This buffalo chicken dip recipe brings the perfect balance of creamy richness and tangy heat to your table. With a few simple ingredients like Frank’s RedHot sauce, ranch dressing, and tender shredded chicken, it comes together in minutes. It’s the ultimate easy appetizer recipe for game days, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

I first fell in love with this dip during my travels through the Midwest, where it was the star of every gathering. There’s something magical about how the creamy base tempers the fiery kick of hot sauce, creating a harmony that keeps everyone coming back for more. I often serve it alongside my cheesy garlic bliss bread for the ultimate comfort food spread. It’s become my go-to for football Sundays, complementing other favorites like game day dinner ideas perfectly.

Why This Buffalo Chicken Dip Wins Every Time

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy appeals to all tastes.
Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
Versatile Serving Options: Equally delicious with chips, vegetables, or crusty bread.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it hours before baking for stress-free entertaining.

What You Need for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Cooked chicken, shredded: Use rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and convenience.
Cream cheese, softened: Bring to room temperature for smooth blending.
Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce: The classic choice for authentic buffalo flavor.
Ranch dressing: Provides the cool, creamy base that balances the heat.
Blue cheese crumbles: Adds tangy depth and texture to the dip.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Creates that beautiful golden crust when baked.
Scallions, thinly sliced: Fresh garnish that adds color and mild onion flavor.
Garlic powder: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Learn how to make the best buffalo chicken dip recipe with cream cheese, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and ranch dressing. Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for parties!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl
hand mixer
spatula
1-quart baking dish
oven
knife
cutting board
measuring cups
measuring spoons

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken shredded
8 ounces cream cheese softened
1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
1/4 cup scallions thinly sliced
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 1-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and garlic powder using a hand mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and well blended.
Fold in the shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese with a spatula until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
Transfer the dip mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer using the back of a spoon.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling vigorously and the top is lightly golden brown.
Remove the dip from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow it to set slightly before serving.
Garnish with the sliced scallions and serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks.

Notes

Garnish with the sliced scallions and serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks.

Keyword buffalo chicken dip, easy appetizer, party food

Creative Ways to Customize Your Dip

Extra Cheesy Version: Double the cheddar cheese for a richer, gooier texture.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce.
Smoky Twist: Substitute smoked cheddar cheese for deeper flavor notes.

My Pro Tips for Dip Perfection

Chicken Preparation: Shred chicken while warm for the most tender texture in your dip.
Cream Cheese Temperature: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your mixture.
Baking Dish Size: Use a 1-quart dish for optimal heat distribution and perfect browning.
Resting Time: Let the dip rest for 5 minutes after baking to set properly.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Dip

Store: Transfer cooled dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, though texture may change slightly.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dip mixture up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make buffalo chicken dip in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this dip in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients except scallions in your slow cooker and heat on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through and cheeses are melted.

What can I use instead of blue cheese?

If you’re not a blue cheese fan, you can substitute additional cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or even omit it entirely. The dip will still be delicious with the ranch and hot sauce flavors.

How do I make buffalo chicken dip less spicy?

Reduce the Frank’s RedHot sauce to 1/4 cup and increase the ranch dressing to 3/4 cup. You can also use mild wing sauce instead of the traditional hot sauce for a gentler flavor.

Can I use canned chicken for buffalo chicken dip?

While rotisserie chicken works best, you can use canned chicken in a pinch. Be sure to drain it thoroughly and consider adding extra seasoning since canned chicken can be bland.

More Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers to Try

Why This Buffalo Chicken Dip Becomes Your New Favorite

With its perfect balance of creamy comfort and tangy heat, this buffalo chicken dip recipe will quickly become your most requested party dish. It brings people together with every scoop and creates those memorable moments around good food. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine over the years.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe