

3. Combine and bake.

Stir in the green onion, shredded chicken, one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and one cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Transfer the mixture to a baking pan and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.

Transfer to the oven and bake until golden and bubbly.

The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video) (3)

Can I prepare Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?

Depending on how much time you have, you may either prepare just parts of this recipe ahead of time or the whole thing and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake and serve.

The easiest way to save time is to cook the chicken ahead of time. Poaching and shredding chicken takes approximately 40 minutes, start to finish, so if you can knock that out and have the chicken ready, you’re already way ahead of the game.

You can also prepare the entire dip recipe. Simply cover your prepared dip with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip tastes great with just about everything. Perfect for potlucks, football season, or an EPIC super bowl party, everyone will love this yummy dip that tastes just like chicken wings.

Serve your version of this great dip with:

  • Crackers, tortilla chips, pretzels
  • Veggies like celery sticks and carrot sticks. Sweet mini peppers are also great and are fantastic at scooping
  • Pita bread or sliced baguette

The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video) (4)

More Delicious Dip Recipes,

Hot Crab Artichoke Dip Recipe

Classic Hummus Recipe (How to Make Hummus)

Baba Ganoush Recipe (How to Make Baba Ganoush)

Easy Black Bean Dip Recipe

Muhammara Recipe (Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

If you try making this recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know!I always love to read your thoughts and feedback!

The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video) (5)

RECIPE CARD

The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video) (6)

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

4.86 from 3188 votes

AuthorAuthor: The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video) (7)Jessica Randhawa

This Buffalo Chicken Dip is everyone's favorite game day or party appetizer!Made with simple ingredients, make this awesome recipe for your next party or gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 346 kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts - boiled and shredded
  • 8 ounces cream cheese - cubed
  • 1 cup ranch dressing - homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup hot sauce - (I used Frank's RedHot), plus more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup green onion - chopped
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese - shredded, divided
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese - shredded, divided

Instructions

  • Cook the chicken. If your chicken is not yet cooked, bring a large pot of water to a boil overhigh heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and return to a boil. Remove from heat and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Allow your chicken to poach, covered, for approximately25 minutes. When fully cooked, remove from the pot and allow to rest until cool enough to handle (note- the cooking time for the chicken is not included in the total cooking time for this dish).

  • Prep. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. and spray a 9x9-inch baking pan (or approximate size) with non-stick cooking spray.

  • Warm the sauce. To a medium saucepot over medium-low heat add the cubed cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese has dissolved in the ranch and hot sauce. Remove from heat.

  • Combine. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, green onion, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce pot. Mix well to combine. Transfer to your prepared baking pan and top with remain mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

  • Bake. Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sides are starting to bubble. Set oven to BROIL. Allow your buffalo chicken dip to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove it immediately.

  • Serve. Serve with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, crackers, or enjoy leftovers wrapped in a tortilla with all your favorite greens.

Video

Jessica's Notes

  • The chicken takes approximately 30 minutes to cook and is not included in the total cooking time. I recommend preparing the chicken ahead of time if you're short on time.
  • You can substitute with approximately 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken.
  • I always use Frank's RedHot Sauce for all my buffalo recipes.
  • I used my homemade ranch dressing, but feel free to use your favorite Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing.
  • Grate your cheese. Freshly shredded cheese always comes together better when compared to pre-shredded, packaged cheese. My guess is that it has something to do with the anti-caking agent that is added to cheese when it is packaged.
  • I added cheddar and mozzarella cheese as they are both great melting cheeses. If you want to add a somewhat more pungent cheese, Jack cheese, blue cheese crumbles, or feta cheese, is a good place to start.
  • Leftovers taste great for approximately 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven set at 350 degrees F and tented with foil.
  • Easily prepare this recipe in your Crockpot. The only difference is that the Crockpot version will lack the brown and bubbly cheese top. Read full slow cooker instructions here, Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Updated December 2, 2019, January 27, 2020, July 22, 2020

Nutritional Information

Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 1249mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 590IU | Vitamin C: 23.9mg | Calcium: 203mg | Iron: 0.6mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe, Buffalo Chicken Dip, How to make buffalo chicken dip, Recipe for Buffalo Chicken Dip

Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video) (2024)

FAQs

Why is my buffalo chicken dip so runny? ›

Buffalo chicken dip can be runny if you use a reduced fat cream cheese. It can also be runny if you use too much ranch dressing or not enough chicken. You can thicken the dip by adding more shredded chicken, or even more cubes of full fat cream cheese or even more shredded cheddar cheese.

How do you thicken buffalo dip? ›

The short and happy answer: cheese! And this cheese dip calls for three varieties: cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese. Cream cheese is the hero that thickens this dip and gives it texture. Straight out of the oven, the dip will be a little bit thinner when scooped.

What kind of chips do you eat with buffalo chicken dip? ›

Tortilla chips – I recommend a thick, hearty chip that can stand up to these cheesy chicken dip. You could also spoon the dip over the tortilla chip “scoops”. Corn chips – Frito scoops are perfect for dipping up this buffalo chicken dip! Crackers – I recommend a thick cracker, like Wheat Thins or Triscuits.

How do you keep buffalo chicken dip from getting greasy? ›

Here are a few tips to consider to prevent that from becoming an issue:
  1. Be careful not to use too much cheese! ...
  2. Try reduced-fat cream cheese! ...
  3. Use lean chicken or remove the skin! ...
  4. Drain excess liquid from the cooked chicken. ...
  5. Bake it for the recommended time, not longer. ...
  6. Skim off any excess oil during baking.
Dec 30, 2013

How much cornstarch to thicken buffalo sauce? ›

Using cornstarch to thicken sauce is very similar to using flour, but you need different quantities:
  1. Use one tablespoon cornstarch mixed with one tablespoon cold water (aka a cornstarch slurry) for each cup of medium-thick sauce.
  2. Thoroughly mix the cornstarch and water together, then pour into your sauce.
Aug 28, 2023

Can you overcook Buffalo chicken dip? ›

It is done when the cheese is completely melted and you don't see any chunks of cream cheese remaining. Do not over-cook and do not turn the heat up to high. Store the leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Homemade buffalo chicken dip will last up to one week in the fridge.

Does cream cheese make dip thicker? ›

Cream cheese can also help to thicken cream-based sauces. It can act as a thickener for salad dressings, dips, and be used as a replacement for mayonnaise. It can also help to thicken pancake batters and be used as a base for cake icing when mixed with butter.

How do you fix broken buffalo sauce? ›

The Fix Is Simple—Add Water Back.

A generous splash of water is all it takes. Here's how fix a broken sauce: Add about ¼ cup of water to the pan and reheat the sauce to a vigorous simmer, whisking constantly. The bubbling action will help re-emulsify the butter and bring back that thick, glossy sauce.

How do you make buffalo sauce thicker without cornstarch? ›

All-purpose flour: You can thicken sauces with all-purpose wheat flour. For every tablespoon of cornstarch, use three tablespoons of flour. Combine raw flour with cold water in a small bowl to form a paste, then add it into the sauce as it's simmering.

What is the best thing to eat buffalo chicken dip with? ›

What is good with buffalo chicken dip? Celery sticks, carrot sticks, red bell peppers, cucumbers, tortilla chips and crackers are some of my favorites for this.

What is the best thing to eat with buffalo dip? ›

  • French Fries. French fries are a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with buffalo chicken dip. ...
  • Chicken Wings. Chicken wings and buffalo chicken dip together might sound like a double dose of chicken, but it's a combo that can't be beaten. ...
  • Nachos. ...
  • Coconut Shrimp. ...
  • Pita Chips. ...
  • Korean Corn Dogs. ...
  • Zucchini Fries. ...
  • Spring Rolls.
Feb 16, 2024

How many days can you eat Buffalo chicken dip? ›

Leftovers – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. You can also use leftover dip as a filling for some amazing quesadillas, sandwiches, and sliders!

Can you eat Buffalo chicken dip left out overnight? ›

If the dip has been sitting out for several hours at room temperature, especially during a party or event, it's best to toss it as the risk of foodborne illness grows with time. Always store buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How do you tone down spice in Buffalo chicken dip? ›

There's an easy solution though - adding dairy products. Dairy has a natural ability to counteract spiciness, so a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkling of cheese can help tone down the heat. You can also try stirring in things such as butter, cream, or yogurt.

How do you thicken liquid dip? ›

For each cup of liquid, you want to thicken, start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl. Add an equal amount of cold liquid and stir until smooth paste forms. This is your slurry. Whisk the slurry into the hot, simmering liquid that you want to thicken.

How do you keep homemade buffalo sauce from solidifying? ›

It becomes solid because of the oil in the sauce. You make it not into a solid by heating it up before you use it. So, store it in the fridge for food safety, then take out the amount you want to use and heat it in a saucepan on the stovetop or put it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power.

Does butter thicken buffalo sauce? ›

Bring sauce to a simmer over medium heat until mixture is hot and begins to bubble, about 3 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat. Thicken the Consistency – Whisk in 1 piece of butter at a time until a smooth and thickened sauce forms. Taste and adjust vinegar and seasonings as desired.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Aron Pacocha

Last Updated:

Views: 5921

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aron Pacocha

Birthday: 1999-08-12

Address: 3808 Moen Corner, Gorczanyport, FL 67364-2074

Phone: +393457723392

Job: Retail Consultant

Hobby: Jewelry making, Cooking, Gaming, Reading, Juggling, Cabaret, Origami

Introduction: My name is Aron Pacocha, I am a happy, tasty, innocent, proud, talented, courageous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.