There’s nothing quite like the velvety, spicy goodness of a classic party favorite – and this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe absolutely nails it. Creamy, cheesy, with just the right kick thanks to Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, it’s one dip that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be your go-to for game days and get-togethers.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is not just another dip—it's a flavor-packed, melt-in-your-mouth experience that combines spicy, tangy, and cheesy in such a perfect way that it instantly becomes the star of any snack table. I’ve made this recipe multiple times for friends and family, and it disappears lightning fast every single time!
- Simple Prep: You just toss everything in your crockpot and let it work its magic—easy and hands-off.
- Bold, Balanced Flavors: Using Frank’s RedHot Wings Sauce and dry ranch seasoning gives it that authentic buffalo taste with an irresistible creamy finish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a game day party or casual hangout, this dip always wins over a crowd.
- Customizable & Versatile: You can easily swap cheeses or adjust heat levels to suit your taste, making it truly yours.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic in this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe comes from a few powerhouse ingredients that create creamy, spicy, and cheesy layers of flavor. I like to highlight the quality of each because a little attention here makes all the difference—plus, knowing why helps you tweak it confidently.
- Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce:This is the secret sauce—choose the Buffalo Wings version, not the original—for authentic heat and flavor.
- Full-Fat Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess and keeps the dip rich without overpowering the spice.
- Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix: Boosts the savory, herby notes and balances the heat beautifully.
- Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Garlic & Onion Powder: These spices layer the dip with a subtle smoky warmth and depth.
- Cooked & Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here for ease and flavorful meat.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: These give that classic sharp bite that pairs brilliantly with the Buffalo sauce.
- Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: Together, they melt up silky and stringy for ultimate dip texture.
- Cream Cheese: Cubed and carefully melted into the dip to keep it ultra creamy and smooth.
- Green Onions & Fresh Herbs: For fresh garnishes that brighten the rich and spicy flavors.
- Chips, Crackers, & Veggies: Your dipping vessels, choose your favorites to keep things fun and varied!
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe depending on my mood or the crowd. Sometimes I dial up the heat with extra Frank’s sauce or cayenne if I’m feeling bold, but other times I mellow it out with more cream cheese and sour cream—both work beautifully!
- Variation: I tried adding cooked bacon bits once, and it added an incredible smoky crunch that made the dip feel extra special at our family gathering.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: For friends needing dairy-free options, swapping in vegan cream cheese and sour cream works surprisingly well—just adjust cheeses accordingly.
- Make It Spicier or Milder: If you prefer mild, just cut the buffalo sauce in half and add more ranch seasoning to keep the flavor balanced without too much heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot and Combine the Base
Start by spraying your crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray—this little step saves you cleanup later and keeps the dip from sticking. Next, whisk together the Buffalo Wings sauce, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and your spice mix (chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, and salt). Once those are evenly blended, stir in the shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, 1 cup of cheddar, and ⅓ cup of mozzarella. This blend has all the flavors marrying before the slow cooking even begins.
Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese Cubes
Microwave your cream cheese cubes for about 25 seconds on a plate—that helps them soften up a bit. Then scatter them evenly on top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot. Don’t stir the cream cheese in just yet; let it melt slowly on top as it cooks—this technique helps keep the texture heavenly and creamy.
Step 3: Slow Cook and Stir
Cover and cook the dip on low for one hour. After that, it’s time to stir everything together so the cream cheese fully incorporates. Depending on your crockpot’s age and size, you might need another hour or so, stirring every now and then until the cheeses are totally melted and the dip is hot. Patience here pays off for the best melty texture.
Step 4: Top with More Cheese and Finish Cooking
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly on top, cover again, and cook on low for about 20 more minutes until the cheese topping is perfectly melted and bubbly. It’s that final touch that takes this dip from great to unforgettable.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, turn the heat down to low or keep warm while everyone digs in. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and extra blue cheese crumbles if you like, then surround with your favorite dippers—chips, crackers, crostini, or crisp veggies. Watching this disappear is seriously satisfying.
Top Tip
From my many buffalo dip attempts, I’ve learned a few tricks to make sure your dip is creamy, melty, and perfectly balanced every time. I want you to have that same effortless win, so here are the tips I swear by for this recipe.
