Few appetizers disappear faster than Buffalo Chicken Dip. Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy, this warm dip delivers all the bold flavors of classic Buffalo wings without the mess.
It’s rich, cheesy, and perfect for scooping, making it a guaranteed hit at parties, game days, potlucks, or anytime you need an easy, shareable appetizer.
What makes this recipe so popular is how effortless it is. Using canned chicken keeps prep minimal, while cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, and Cheddar melt together into a smooth, irresistible dip that stays warm and bubbly in the slow cooker.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 20
- Yield: About 5 cups
Why This Buffalo Chicken Dip Is Always a Hit
- Classic wing flavor: Tangy, spicy, and creamy
- Ultra-easy prep: No chopping or complicated steps
- Perfect for sharing: Ideal for parties and gatherings
- Customizable heat: Easily adjust spice level
Ingredients
- 2 (10-ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
- ¾ cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot), or to taste
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bunch celery, cut into 4-inch sticks (for serving)
- 1 (8-ounce) box chicken-flavored crackers (for serving)
Step by Step Instructions
1. Heat the Chicken & Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the drained chicken and hot pepper sauce. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
2. Make It Creamy
Add the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing to the skillet. Cook and stir for 3–5 minutes, until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully blended.
3. Add the Cheese
Stir in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
4. Slow Cooker Finish
Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Cover and cook on Low for about 35 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and melted throughout.
5. Serve Hot
Serve straight from the slow cooker with celery sticks, crackers, or your favorite dippers.
Serving Ideas
- Celery sticks (classic and refreshing)
- Chicken-flavored or buttery crackers
- Tortilla chips or corn chips
- Toasted baguette slices
- Pita chips or naan pieces
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken: Swap canned chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken
- Blue cheese lovers: Replace ranch with blue cheese dressing
- Extra cheesy: Use a blend of Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella
- Spicier dip: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne
- Milder version: Reduce hot sauce and add extra ranch
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave in short intervals, stirring often.
Freezing:
Freeze for up to 3 months (texture may change slightly). Thaw overnight in the fridge, stir well, and reheat slowly.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 284
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 11g
This Buffalo Chicken Dip is creamy, spicy, cheesy, and endlessly scoopable—the kind of appetizer people hover around until it’s gone. Make it once, and don’t be surprised if it becomes the most requested dish at every gathering.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat chicken and hot sauce in a skillet until warmed through.
- Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing until smooth.
- Mix in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to a slow cooker and top with remaining cheese.
- Cook on Low until hot and bubbly, about 35 minutes.
