If you’re on the hunt for a surefire party pleaser, look no further than this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Slow Cooker Recipe. I absolutely love how this dip comes out super rich, tangy, and perfectly spicy with almost zero fuss — thanks to the slow cooker doing all the work for you! Whether you’re hosting game day, a casual get-together, or just craving a cozy snack, you’ll find that this dip hits all the right notes and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the work while you relax or prep other things.
- Perfectly Creamy Texture: The slow cooking melts all the cheese and cream cheese into a dreamy dip.
- Customizable Heat Level: You control how spicy it gets by adjusting the hot sauce quantity.
- Crowd Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dip every single time I make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe works together to create that classic buffalo flavor with a creamy, cheesy base. I’ve found that using full-fat cream cheese and freshly shredded cheddar makes all the difference in texture and taste.

- Cream cheese: Using full-fat and cubed helps it melt evenly in the slow cooker without lumps.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture to keep the dip silky and not too thick.
- Cooked chicken: I recommend shredded chicken breast for soak-in-the-flavor goodness.
- Ranch dressing: Brings a cool, herby note that balances the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Hot sauce: My go-to is Frank’s RedHot for that authentic buffalo flavor, but any favorite works.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded from the block for best melt and no graininess.
Variations
I love that this dip is so versatile! Over time, I’ve tweaked it by adding different cheeses or spices, and honestly, it all turns out delicious. Feel free to make it your own.
- Add Blue Cheese: I sometimes crumble blue cheese on top before serving for extra tang — my family always asks for this version!
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re in a pinch, shredded rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor.
- Make it Milder or Spicier: Adjust the hot sauce up or down depending on who you’re serving—kids or spice lovers alike will be happy.
- Try Different Cheeses: Pepper jack or mozzarella add a fun twist, but stick to good melting cheeses for that creamy finish.
How to Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Ingredients
I always start by giving my slow cooker a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray — this helps with cleanup later, trust me on that. Then, I add the cubed cream cheese right into the pot, followed by the chicken broth. It’s key to layer these first so the cream cheese starts melting evenly as the broth adds moisture.
Step 2: Layer Chicken and Dressings
Next, pile the shredded chicken right over the cream cheese and broth. Pour the ranch dressing and your choice of hot sauce over the chicken. I like to give it a quick gentle swirl to mix things a bit but keep the layers mostly intact — it helps the flavors blend beautifully as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top. This cheese melts into the dip, giving it that irresistible gooey, creamy texture we all crave in buffalo chicken dip.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow for Peak Creaminess
Set your slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours, or if you’re short on time, the high setting for about 1 ½ hours works too. I highly recommend stirring the mixture about an hour in to help everything meld together and to check the cream cheese is melting properly. If it’s not quite there yet, just recover and let it continue cooking — this slow melt is what makes the dip ultra creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Keep Warm and Serve
Once everything is melted and bubbly, flip the slow cooker to the warm setting so the dip stays cozy until you’re ready to serve. I love pairing this with crunchy tortilla chips, crisp celery, and carrot sticks — they’re perfect to scoop up all that goodness!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Slow Cooker Recipe
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: I used to try lite cream cheese and noticed the dip wasn’t nearly as creamy or rich, so full-fat is key.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can make the dip grainy — shredding fresh off the block gives the best melt.
- Don’t Skip Stirring: Stirring the dip about an hour in helps prevent the cream cheese clumps and encourages even melting for that smooth texture.
- Portion Your Slow Cooker Correctly: Filling your crock pot halfway to 3/4 full ensures even, thorough cooking and helps avoid drying out.
How to Serve Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Slow Cooker Recipe

Garnishes
I always top my dip with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or some crumbled blue cheese because that extra punch of flavor and color makes it look as good as it tastes. For a fun twist, crispy fried onion strings add a delightful crunch and a subtle sweetness that balances the heat.
Side Dishes
Besides tortilla chips, I love serving this dip with fresh veggie sticks like carrot, celery, and cucumber—adds a nice crisp contrast. Also, buttery pretzel bites or crusty baguette slices are fantastic for dipping and soak up all that sauce like a dream.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I like to serve this dip inside a hollowed-out bread bowl—super cozy and an eye-catcher! Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass dish so guests can see all the cheesy, spicy goodness. It’s always a conversation starter and gets eaten fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. This dip will keep nicely for about 3-4 days. When I scoop some out later, I find the flavors actually mellow and deepen, which is a nice bonus!
Freezing
Freezing creamy dips can be tricky, but this buffalo chicken dip freezes well if you don’t mind a slight change in texture. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
When reheating, my go-to method is low and slow in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up if it’s thickened. Stir frequently to keep it creamy and avoid any scorching on the bottom.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken for this dip?
Absolutely! Just thaw the chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker so it cooks evenly with the other ingredients. Using pre-cooked shredded chicken, even from frozen, works great as long as it’s defrosted and drained to prevent excess water in the dip.
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What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
If you don’t have ranch on hand, blue cheese dressing or even a mix of sour cream with dried herbs like parsley and dill can make a nice substitute. The dip will taste a bit different but still creamy and delicious!
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How spicy is this dip?
The spice level is moderate by default because of the hot sauce, but you control this entirely. If you want it milder, cut back on the hot sauce or use a milder variety. For heat lovers, add extra hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate it a day ahead. Then, just cook according to the instructions when you’re ready. It’s perfect for prepping before busy party days.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Slow Cooker Recipe has been a total game changer for me when I want something delicious and effortless to bring to gatherings or enjoy on a quiet night in. I love how the slow cooker infuses the flavors while keeping the dip ultra creamy and easy to serve warm. If you haven’t given it a try yet, do yourself a favor and whip it up — your taste buds (and guests!) will thank you.
Print
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Slow Cooker Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Dip is made easy using a slow cooker, combining shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese into a perfect party dip. It’s effortlessly melty, spicy, and tangy—ideal for serving with tortilla chips, celery, or carrots.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, cubed (full fat)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably chicken breast)
- ¾ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s Redhot Sauce preferred)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably shredded from the block)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add the cubed cream cheese and chicken broth into the slow cooker, layering the shredded chicken breast on top.
- Add Sauces and Cheese: Pour ranch dressing and hot sauce evenly over the chicken. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top ensuring an even layer.
- Cook the Dip: Cook the mixture on low heat for 3 to 4 hours or on high heat for 1 ½ hours. After the first hour, stir well to help meld the flavors and melt the cheeses smoothly, then cover again. Stir occasionally as needed until the dip is creamy and thoroughly heated through.
- Keep Warm and Serve: Once cooked, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting until ready to serve. Enjoy the dip warm with tortilla chips, carrots, celery, or your preferred dippers.
Notes
- If you don’t have 4 cups of cooked chicken, cook approximately 2 ½ pounds of raw chicken breast (about 3 large breasts) for best results.
- Diced chicken can be used but shredding helps it absorb the flavors better and creates a creamier texture.
- Rotisserie chicken works well too—white or dark meat (ensure dark meat is cleaned properly).
- For best texture, shred your own cheddar cheese rather than using pre-shredded cheese which may have coatings that affect creaminess.
- Optional toppings include crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy onion strings for extra flavor and crunch.
- A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended, though a 4-quart can be used. For doubling the recipe, use an 8-quart slow cooker for optimal heat distribution.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe (approx. 2 tablespoons)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg

