Best Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in 30 Minutes

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On a cold Sunday afternoon during football season, I discovered the wonders of Buffalo Chicken Dip for the first time. My friends had finished their meal, and the excitement surrounding the big game was palpable. Everyone was hungry, and I wanted something fast, crowd-pleasing, and unquestionably good. That’s when I thought back to the Buffalo Chicken Dip I had once sampled at a party—creamy, fiery, and rather irresistible. After not having hours to prepare, I made mine in 30 minutes. Consequently, I now prepare this dish for every meeting. This dish will become a staple in your kitchen, whether you’re planning a quick appetizer or game day.

Best Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in 30 Minutes

Recipe by Chef SarahCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

To make this creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip, you’ll need:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie chicken or leftovers for convenience)

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing for a more authentic buffalo flavor)

  • ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to your spice preference)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for extra creaminess)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

  • Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers for serving

Directions

  • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees consistent dip heating and precise, bubbly melting consistency.
  • Put the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing in a big mixing basin. Stir until smooth. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, and buffalo sauce. Blend until everything is smoothly combined.
  • Fold among the shredded chicken, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. You could melt the unsalted butter and stir it in if you prefer a fuller taste. The concoction ought to seem cheesy, thick, and creamy.
  • Spoon the dip mixture equally across a baking dish. Bake until the cheese melts completely and the dip bubbles around the edges. 20 minutes.
  • Once out of the oven, cut green onions to sprinkle over the dip for a taste and color flash. Serve the dip immediately with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers.

Notes

  • Use a milder hot sauce or cut back on buffalo sauce if you want a less intense dip. Add a bit of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for added heat.
  • Choosing rotisserie chicken drastically reduces preparation time and offers an outstanding taste. You might also use leftover baked or grilled chicken.
  • You can refrigerate this dip for up to 24 hours before baking it. If you refrigerate, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Want to save some more time? In a slow cooker, toss all the ingredients; set it on low for two to three hours; let it warm up while you unwind.
  • During the last five minutes of baking, toss some more shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy layer.
  • Tortilla chips, pita bread, and fresh vegetables like carrot and cucumber slices go very nicely with this dip.
Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

300

Calories

24g

Fat

5g

Carbs

14g

Protein

Show Full Nutrition Label
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving of Buffalo Chicken Dip (1 serving)

Calories300
Total Fat 24g31%
    Saturated Fat 9g45%
Cholesterol 60mg20%
Sodium 800mg33%
Total Carbohydrate 5g2%
    Dietary Fiber 1g4%
    Total Sugars 2g
Protein 14g
Calcium 150mg12%
Iron 1mg6%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or game days.
  • Adaptable Heat Levels: You may adjust the heat level to suit you, whether you want your buffalo sauce to be mild or hot.
  • Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella gives this dip a perfect balance of creaminess and stretchable cheese goodness.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a party, a potluck, or a family movie night, this dip always disappears fast.
  • Perfect for leftovers: Do you have leftover rotisserie chicken? This recipe gives it a delicious makeover.

For those looking to experiment further, check out 15 Tasty Ways to Use Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip on The Happier Homemaker. You’ll find fun twists like stuffed bread bowls and bite-sized versions to elevate your dip game!

Expert Guidance for the Optimal Buffalo Chicken Dip

  1. Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese soften before combining to prevent lumps in the dip. If necessary, you can microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds.
  2. Shred Your Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the smoothness of the dip. Shred your own for a meltier, smoother dip.
  3. Blue Cheese Crumbles: For a more robust, authentic buffalo flavor, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top of the dip before baking.
  4. Spicy Add-Ons: If you’re a spice lover, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dip.
  5. Double the Recipe for Larger Groups: This dip is a hit at any gathering, so consider doubling the recipe if you’re hosting a larger crowd.

If you’re looking for a lighter version of this crowd favorite, Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip by Erin Lives Whole offers a low-fat, high-protein alternative without compromising flavor.

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers. Here are a few serving ideas:

  • Tortilla Chips: The traditional choice, which is ideal for mopping up the cheesy delight, is tortilla chips.
  • Crackers: Try Ritz or Club crackers for a buttery crunch.
  • Vegetables: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices add a refreshing contrast to the spicy dip.
  • Pita Bread: Warm, soft pita wedges can add a different texture to the creamy dip.
  • French Bread: Toast some French bread slices for a heartier dipping option.

If you’re hosting a game day party, check out 25 Genius Game Day Dips by Food tablespoon. It’s a treasure trove of different dip ideas to keep guests munching happily.

Variations to Try

Want to switch up your Buffalo Chicken Dip? Here are some fun variations:

25 1

Buffalo Chicken Dip with Bacon: Add crispy bacon crumbles to the top before baking for an extra layer of flavor. Checkout our Best Ever Buffalo Chicken Dip with Bacon: 5 Steps to Creamy Perfection in 30 Minutes

Buffalo Chicken Dip with Blue Cheese: If you love the traditional buffalo flavor, swap ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing and sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top. Checkout our Buffalo Chicken Dip with Blue Cheese: The Perfect Blend of Tangy and Spicy {30 Minutes}

21 1
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Queso Dip garnished with green onions, served with blue corn tortilla chips, celery, and carrot sticks on a wooden table.

Buffalo Chicken Queso: Stir in a can of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies for a Tex-Mex twist. Checkout our Buffalo Chicken Queso Dip That Everyone Will Love {30 Minutes}

Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Dip: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and serve with veggies instead of chips for a healthier, low-carb version. Check out our How to Effortlessly Make Delicious Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Dip in Under 30 Minutes.

Low Carb Buffalo Chicken Dip Serving

For those who love making everything from scratch, learn how to prepare your buffalo sauce with Homemade Buffalo Sauce by Love & Lemons. It’s the perfect addition to any buffalo chicken dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare!), follow these tips for storing and reheating:

  • Refrigerator: Keep any leftover dip fresh for up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • Freezer: The dip may be kept in the freezer for up to a month. Before reheating, allow it to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the dip in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until bubbly again.

Conclusion

My go-to quick, tasty appetizer is now creamy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip, which can be made in only thirty minutes. Whether your event is small or you want something decadent, this dip never disappoints. I promise it will highlight your next event—don’t expect leftovers!

FAQs

  1. Can I prepare the Buffalo Chicken Dip in advance?

    Definitely yes! The dip may be prepared 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, bake it according to the recipe, but give it an extra few minutes to account for the cool dip.

  2. What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?

    You may swap out the buffalo sauce for your favorite hot sauce if you’d like a different flavor or more exact control over the amount of spice.

  3. Can I use a slow cooker to prepare this dip?

    Surely! One might make the dip in a slow cooker. Just toss all the ingredients together and simmer low for two to three hours, stirring now and again until the dip is hot and bubbling.

  4. Is there a dairy-free version of Buffalo Chicken Dip?

    Certainly! Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese to make a lactose-free version. There is also vegan ranch dressing and buffalo sauce on hand.

  5. Can I add extra veggies to the dip?

    Most definitely! Toss chopped bell peppers, jalapeños, or even spinach to add texture and nutrients to your dip.