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
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes20
minutes300
kcalTo 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 for 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. Stirring until smooth makes Add the onion powder, garlic powder, and buffalo sauce. Blend until everything is smoothly combined.
- Fold among the shredded chicken, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. At this point, 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 begins to bubble 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 outstanding taste. You might also use leftover baked or grilled chicken.
- You can refrigerate this dip for up to 24 hours before baking it. Ensure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you refrigerate it.
- 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 even fresh vegetables like carrot and cucumber slices go very nicely with this dip.
Nutrition Facts
300
Calories
24g
Fat
5g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving of Buffalo Chicken Dip (1 serving)
| Calories | 300 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat 24g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium 800mg | 33% |
| Total Carbohydrate 5g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% |
| Total Sugars 2g | |
| Protein 14g | |
| Calcium 150mg | 12% |
| Iron 1mg | 6% |
*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.
- Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the buffalo sauce to match your heat tolerance—whether you like it mild or spicy.
- 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 family movie night, this dip always disappears fast.
- Perfect for Leftovers: 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!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Be sure to let your cream cheese soften before mixing to avoid lumps in the dip. You can microwave it for 10-15 seconds if needed.
- Shred Your Own 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.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: For a stronger, more authentic buffalo flavor, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top of the dip before baking.
- Spicy Add-Ons: If you’re a spice lover, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dip.
- 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 on 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 classic option, perfect for scooping up the cheesy goodness.
- 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 up 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 that will keep your guests munching happily.
Variations to Try
Want to switch up your Buffalo Chicken Dip? Here are some fun variations:
Buffalo Chicken Dip with Bacon: Add crispy bacon crumbles to the top of the dip 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}
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 in place of sour cream and serve with veggies instead of chips for a healthier, low-carb version. Checkout our How to Effortlessly Make Delicious Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Dip in Under 30 Minutes.
For those who love making everything from scratch, learn how to prepare your own 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: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the dip for up to 1 month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- 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 just want something decadent, this dip never lets down. I promise it will make your next event the highlight—just don’t expect leftovers!
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Definitely yes! You can make the dip 24 hours ahead and it will keep well in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it as directed, adding a few more minutes to adjust for the chilly dip.
What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?
If you want a different taste or more precise control over the spice level, you can replace buffalo sauce with your preferred hot sauce.
Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
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.
Is there a dairy-free version of Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Certainly! Make a lactose-free version using shredded cheese, sour cream, and dairy-free cream cheese. Additionally, vegan buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are available.
Can I add extra veggies to the dip?
Most definitely! To add extra texture and nutrients to your dip, toss chopped bell peppers, jalapeños, or even spinach.