Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip: The Perfect Party Appetizer for Any Occasion
This easy crockpot buffalo chicken dip is the ultimate balance of bold, classic buffalo flavor and cool, creamy ranch. With smooth cream cheese, cheddar, and blue cheese topping it off, all you need is the crunch of a chip or veggie to make it the perfect party appetizer. It’s ideal for holidays, game day, or whenever you’re in the mood for something addictive.
Let’s face it—we all love having a go-to dip, right? That one delicious dish you can throw together when people show up unexpectedly or the must-make snack for your team’s next big game. This crockpot buffalo chicken dip? Yeah, it’s that dip. Trust me, it’s everything you’ve been looking for.
Like my crockpot spinach artichoke dip, this creamy buffalo chicken dip is made in the slow cooker for an easy dump-and-heat solution. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also super versatile. Everyone loves chicken wings, but let’s be real—they’re messy and take up too much space. This dip solves all that. You get the spicy, comforting chicken goodness without the hassle. Trust me, no one’s missing wings with this on the table.
Why I Love This Dip
- It’s a crowd-pleaser! Who doesn’t love a good dip that hits the perfect spicy-crave spot? Plus, it’s way less time-consuming (and messy) than making wings.
- Simple ingredients. You can easily grab everything at the store—no hunting for anything fancy.
- Ridiculously easy. Throw it in the crockpot and focus on sliders, treats, or whatever else you’re serving.
- Leftover gold. This dip is just as delicious the next day and can be reinvented into something new.
Tips for Success
- Use full-fat cream cheese. Trust me, it’s worth it. The low-fat versions tend to make the dip runny.
- Stick to quality buffalo sauce. I like Frank’s Buffalo Wing Sauce, but go with what you trust. Just be cautious with homemade sauces—they can separate, and that’s not the vibe.
- Cheddar is king. I find cheddar melts perfectly for this dip, but feel free to experiment. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese!
- Optional toppings: Crumbled blue cheese and sliced scallions add a nice finishing touch, but they’re totally up to you.
Ingredients
- Shredded cooked chicken – I usually go with crockpot shredded chicken breasts, but rotisserie chicken, poached shredded chicken, or even leftover chicken works just as well.
- Cream cheese – Full-fat cream cheese is the way to go here. The low-fat stuff tends to make the dip runny, and that’s not the vibe.
- Ranch dressing – Hidden Valley Ranch is my go-to for this. It never disappoints.
- Buffalo sauce – Frank’s Buffalo Wing Sauce is my favorite, but you can use any brand you trust. Just a heads-up—homemade buffalo sauces sometimes separate, which can leave your dip greasy or runny.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Cheddar is my top pick because it melts perfectly, but you can switch it up with other cheeses that melt well without ruining the creamy texture.
- Crumbled blue cheese – Totally optional but adds an extra punch if you’re into it.
- Sliced scallions – Aka green onions. Optional, but they make a great garnish if you want to get fancy.
Storage Tips
Keep your dip warm in the crockpot while serving. When you’re done, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat in 30-second microwave bursts until hot and creamy again.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing if you’re all about that blue cheese life.
- Don’t have shredded chicken? Canned chicken works in a pinch.
- Want to turn up the heat? Mix in hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or paprika.
What to Serve It With
Pair your cheesy buffalo chicken dip with:
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Baby carrots
- Bell peppers
- Ritz crackers
- Thick-sliced bread
FAQs
Why is my dip greasy?
If the cream cheese isn’t softened fully before cooking, the ingredients won’t mix properly. Make sure it’s room temperature for the best results.
Can I make it less spicy?
Instead of tweaking the whole recipe, serve with extra cream cheese for mildness or have some extra buffalo sauce for spice-lovers to drizzle on top.
What can I do with leftovers?
Turn it into buffalo chicken egg rolls or a crescent ring—it’s amazing!
How can I make it thicker?
Add more shredded cheese or chicken to thicken it up if it’s too runny.
This crockpot buffalo chicken dip is about to become a staple in your party rotation. Trust me, it’s that good.
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 16 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- crumbled blue cheese optional topping
- sliced scallions optional topping
Instructions
- Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot and gently stir to incorporate.
- Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 hours.
- 30 minutes before the timer goes off, lift the lid and add the last ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the lid and let cook for the remaining 30 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, top with blue cheese crumbles and scallions, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Emily Hart, a 32-year-old chef with a lifelong passion for cooking that goes far beyond just a career—it’s the heart and soul of who I am. From the moment I was old enough to hold a spoon, I’ve been enchanted by the way food brings people together, how flavors can tell stories, and how a simple dish can evoke powerful emotions. The kitchen is my sanctuary, where the sizzle of pans and the aroma of fresh ingredients inspire me to create something special every day.
For me, cooking isn’t just about following recipes; it’s about experimenting, pushing boundaries, and blending culinary traditions to create something new and exciting. Whether I’m preparing an elegant five-course dinner or a comforting bowl of homemade soup, I pour my heart into every detail. I believe that food has the power to connect us all—whether through shared meals or teaching others how to find joy in cooking.
Over the years, I’ve honed my skills not only in crafting delicious meals but also in understanding what makes people feel at home when they sit down at the table. I love sharing my passion with others through cooking classes, collaborations with fellow food enthusiasts, and simply bringing people together one plate at a time. Cooking is my art form, and every dish is an opportunity to share a piece of myself with the world.