- Softening Cream Cheese: Microwaving cubed cream cheese briefly ensures it melts evenly without clumping, which keeps your dip silky smooth.
- Spice Balance: I always taste the sauce mixture before adding chicken to adjust ranch seasoning or hot sauce for my preferred heat—don’t be shy to tweak!
- Slow and Steady: Low heat and patience are key—rushing with high heat can make the dip separate or get too oily.
- Keep It Covered: Cover your crockpot well during cooking to trap steam, which helps the cheese melt perfectly without drying out the dip.
How to Serve Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Garnishes
I usually reach for sliced green onions and extra blue cheese crumbles when garnishing because they add fresh color and that tangy punch that contrasts the creamy dip so nicely. Sometimes a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley works wonders, too, especially if you want a hint of freshness to cut through the richness.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs beautifully with crunchy dippers like kettle-cooked potato chips, buttery crostini slices, and even warm pretzel bites. For a healthier twist, I love serving it with crisp celery sticks, carrot batons, and bell pepper strips—their natural sweetness balances the heat perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I've served this dip inside a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl, which not only looks fantastic but gets eaten along with the dip! Another fun idea is to layer the dip in individual mini crockpots or mason jars—great for making it feel extra festive and easy for guests to grab their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where the dip keeps well for up to 3 days. When you reheat, stir it gently with a bit of milk or cream if it’s thickened too much—it helps bring back the creamy texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dip successfully by placing it in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Just keep in mind the texture may be a little less creamy, but still delicious.
Reheating
My favorite way to reheat leftovers is in a small skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or sour cream. Stir until the cheese loosens and the dip is warmed through. Avoid microwaving without stirring because it can heat unevenly and make it greasy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it, then just warm it up in the crockpot when ready to serve. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Rotisserie chicken is my favorite because it saves prep time and adds great flavor, but you can also use cooked shredded chicken breast or thighs if you prefer.
Definitely! Adjust the amount of Frank’s Buffalo Wings Sauce to suit your taste. For milder dip, reduce the sauce and add more ranch seasoning or sour cream to balance.
Yes! If blue cheese isn’t your thing, you can omit it or replace it with extra cheddar or a milder cheese. The dip will still be delicious and creamy—just slightly less tangy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe holds a special spot in my recipe arsenal because it’s universally loved, ridiculously easy, and completely satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together effortlessly—whether for a casual night in or a lively party. I highly recommend you try it exactly as is first, then make it your own with those personal touches we all enjoy. Once you have your crockpot bubbling away with this dip, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.
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Easy 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 flavorful appetizer perfect for game day 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 melty perfection and served warm with chips or veggies.
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 & Cheese
- 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 & Serving
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Additional crumbled blue cheese (for garnish)
- Cilantro or parsley (optional garnish)
- Chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, whisk together the Buffalo wings sauce, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir in the shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and ⅓ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Add Cream Cheese: Microwave the cubed cream cheese on a plate for 25 seconds just to soften slightly. Evenly distribute the cream cheese cubes over the top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot. Do not stir the cream cheese in at this point.
- Cook and Stir: Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour. Afterward, stir all the ingredients together thoroughly.
- Continue Cooking: Depending on your crockpot, continue cooking on low for an additional 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses are fully melted and the dip is hot and bubbly.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of cheddar cheese and ⅓ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dip. Cover and cook on low for 20 minutes or until the topping cheeses have melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Keep the crockpot on low or warm setting while serving. Garnish the dip with chopped green onions and additional blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve warm with chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, or a variety of fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery sticks, and bell peppers.
Notes
- This dip is best made with Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce for authentic spicy flavor.
- Using a rotisserie chicken saves time and adds juiciness and flavor.
- If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix, you can substitute with homemade or another brand but adjust seasoning to taste.
- To speed up melting, you can microwave softened cream cheese briefly before adding.
- The dip keeps warm well in the crockpot and can be stirred occasionally to maintain creaminess.
- For a thicker dip, reduce sour cream slightly or add extra shredded cheese.
- Serve with a variety of dippers for best crowd-pleasing results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/14th of recipe
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
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