Nothing beats the melty, spicy, and cheesy goodness of a classic Buffalo Chicken Dip—this version is my go-to and seriously the best you'll ever taste. This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe brings together bold Frank’s Wings Sauce, creamy cheeses, and just the right kick of ranch seasoning for a party-worthy dish you can't stop eating.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I've made a lot of buffalo chicken dips over the years, but this one stands out. It's creamy without being overpowering, perfectly spicy but not scorching, and easy to prepare with minimal fuss. Whether for game day or a casual get-together, this dip steals the show every time.
- Flavor Explosion: Bold Frank’s RedHot Wings sauce paired with ranch seasoning creates an irresistible tangy-spicy depth.
- Cheese Harmony: A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, blue cheese, and cream cheese makes it luscious and melty.
- Effortless Cooking: Made right in the crockpot, so it’s hands-off and perfect for busy hosts.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust spice levels or add your favorite mix-ins for a personal touch.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe pulls its weight — you won't find anything extraneous here. The Frank’s sauce brings authentic wing flavor, the ranch seasoning adds a cool tang, and the cheeses create that perfect creamy texture. Grab full-fat dairy for the best melt and richness.
- Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce: The real deal here, not the original. It gives that signature spicy tang we all crave.
- Full fat sour cream: Adds creaminess and balances the heat with a cooling note.
- Dry ranch dressing seasoning mix: Adds that familiar herby flavor boost without any extra work.
- Chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt: These spices layer in subtle smoky and savory tones that deepen the flavor.
- Cooked and shredded chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds moist, tender meat for hearty dip.
- Blue cheese crumbles: For a bold punch that complements the buffalo heat beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, adding rich, savory notes.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella delivers smooth meltiness without overpowering taste.
- Full-fat cream cheese: Cubed to melt down slowly, it makes the dip ultra-creamy and cohesive.
- Green onions, crumbled blue cheese, cilantro or parsley: Fresh herbs and garnishes that add color, brightness, and texture contrast.
- Chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, veggies: Ideal for scooping and pairing, making every bite fun and varied.
Make It Your Way
What I love most about this Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is how flexible it is. You can dial up the heat, swap cheeses, or make it fit your family’s tastes. I usually add extra blue cheese because I’m a fan of its sharp kick — but feel free to tailor it exactly how you want.
- Variation: I sometimes add chopped jalapeños for an extra layer of spicy crunch that my friends rave about.
- Dietary tweaks: For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheeses—just know the dip won’t be as rich.
- Make it vegan: Swap the chicken for shredded jackfruit and use vegan cream cheese and cheese substitutes; it’s surprisingly tasty!
- Seasonal twists: A handful of fresh corn kernels or diced roasted red peppers add great texture and seasonal brightness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot and Mix the Base
First things first—give your crockpot insert a quick spritz with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step makes clean-up so much easier and prevents sticking. Next, whisk together the Frank’s Buffalo Wings sauce, full-fat sour cream, ranch seasoning, and all the spices right in the crockpot. The blend starts layering the bold, tangy, and smoky flavors before you add the rest!
Step 2: Add the Chicken, Cheeses, and Blue Cheese
Stir in your cooked, shredded chicken along with the blue cheese crumbles, then add 1 cup of cheddar and ⅓ cup of mozzarella cheese. This base is where the magic happens — the chicken absorbs the flavors, and the cheeses start melting into a melty, dreamy dip.
Step 3: Cream Cheese Goes In Last
Pop the cubed cream cheese in the microwave for about 25 seconds — this softens it enough so it melts nicely without breaking the dip's texture. Scatter the softened cubes evenly on top of the chicken mixture, but don’t stir them in yet. This little trick lets the cream cheese melt gently and blend smoothly when you stir later.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for one hour, then stir everything together. Depending on your crockpot’s age and size, older or smaller models might need an extra 1 to 1 ½ hours of cooking, stirring occasionally. You want all the cheeses melted and the dip bubbling hot. Patience here rewards you with perfectly gooey dip.
Step 5: Top It Off and Finish Cooking
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella on top, cover, and cook on low for another 20 minutes until that cheese melts into a gorgeous golden layer. When it’s done, switch your pot to “warm” so it stays perfect while you serve.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions and extra crumbled blue cheese if you like. Set out a variety of dippers like crunchy chips, crisp veggies, or buttery crostini. I love how all those textures play off the creamy dip!
Top Tip
Over the years of making this Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe, I’ve learned that the details make all the difference. Taking a few extra minutes in prep and cooking results in a dip that’s both flavorful and luscious — trust me, it’s worth it!
