The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip: Ultimate Game Day Appetizer Ready in 20 Minutes

Buffalo Chicken Dip is the undisputed champion of game day appetizers and Super Bowl dips. This creamy, cheesy, perfectly spicy dip combines everything you love about buffalo wings without the mess. The first time I made this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip for a Super Bowl party, it disappeared so fast that I had to make a second batch at halftime!

What makes this Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe truly special is its incredible simplicity. With just 5 ingredients and 20 minutes, you can create a Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip delivers the perfect balance of tangy buffalo sauce, rich cream cheese, and melted cheddar—creating a dip that’s impossible to stop eating.

My husband James declares this Buffalo Dip the “best party food ever invented,” and our friends have started requesting it for every gathering. Last year at our neighborhood Super Bowl party, this Buffalo Chicken Dip for a crowd was gone before kickoff, and I’ve been making double batches ever since.

Let me show you how to make this foolproof Best Buffalo Chicken Dip that will make you the MVP of any party.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

  • This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip uses just 5 simple ingredients you probably already have
  • Ready in 20 minutes—perfect for last-minute Game Day Appetizers
  • This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip delivers the perfect balance of spicy and creamy
  • The Make Ahead Buffalo Chicken Dip can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance
  • Works beautifully as Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip for effortless serving
  • This Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese is always the first dish to disappear at parties
  • Perfect 5 Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Dip that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Dip

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Optional Toppings

  • Blue cheese crumbles
  • Chopped green onions
  • Extra hot sauce drizzle
  • Fresh parsley

Ingredient Tips:

  • For the chicken, rotisserie chicken is your best friend for quick prep—just shred and you’re done!
  • Room temperature cream cheese is crucial for smooth mixing—set it out at least 1 hour before making
  • Adjust the heat level by using more or less buffalo sauce according to your preference

Step-by-Step Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Dip

Prepare Your Ingredients

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces. You need about 2 cups total.

Mix the Base

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing.
  2. Mix with an electric mixer or sturdy spoon until completely smooth and well blended. This is the base of your Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese.

Add Chicken and Cheese

  1. Fold in the shredded chicken until evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.
  2. Add ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, stirring to combine. Reserve the remaining ¼ cup for topping.

Bake Until Bubbly

  1. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish (an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch dish works perfectly).
  2. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.

Serve and Enjoy

  1. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes—it will be very hot!
  2. Garnish with optional toppings like blue cheese crumbles, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce.
  3. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, celery sticks, crackers, or your favorite dippers.

Emma’s Kitchen Notes for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip

  • The secret to smooth dip is using room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese creates lumps that are hard to mix out.
  • For the best flavor, use quality buffalo sauce like Frank’s RedHot. Different brands vary in heat level and flavor.
  • Make it ahead: Assemble this Make Ahead Buffalo Chicken Dip completely (don’t bake), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting from cold.
  • Storage instructions: Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip Variation

For effortless Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip that stays warm throughout your party:

  1. Mix all ingredients in your slow cooker
  2. Cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring occasionally
  3. Switch to WARM setting to keep the dip hot during serving
  4. Perfect for Super Bowl Dips that need to stay ready for hours!

What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Dip

This versatile Buffalo Dip pairs perfectly with:

  • Tortilla chips (the classic choice!)
  • Celery sticks (authentic buffalo flavor experience)
  • Carrot sticks
  • Crackers or pita chips
  • Sliced baguette
  • Pretzel chips
  • Bell pepper strips
  • Cucumber slices

Variations on This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Extra Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Add ½ cup mozzarella cheese for even more gooey, melty goodness in your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Spicier Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Increase buffalo sauce to ¾ cup and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who love extra heat in their Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Lighter Buffalo Chicken Dip

Use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing and reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.

Blue Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip

Replace ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for an authentic buffalo wing flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Dip

Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is the perfect Make Ahead Buffalo Chicken Dip. Assemble completely (don’t bake), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to account for the cold start.

Can I use canned chicken for this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip?

Yes! Two 12.5-ounce cans of chicken work perfectly in this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip. Drain well and shred before using.

How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Dip?

This Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe has a medium heat level that most people find perfect. The cream cheese and ranch balance the buffalo sauce beautifully. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to make it milder or spicier.

Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?

Yes! This Buffalo Chicken Dip freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze in a freezer-safe container, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip?

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The oven method maintains the best texture.

How much Buffalo Chicken Dip do I need for a party?

This recipe serves about 8-10 people as an appetizer. For a large gathering or if it’s the main appetizer, consider making a double batch. This Buffalo Chicken Dip for a Crowd disappears quickly!

Conclusion: Why This Buffalo Chicken Dip Will Win Every Party

This Best Buffalo Chicken Dip has earned its reputation as the ultimate crowd-pleaser for good reason. It combines the addictive flavors of buffalo wings with the convenience of a dip, creating something that’s both familiar and irresistible. Whether you’re making it for the Super Bowl, a casual get-together, or just because you’re craving something delicious, this Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe delivers every time.

What makes this 5 Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Dip truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes gourmet. The combination of tangy buffalo sauce, cool ranch, and melty cheese creates layers of flavor that keep people coming back for “just one more chip.”

Leave a Comment