Name: Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and shredded; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; ½ cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 2 tablespoons blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing; Fritos scoops; Baguette slices; Carrot sticks; Celery sticks

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 50 reviews

If you love cozy, crowd-pleasing apps that pack a punch, you’re going to absolutely adore this Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and so easy to whip up. I first tried this recipe years ago at a game day party, and let me tell you, it disappeared in no time. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving some snack-time magic, this dip’s the answer.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your fridge, making it a quick fix for last-minute guests.
Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: It’s rich and spicy but not overpowering—everyone from kids to adults loves it.
Flexible and Customizable: You can adjust the heat level or swap cheeses based on what you have on hand.
Great for Any Occasion: From casual hangouts to holiday parties, this dip shines every time.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe comes together for that creamy, tangy, spicy kick we all crave. I recommend using a quality buffalo sauce like Frank’s Red Hots—you’ll taste the difference, trust me.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe - Ingredients

Chicken breasts: Cooking them ahead and shredding makes this super quick; rotisserie chicken works wonders too.
Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly without lumps.
Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess — don’t skip it!
Buffalo sauce: Frank’s Red Hots is my go-to for just the right balance of heat and flavor.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice depth, and keep some shredded to sprinkle on top for a golden crust.
Blue cheese dressing or Ranch: I drizzle this on top for that cool contrast—blue cheese is classic, but ranch is a great milder alternative.
Dippers like Fritos scoops, baguette slices, carrot and celery sticks: Variety is key; it makes for fun dipping and keeps things exciting.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is, so don’t be shy about customizing it. Over the years, I’ve played around with different cheeses and heat levels to suit who’s coming over and what I’m craving.

Mild Version: I often cut the buffalo sauce in half and add a splash of honey for a sweeter, less spicy dip that my kids actually ask for.
Extra Cheesy: Sometimes I mix in mozzarella or pepper jack along with cheddar for gooey, melty goodness.
Blue Cheese Lovers: If you’re really into blue cheese, stir some crumbled blue cheese into the dip itself before baking.
Make It Vegan: Swap chicken for shredded jackfruit, use vegan cream cheese, and a plant-based cheddar to fit vegan diets.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Step 1: Mix It All Up

Start by grabbing a large bowl. Toss in the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, buffalo sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar. I use a big spatula to mix everything until it’s super smooth and creamy—this little step ensures every single bite has that spicy cheesy goodness. Pro tip: If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, pop it in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make mixing easier.

Step 2: Bake Till Bubbly

Spread that creamy mixture evenly into a 1.5-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar on top and pop it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the cheese to melt completely and get all bubbly and slightly golden around the edges—it’s when you know it’s ready. I usually set a timer for 15 minutes and then keep an eye the last five to avoid burning.

Step 3: Dress and Serve

Once out of the oven, immediately drizzle blue cheese or ranch dressing over the top. This contrast of cool and spicy makes the dip unforgettable. Serve hot with your choice of dippers like baguette slices, Fritos scoops, or crunchy veggies. Trust me, once it hits the table, it won’t last long!

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Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds extra flavor; just shred and you’re set.
Don’t Skip Softening Cream Cheese: It makes blending smooth and avoids lumps beautifully.
Adjust Sauce to Taste: If you like less heat, reduce buffalo sauce slightly and add more sour cream to balance.
Serve Immediately: The dip is best hot and bubbly; leftovers can be reheated but fresh is always tastier!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Garnishes

I love a generous drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing on top—it really cools down the spice and adds creaminess. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It just elevates the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy veggies like celery and carrot sticks, and if you’re feeling indulgent, serve it alongside buttery baguette slices or crispy Fritos scoops. I’ve also brought it to parties with tortilla chips and pretzel sticks—everyone loves having options.

Creative Ways to Present

For game days or special occasions, I sometimes bake this dip directly inside a hollowed-out bread bowl—super fun and cuts down on dishes! Another favorite is layering it in a cast iron skillet, then topping with extra cheese and broiling for a bubbly crust that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It thickens as it cools, so it’s perfect for spreading on toast or even mixing into pasta for a quick, flavorful lunch.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It might separate a bit, so just stir well before popping it in the oven.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover dip in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw completely first for best texture. Microwaving works too if you’re in a pinch, but the oven keeps that delicious baked cheese topping intact.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds plenty of flavor and saves you time. Just shred it and use it directly in the dip mixture.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe?

The spice level depends mainly on your buffalo sauce choice. Using Frank’s Red Hots gives a medium heat; if you want it milder, reduce the buffalo sauce or add extra sour cream.
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix all the ingredients and refrigerate the dip in the baking dish, covered, for a few hours or overnight. Just add the shredded cheddar topping right before baking.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip?

Popular dippers include baguette slices, Fritos scoops, celery sticks, carrot sticks, tortilla chips, and pretzel rods—feel free to get creative and offer a variety!
How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe has become my go-to for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual nights in. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit—my family goes crazy for it every single time. If you’re looking for a no-fail, crowd-pleasing dip that’s bursting with flavor, I can’t recommend this enough. Go ahead, try it out and watch it become your new favorite too!