- Microwave Cream Cheese First: Softening the cream cheese before adding it prevents clumps and ensures smooth blending.
- Don’t Skip the Ranch Seasoning: It’s the subtle herby layer that turns good dip into unforgettable dip.
- Stir Halfway Through Cooking: This helps cheese melt evenly and stops the bottom from scorching.
- Use Fresh Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken keeps the dip tender and juicy, avoiding dryness.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Garnishes
I always go with a sprinkle of bright green onions and extra crumbled blue cheese on top—adds freshness and a great punch of flavor. Sometimes I toss on a little chopped cilantro or parsley too, just for an herbaceous pop that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs so well with simple sides — think crunchy celery sticks, vibrant bell pepper strips, and sturdy pretzels. For something heartier, I love offering crostini or tortilla chips. You can even serve alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For game days or parties, I've served this dip in a hollowed-out bell pepper or a sourdough bread bowl—it’s a fun way to amp up presentation without extra effort. You can also try layering it in a glass casserole for a pretty, show-stopping look with garnishes and cheese peeking through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where the dip stays creamy and flavorful for up to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring back that perfect texture.
Freezing
Freeze any extra dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When thawed, it might be a smidge less creamy but reheating gently and stirring well brings it back close to fresh.
Reheating
I recommend reheating leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. This keeps the dip from drying out and ensures all that cheese melts evenly. Microwave works in a pinch but can unevenly heat the dip.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It’s already cooked and shredded, making the recipe quick and easy without sacrificing flavor or texture. Just make sure to shred it finely for best results.
This dip is super versatile and pairs well with chips, crackers, veggies like celery and carrots, pretzels, or crostini. It’s great for parties because it caters to lots of tastes and textures, so feel free to mix it up with your favorite dippers!
Definitely! You can add more Frank’s RedHot Wings Sauce or include extra chili powder or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat. Just add incrementally and taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.
The best way is oven reheating at 350°F covered with foil, stirring halfway through to keep things creamy and prevent drying out. Microwave works if you’re short on time, but heat in short bursts and stir regularly to avoid uneven heating.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to make for friends and family. It’s reliably delicious, simple to pull together, and impressively versatile. Hopefully, after trying it, you’ll find it becomes your go-to dip too—perfect for sharing, snacking, and savoring with those you love.
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Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy appetizer perfect for game days or parties. Made with shredded chicken, Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, ranch seasoning, blue cheese, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, it’s slow-cooked to perfection for a warm, irresistible dip.
Ingredients
Dip Base
- ⅔ cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce (NOT original/traditional)
- ¾ cup full fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Chicken and Cheeses
- 1 pound (4 packed cups) cooked and shredded chicken (about 1 large rotisserie chicken)
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 ⅓ packed cups finely shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ⅔ packed cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, cubed into 12 pieces
Garnishes and Serving
- Green onions, chopped
- Additional crumbled blue cheese
- Cilantro or parsley (optional)
- Chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, or assorted veggies for serving
Instructions
- Prep Crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, whisk together Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir in the shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, and ⅓ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly combined.
- Add Cream Cheese: Microwave the cubed cream cheese on a plate for 25 seconds until slightly softened, then evenly distribute the cream cheese cubes over the top of the chicken mixture without stirring them in.
- Cook and Stir: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 1 hour. After 1 hour, stir the mixture thoroughly to begin melting the cheeses and blending flavors.
- Continue Cooking Until Melted: For large or newer crockpots, the dip will be nearly done after the first hour. For older or smaller crockpots, continue cooking on low for an additional 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally, until all the cheeses are melted and the dip is hot and bubbly.
- Top with Remaining Cheeses: Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of shredded cheddar and ⅓ cup of shredded mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the dip. Cover again and cook on low for 20 minutes, or until the topping cheese is melted and gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn the crockpot heat to low or warm to keep the dip hot while serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve warm with chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, or fresh vegetables like carrots, celery sticks, and bell peppers.
Notes
- This is the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip with the perfect balance of spicy Frank’s RedHot sauce, creamy cheeses, and bold ranch seasoning.
- Using full-fat sour cream and cream cheese results in a creamier, richer dip.
- Microwaving the cream cheese cubes slightly before cooking helps them melt evenly without lumps.
- If you don’t have a crockpot, this dip can be made in a slow cooker or baked in an oven-safe dish at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes.
- Feel free to substitute cooked shredded chicken with leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts for convenience.
- For a milder dip, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder wing sauce variant.
- Garnishing with fresh cilantro or parsley adds a bright color and freshness to the rich dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/14 of recipe
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
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