You know those recipes that just instantly make you feel warm and fuzzy inside? The ones that smell like pure comfort and are guaranteed to disappear the second you set them down? Well, this Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is exactly that for me. It’s the dish I whip up when we have friends over last minute, when the kids are craving something a little special for after-school snack, or honestly, when I just need a delicious, cheesy hug in a bowl. It reminds me so much of the potlucks we used to have at my grandma’s house growing up; there was always a bubbling dish of something incredible, and this buffalo chicken dip was always the star. It’s got that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness that’s just… irresistible. If you’ve ever loved a good seven-layer dip or a hearty baked macaroni and cheese, you’re going to fall head over heels for this buffalo chicken dip.
What is Buffalo Chicken Dip?
So, what exactly *is* buffalo chicken dip? At its heart, it’s a ridiculously easy, gloriously cheesy, and delightfully spicy dip made with shredded chicken, a creamy base, and that signature buffalo sauce kick. The name comes from the iconic Buffalo chicken wings, but instead of a mess of bones, you get a smooth, dippable, shareable concoction. Think of it as a warm, bubbly embrace of all your favorite flavors: savory chicken, tangy hot sauce, and rich, melty cheese. It’s essentially comfort food elevated, taking those beloved buffalo wing flavors and transforming them into something you can scoop up with chips, crackers, or even veggies. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparking conversations and smiles with every single bite.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are a million reasons why this Buffalo Chicken dip recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I just know you’re going to love it too. First off, the FLAVOR explosion is unreal. You get that tangy spice from the buffalo sauce, balanced beautifully by the creaminess of the cheese and sour cream, with tender shredded chicken throughout. It’s a symphony of deliciousness! Then there’s the SIMPLICITY. Seriously, if you can shred chicken and stir a few things together, you can make this. I often make it on a weeknight when I’m pressed for time, and it’s a lifesaver. It uses really accessible, budget-friendly INGREDIENTS too, so you don’t have to break the bank to make something amazing. And the VERSATILITY! Oh my goodness, you can serve this with practically anything. I love it with tortilla chips for a classic party feel, but it’s also surprisingly fantastic with celery sticks or cucumber slices if you’re feeling a bit healthier. What I love most about this specific buffalo chicken dip recipe is that it strikes that perfect chord – it’s satisfyingly rich without being heavy, and the spice level is just right for most people. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar, even if you only spent 10 minutes prepping it.
How do you make Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Quick Overview
Making this buffalo chicken dip is almost ridiculously easy. The basic idea is to combine cooked shredded chicken with a creamy, cheesy base infused with buffalo sauce, then bake it until it’s hot, bubbly, and golden brown. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly boil and shred some Chicken Breasts yourself. The magic happens when all those simple ingredients meld together in the oven, creating an irresistible aroma and a texture that’s pure indulgence. It’s the kind of recipe that gives you maximum flavor for minimal effort, which, let’s be honest, is my favorite kind of recipe.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is your best friend here!)
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk (I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!)
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce (or your favorite buffalo sauce), plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Mexican blend)
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Crumbled blue cheese, for topping (optional, but highly recommended if you love it!)
For the Glaze:
(This isn’t a traditional glaze, but rather the delicious melted cheese and sauce mixture! So no separate ingredients needed here, but we’ll talk about achieving that perfect gooey top in the steps below!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab a medium-sized oven-safe baking dish – an 8×8 inch or a similar sized skillet works perfectly. You don’t need to grease it because the dip is quite rich, but if you’re worried about sticking, a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray or a tiny bit of butter won’t hurt.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic powder and onion powder. This might seem small, but it helps distribute the seasonings evenly so you don’t get a clump of flavor in one bite. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper here too, but remember that the buffalo sauce and cheese will add saltiness, so go easy!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the softened CREAM CHEESE, sour cream, and milk. Use a spatula or a hand mixer on low speed to get this mixture super smooth and creamy. You want it to be lump-free before you add anything else. This is the base that makes the dip so decadent!
Step 4: Combine
Now, add the shredded chicken, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and the dry seasonings from Step 2 into the cream cheese mixture. Add about half of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and the chicken is evenly coated. Don’t worry if it looks a little thick; the cheese will melt and it will loosen up in the oven.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
This is where we talk about customization! If you’re using blue cheese, you can either stir some of it directly into the dip mixture now, or reserve it for topping later. I like to reserve most of it for sprinkling on top right before it goes into the oven, so it gets nice and melty.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. If you’re using optional blue cheese crumbles, sprinkle those on top too. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce in a zig-zag pattern over the cheese before baking, but this is totally optional!
Step 7: Bake
Pop that beautiful dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and starting to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it – ovens can be finicky!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once it’s out of the oven, let the buffalo chicken dip rest for about 5-10 minutes. This is crucial! It allows the flavors to meld and the dip to set up a bit, so it’s not too soupy when you start scooping. The “glaze” here is really just that gorgeous, melty, bubbly cheese and sauce mixture that forms on top as it bakes.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Garnish with fresh chives or green onions if you’re using them. Serve hot straight from the dish! This buffalo chicken dip is best enjoyed while it’s warm and gooey. Grab your favorite dippers and dig in!
What to Serve It With
This buffalo chicken dip is a chameleon when it comes to pairings! For a casual get-together or a game day spread, you absolutely can’t go wrong with a big basket of sturdy tortilla chips. The classic pairing for a reason! If you want to add some freshness and crunch, don’t forget to include some crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, and bell pepper slices. My kids actually love using sturdy crackers, like Ritz or even water crackers, to scoop up this dip – it’s a little less messy for them. For a slightly more “adult” vibe at a brunch or an appetizer party, I like to serve it with toasted baguette slices or even some grilled sourdough. The crusty bread holds up well to the dip. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with little endive spears for a low-carb option that feels surprisingly elegant. Honestly, I’ve even seen people use it as a topping for baked potatoes, which sounds absolutely divine!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Buffalo Chicken Dip
I’ve made this buffalo chicken dip more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it even better. First, when it comes to the chicken, using a rotisserie chicken is a game-changer for ease and flavor. The natural seasonings and tenderness are perfect. If you’re shredding your own chicken, make sure it’s cooked through but not dry. A quick boil or even poaching works wonders. For the cream cheese, make sure it’s truly softened. This is key to getting that super smooth, lump-free base. If you forget to leave it out, you can microwave it for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s pliable. When mixing, don’t overdo it once the chicken is in. You want to incorporate everything, but you don’t want to mash the chicken to bits. A gentle fold is all you need. I’ve experimented with different buffalo sauces, and while Frank’s RedHot is my go-to for that classic tang, feel free to try your favorite! Just be aware that some sauces have different heat levels, so adjust accordingly. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you prefer it milder, you can add a touch more cream cheese or sour cream. For the cheese, using a good quality cheddar that melts well is important. I often use a sharp cheddar for a bit more flavor. And if you’re not a fan of blue cheese, no worries at all – you can skip it entirely or try a different crumbly cheese like feta for a different flavor profile. Baking is straightforward, but keep an eye on it. You want it bubbly and golden, not scorched. If your cheese is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil. And remember that resting time after baking? It’s worth it! It lets everything meld together and makes the dip easier to scoop without everything falling apart. Trust me on this one!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This buffalo chicken dip is so good, you might actually have leftovers – though I wouldn’t bet on it! If you do find yourself with some, storing it properly is key to enjoying it again. Once the dip has cooled down to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, there are a couple of great ways to do it. For the best texture, I highly recommend reheating it in a oven-safe dish at a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C), until it’s heated through. This helps maintain that lovely creamy consistency. You can also reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, or even in the microwave. If microwaving, start with short intervals (30 seconds) and stir in between to ensure even heating and to prevent it from getting rubbery. If the dip seems a little dry after reheating, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or sour cream to revive its creaminess. As for the glaze (the cheesy topping), it tends to re-melt beautifully when reheated, especially in the oven. If you plan on storing and reheating, I’d avoid adding any fresh chives or blue cheese until just before serving again, as they can lose their vibrancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe! It’s the kind of dish that just brings joy. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just need a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this dip delivers every single time. Its incredible flavor, surprising ease of preparation, and sheer deliciousness make it a winner. I really hope you give this a try, and when you do, I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! If you end up loving this and are looking for more crowd-pleasing appetizers, be sure to check out my other dips and party favorites. Happy baking, and enjoy every warm, cheesy, spicy bite!
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 0.5 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup ranch dressing
- 0.5 cup blue cheese dressing
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and blue cheese dressing. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the Monterey Jack cheese.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
Nutrition
Ava Brooks is the home cook behind RecipeSharingHub, sharing dependable, step‑by‑step recipes for busy weeknights and easy weekend bakes. When not testing dishes, Ava snaps kitchen photos and answers reader questions in the comments. Discover the latest recipes or join the newsletter for new ideas each week.
