Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just a casual hangout, nothing gets devoured faster than a warm, cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip. It’s bold, it’s spicy, and it’s irresistibly creamy, the kind of snack that disappears before you can grab a second helping. The best part? It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. This is one of those recipes that turns an ordinary moment into a crowd-cheering event. Let’s get that oven preheated and stir up something unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Quick & Easy: Only 10 minutes of prep and less than 25 minutes in the oven.
- No Fancy Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your fridge.
- Game-Day Ready: Always a hit at parties, tailgates, or any group gathering.
- Customizable Heat: Spice it up or tone it down based on your crowd’s taste.
- Addictively Creamy: The perfect balance of creamy, tangy, cheesy, and spicy.
What sets this Buffalo Chicken Dip apart? It uses ranch instead of blue cheese in the base for a mellow creaminess that appeals to everyone,even the picky eaters. Rotisserie chicken keeps it juicy and flavorful without extra cooking, and two cheeses melt into gooey perfection. It’s the comfort food twist you didn’t know you needed.
Ingredients Needed
For the Dip Base:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – rotisserie chicken is juicy and effortless
- 8 oz cream cheese – softened, so it mixes smoothly
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce – adjust for more or less spice
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing – creamy and cools the heat
For the Cheese Blend:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – divided into two portions
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – gives the dip that perfect melt
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped green onions – for a fresh crunch and color pop
- Crumbled blue cheese – if you like that signature buffalo tang
This recipe is quick to prep with familiar fridge and pantry staples. It’s flexible too, swap ranch for blue cheese dressing or add a splash of hot sauce to kick things up.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it enough time to come up to temperature while you prepare the dip. You want the oven hot so the cheese melts perfectly and the dip bubbles around the edges.
2. Mix the base
In a large bowl, add your shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, ½ cup of the cheddar cheese, and the mozzarella. Use a sturdy spoon or hand mixer to blend until the mixture looks creamy and uniform. Make sure the cream cheese is soft to avoid clumps.
Why it matters: This step creates the creamy-spicy foundation. The warm chicken helps everything come together faster.
3. Transfer to your baking dish
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly (or use nonstick spray), then spread the mixture evenly into the dish. Smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly.
4. Add the final cheese layer
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. This adds a golden, melty finish that makes the dip irresistible.
5. Bake until bubbly
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and the edges are gently bubbling. You can broil the top for the last 1–2 minutes for a lightly browned crust.
6. Garnish and serve hot
Let it cool for 3–5 minutes before serving, it’ll still be hot, but not scalding. Top with chopped green onions or blue cheese crumbles if desired. This adds a fresh and tangy contrast to the rich dip.
Serve it straight from the baking dish with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or warm pita slices.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate game-day snack. It’s loaded with shredded chicken, cheese, and flavor that satisfies any crowd.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie preferred)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: Chopped green onions or crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch, ½ cup cheddar, and mozzarella until smooth.
3. Spread evenly into a greased 9×9 baking dish.
4. Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
6. Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with green onions or blue cheese, and serve warm.
Notes
Make ahead: Refrigerate unbaked dip for up to 24 hours.
For extra heat, add hot sauce or use spicier buffalo sauce.
Use canned chicken if you’re short on time.
Store leftovers for up to 3 days; not freezer-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve It:
- Serve warm, right out of the oven. Keep it in the baking dish or transfer to a serving bowl lined with a warmer tray.
- This dip holds up great with crunchy tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, fresh veggie sticks (like celery and carrots), or pretzel bites.
- For a fancier presentation, spoon it into individual ramekins and top with extra green onion.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds or bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Avoid freezing, cream cheese can split and change texture once thawed.
If you’re making this ahead, prep everything up to baking and refrigerate. Just add 5–10 extra minutes of bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
This dip also makes a great side with something cozy like our Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup or rich Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Helpful Notes
- Spice Control: If you’re worried about heat, replace half the buffalo sauce with extra ranch dressing or use a mild buffalo sauce like Frank’s.
- Chicken Choices: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. You can also use poached or leftover grilled chicken.
- Mix by Hand or Mixer: For a super creamy dip, use a hand mixer to fully combine ingredients before baking.
- Add More Texture: Mix in diced celery or crumbled bacon for added crunch and flavor depth.
- Make it in a Crockpot: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on low for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally until melted and warm.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Dip is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s creamy, spicy, and cheesy, the trio that never fails. Whether you’re hosting a game-day bash or just want a quick snack that satisfies every craving, this dip is always a win. With simple ingredients, easy prep, and bold flavor, it checks all the boxes for a no-stress crowd-pleaser.
If you gave this recipe a try, please leave a star rating and drop a comment below, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends on Pinterest or Facebook. What’s your favorite dip to serve at parties? Let’s talk snacks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Dip in advance?
Yes! You can mix everything together and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, just add 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely. While rotisserie chicken adds great texture and flavor, canned chicken works in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well and shred it finely for the best consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the base dip ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are certified gluten-free, and serve it with gluten-free chips or veggies.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended. Cream cheese can become grainy after thawing. For best results, store in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days.