There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy dip that packs a bit of a spicy punch—and that’s exactly what the Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe delivers. It’s fluffy, tangy, and downright addictive, making it a guaranteed hit whether it’s game day, a party, or just a cozy night in.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average dip—it’s creamy, spicy, and loaded with layers of flavor. I’m always thrilled when this dip comes out of the crockpot, bubbling and ready, because it’s such a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, it brings everyone together.
- Effortless Crockpot Cooking: Just toss everything in and let it work its magic without constant supervision.
- Balanced Spicy and Creamy: The Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce hits the perfect heat without overpowering the creamy base.
- Melty, Cheesy Goodness: The combo of cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese creates a rich, indulgent layer of flavor.
- Super Versatile: Great with chips, veggies, crackers, or on crostini for a fancy twist.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This dip is a well-crafted balance of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors. Each ingredient plays its part, so grabbing the right ones makes all the difference. I recommend full-fat dairy options for that luscious texture and always using Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce—not the original—for authentic heat.
- Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce: Classic buffalo flavor that brings the signature tangy heat you want.
- Full-fat sour cream: Adds creaminess and helps mellow the spices just enough.
- Dry ranch dressing seasoning mix: Gives a herby, tangy depth that pairs perfectly with the buffalo sauce.
- Chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt: These spices layer extra warmth and flavor complexity.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The hearty main protein – rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here.
- Blue cheese crumbles: Adds a punch of bold, tangy flavor without overwhelming the dip.
- Cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and melts beautifully for a gooey texture.
- Mozzarella cheese: For stretchiness and creamy melt to the dip.
- Full-fat cream cheese: The secret to the ultra-smooth, rich body of the dip.
Make It Your Way
I love adding a little personal twist whenever I make this dip, and you absolutely should too. The beauty of this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is how forgiving it is to customization—you can amp up the heat or keep it mild, swap cheeses, or sneak in veggies for extra crunch.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out blue cheese for shredded pepper jack to dial up the spice without changing the texture much—still creamy but with a smoky kick.
- Dietary tweaks: For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace some of the sour cream, though I wouldn’t recommend going too low-fat because you’ll lose that luscious texture.
- Extra veggies: Chopped celery or bell peppers mixed in add a fresh crunch that contrasts nicely with the richness.
- Heat levels: Don’t hesitate to add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like it fiery—just be ready with chips or veggies to mellow the heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot and Mix Base
First things first, give your crockpot a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to make sure cleanup is a breeze. Then, grab a bowl or just use the crockpot insert to whisk together the buffalo sauce, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and all those warm spices. This mix is where the magic starts—make sure it’s well combined for an even flavor boost.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Cheese Layers
Stir in your shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, and most of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses right into the sauce mixture. Each cheese adds a special character: sharp cheddar for depth, mozzarella for creaminess, and blue cheese for tangy pops. It’s important to have this distributed well before adding cream cheese.
Step 3: Soften and Layer the Cream Cheese
Microwave the cubed cream cheese for about 25 seconds—that softens it up nicely. Instead of stirring it all in, I like to dot the softened cream cheese evenly over the top. As it melts, it slowly melds into the dip giving it that devilishly smooth texture.
Step 4: Slow Cook and Stir
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for one hour. Then, stir everything well to help the cheeses melt together. If you have an older or smaller crockpot like I do, plan on an extra hour or so and give it a stir every now and then to prevent sticking and ensure full melty goodness.
Step 5: Top off with Cheese and Final Melt
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella on top, cover again, and let it cook for another 20 minutes or until the top is beautifully melted and slightly bubbly. Keep it on warm as you get ready to serve—it stays perfect for snacking this way.
Top Tip
This dip heats and melts best when you don’t rush the process. Trust me, I once cranked the heat up to speed things and ended with a slightly greasy, uneven dip. Cooking low and slow is key. Also, don’t skip softening the cream cheese before layering—it transforms the texture completely.
- Patience Pays Off: Cooking on low heat ensures creamy, perfectly melted cheese without oil separation.
- Cream Cheese Prep: Microwaving the cubed cream cheese briefly helps it melt seamlessly without lumps.
- Regular Stirring: If your crockpot is small or older, stir periodically to prevent burning or sticking at the edges.
- Quality Ingredients: Using the real Frank’s RedHot and full-fat dairy pays off in taste and texture that’s worth the effort.
How to Serve Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish my dip with freshly chopped green onions—they add a crisp, fresh counterpoint to the richness. A few extra crumbles of blue cheese on top amp up the tanginess, and if I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a nice herbal brightness that surprises guests in a good way.
Side Dishes
Chunky carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices are my go-to combos for dipping—clean, refreshing bites that keep the palate happy. I also love offering tortilla chips, pretzels, and buttery crostini to give that salty crunch contrast. If you want to go all in, some garlic bread on the side won’t disappoint either.
Creative Ways to Present
For game day or a festive party, I’ve laid this dip out in a hollowed-out bread bowl—it turns a simple dish into a centerpiece. Another fun way I’ve served it is in mini crockpots right at the table, keeping everything piping hot and inviting. Don’t underestimate how much presentation elevates this dip!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy buffalo chicken dip stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually scoop it into smaller containers for easy snack portions. Just remember to give it a good stir before reheating to keep it smooth.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dip a couple of times when I made extra for parties. Wrap it tightly and freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moisture in, about 15–20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overheating—nobody wants rubbery cheese!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can make this dip in the oven at 350°F (175°C) in a covered baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just keep an eye to avoid drying out and add a splash of milk or cream if it needs moisture.
Rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s already cooked and comes seasoned, which adds extra flavor to your dip. You can also use leftover cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded finely for the best texture.
Definitely! If you want it milder, reduce the buffalo sauce slightly or mix in extra sour cream. For more heat, add extra Frank’s RedHot or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Tasting as you go helps you find the perfect balance.
Cooking low and slow is key here. High heat can cause the fats to separate and create a greasy texture. Also, using full-fat dairy ingredients helps because lower fat versions tend to separate more during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is a genuine warm hug in a bowl—throw it in the crockpot, gather your favorite dippers, and watch it disappear fast. It’s a reliable recipe that never fails me, and I’m sure you’ll find it becomes your go-to for casual get-togethers or even an indulgent snack. Give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy 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 combines tender shredded chicken with creamy cheeses and tangy buffalo sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Slow-cooked to melty perfection, this dip is perfect for game day or casual gatherings, served with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 1 pound (4 packed cups) cooked and shredded chicken (about 1 large rotisserie)
- 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
For Serving
- Green onions
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Cilantro or parsley
- Chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, veggies, etc.
Instructions
- Prep Crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, sour cream, ranch seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir in the shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese until well mixed.
- Add Cream Cheese: Microwave the cubed cream cheese for 25 seconds on a plate to soften, then evenly distribute the cubes over the chicken mixture without stirring.
- Cook the Stir: Cover and cook on low for 1 hour, then stir the dip thoroughly to combine the cream cheese and other ingredients.
- Cook Until Melted: 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 Cheeses: Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup cheddar cheese and ⅓ cup mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Cover and cook on low for another 20 minutes, or until the topping cheeses have melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Keep the dip on low or warm setting for serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and extra blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve with a variety of chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, or fresh vegetables like carrots, celery sticks, and bell peppers.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for easy shredding and enhanced flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dip, add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Cream cheese softening is important to ensure even melting without clumps.
- Older crockpots may require more cooking time; stir regularly to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or crockpot.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute cheeses and sour cream with vegan alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/14th of recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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