Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Name: Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce; 1/2 cup ranch dressing; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional); 1/4 cup green onions, chopped for garnish; Tortilla chips or vegetable sticks for dipping

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip because it always brings people together, whether it’s game day or a cozy gathering. The creamy blend of chicken, cheese, and buffalo sauce creates an irresistible flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. It's incredibly simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time. I typically serve it with crispy tortilla chips or fresh veggies for a delightful kickoff to any event. Trust me, this dip will quickly become a favorite at your parties!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T03:31:17.627Z

Every time I make Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip, I’m reminded of the fun times spent with friends and family around the table. I tried various recipes before landing on this winning combination of creaminess and heat that everyone loves. The secret is using a mix of cream cheese and shredded cheese, which creates that perfect gooey texture.

I've tweaked the spice levels over time and found that adding a touch of ranch dressing not only balances the heat but also enhances the flavor. This dip is one that I can confidently bring to any gathering knowing it will be devoured!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy and spicy flavor that pleases everyone
Perfect for easy entertaining and last-minute gatherings
Customizable with your favorite ingredients and spice levels

      

The Role of Ingredients

The combination of cream cheese and ranch dressing gives the dip its signature creaminess, which perfectly balances the sharp heat of buffalo wing sauce. Be sure to soften the cream cheese beforehand; this ensures a smooth, easy-to-mix consistency. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, simply microwave it for about 15-20 seconds in short bursts to soften without melting.

Using shredded chicken adds a wonderful texture and helps the dip to incorporate well. You can easily use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach your own for fresher flavor. Just be cautious not to overcook it, as dry chicken will affect the creamy consistency of the dip.

Customizing Your Buffalo Chicken Dip

One of the best things about this dip is the ability to customize it according to your taste. For those who prefer a milder flavor, reduce the buffalo wing sauce and increase the ranch dressing to maintain creaminess. Alternatively, for an extra kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or sprinkling red pepper flakes on top before baking.

Feel free to mix in other ingredients like diced celery for crunch or swap the blue cheese for a more accessible cheese like mozzarella if you’re not a fan of its strong flavor. You can also incorporate a blend of cheeses for a layered taste experience—try adding Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients

Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
1/4 cup green onions, chopped for garnish
Tortilla chips or vegetable sticks for dipping

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get started.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.

Bake the Dip

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and golden on top.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with green onions. Serve hot with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks!

Pro Tips

For a spicier dip, add more buffalo sauce or even some diced jalapeños into the mix. You can also prepare this dip in a slow cooker for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Make-Ahead Tips

Making Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time is a fantastic idea, especially if you have a busy schedule. You can prepare the mixture a day in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and simply bake it when your guests arrive. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking to promote even heating.

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the dip to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Serving Ideas

I love serving this dip with crispy tortilla chips because the crunch of the chips complements the creamy dip perfectly. You can also serve it alongside fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, or bell peppers to add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dip. Providing a variety of dippers encourages everyone to customize their experience.

For a fun presentation, consider using a mini cast iron skillet for baking and serving the dip. The skillet keeps the dip warmer longer and adds a rustic touch to your table. Additionally, you might create a dipping station with various toppings like chopped jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or extra cheese on the side, allowing guests to personalize their portions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dip and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it just before serving.

→ What type of chicken should I use?

You can use rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or cooked chicken breast – it all works great.

→ How can I make it less spicy?

Use a milder buffalo sauce or mix in plain cream cheese to tone down the heat.

→ Can I substitute the cream cheese?

Yes, you can try using sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but it may alter the creaminess.