The ultimate party favorite, Buffalo Chicken Dip, combines the bold, tangy heat of Frank’s RedHot sauce with creamy, melted cheeses and savory shredded chicken. It’s rich, decadent, and perfect for dunking with chips or fresh veggies. Whether you’re hosting game night or bringing a dish to a potluck, this dip is guaranteed to impress. What makes this Buffalo Chicken Dip shine is its perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and texture. It’s easy to whip up in under 35 minutes and can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving. You can even make it in a slow cooker for easy serving throughout your gathering. It’s a classic crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie preferred)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
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Stir in shredded chicken, cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese (if using).
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 8×8 baking dish or similar size.
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Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top for a cheesy crust.
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly with golden edges.
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Remove from oven, garnish with green onions, and serve warm with tortilla chips, celery, carrots, or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Buffalo Chicken Dipoo
Buffalo Chicken Dip has earned its place as a modern classic, beloved at parties, potlucks, tailgates, and family game nights. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting. Whether served warm and gooey straight from the oven or kept hot in a slow cooker throughout a gathering, this dip always manages to disappear in minutes.
This article takes a deeper dive into the dish’s origins, popularity, flavor profile, variations, serving tips, and why it continues to be a go-to crowd-pleaser across the United States and beyond.
The Origins of Buffalo Chicken Dip
The foundation of Buffalo Chicken Dip lies in the classic Buffalo wing, a dish that was first created in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. The combination of crispy fried chicken wings tossed in cayenne pepper sauce and butter quickly became an American favorite, spawning an entire genre of “Buffalo-flavored” foods.
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a logical and delicious extension of that flavor craze. Instead of wings, the recipe calls for shredded chicken mixed with creamy ingredients like cream cheese and sour cream, plus the essential kick from Frank’s RedHot or another cayenne pepper sauce. Add in a generous helping of shredded cheese and a few other seasonings, and you’ve got a dip that’s essentially the flavor of Buffalo wings in a spoonable form no bones required.
Why Buffalo Chicken Dip Is So Popular
This dip is a certified hit at any event for several key reasons:
1. Bold Flavor Profile
The combination of spicy hot sauce, creamy dairy, and savory shredded chicken delivers an umami-rich punch. It’s simultaneously tangy, creamy, spicy, and cheesy, hitting all the right comfort food notes.
2. Versatility
This dip isn’t just for chips. It can be spooned into sliders, stuffed into baked potatoes, layered in wraps, or even used as a topping for mac and cheese. More on that below.
3. Ease of Preparation
With just a handful of ingredients and a single baking dish, the recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. For hosts, this means low-stress prep and big payoff. For guests, it means more time enjoying food and less time waiting.
4. Universal Appeal
Even people who don’t like spicy food often enjoy Buffalo Chicken Dip because the heat is tempered by creamy elements like cream cheese and mozzarella. And for spice lovers, the hot sauce can be dialed up for maximum heat.
How to Customize Your Dip
One of the reasons Buffalo Chicken Dip has become such a staple in home kitchens is its adaptability. You can take the core concept and tweak it endlessly to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Make it Spicier or Milder
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Want a fiery version? Add extra hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapeños.
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Prefer something milder? Reduce the hot sauce and add more sour cream to balance it out.
Add Crunch
Many people stir in crisp bacon, chopped celery, or green onions for additional texture and layers of flavor. Topping the dip with a layer of toasted breadcrumbs also adds a nice crunch.
Swap the Cheese
Sharp cheddar is the standard, but you can mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda for a different twist. For a stronger tang, blue cheese crumbles add depth and punch.
Make It Healthier
Use low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and rotisserie chicken breast to lighten up the dip without sacrificing flavor. You can also opt for a veggie-forward version by adding cooked spinach or artichoke hearts.
Dairy-Free or Keto
There are plenty of plant-based dairy alternatives that mimic the creaminess of cheese and sour cream, making this recipe accessible for dairy-free eaters. Those following a keto diet also love this dish since it’s low in carbs and high in fats and protein.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Buffalo Chicken Dip is indulgent on its own, but it shines even brighter when paired with the right dippers and sides.
Classic Dippers
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Tortilla chips are a classic choose thick ones to scoop up the cheesy goodness.
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Celery and carrot sticks balance out the richness with a refreshing crunch.
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Crackers, especially buttery or multigrain varieties, also work well.
Creative Options
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Mini slider buns or Hawaiian rolls for Buffalo Chicken sliders.
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Baked potato skins for a hearty appetizer.
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Toasted baguette slices for an elevated feel.
Buffalo Chicken Dip as a Main Dish
This dip is more than just a starter. Here are some creative ways to repurpose leftovers or even serve it as part of a meal:
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Stuffed pasta shells or zucchini boats.
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Spread it on pizza dough as a sauce base.
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Layer it over nachos with avocado and fresh herbs.
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Mix into mac and cheese or serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Buffalo Chicken Dip stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option for parties or meal prep.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until warm and melty.
Freezer
You can freeze the dip before or after baking. Just be aware that dairy-based dips can separate slightly when thawed, so stir it well when reheating. Use within 1–2 months for best quality.
Make Ahead
Assemble the dip (unbaked) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Tips for a Crowd
If you’re serving a larger group, consider:
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Doubling the recipe and using a 9×13 baking dish.
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Using a slow cooker to keep it warm and melty during the event.
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Offering both spicy and mild versions side by side.
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Setting up a DIY dipping bar with assorted dippers so guests can mix and match.
This dip scales easily, making it one of the most party-friendly recipes in any host’s repertoire.
Conclusion:
Buffalo Chicken Dip is more than a trend it’s a timeless classic that continues to win hearts (and stomachs) wherever it’s served. The bold, addictive flavor of Buffalo sauce paired with gooey cheese and tender chicken creates a mouthwatering combination that hits all the right notes for comfort food lovers.
Whether you’re entertaining friends, preparing snacks for the big game, or just craving something indulgent on a cozy night in, this dip never disappoints. With its easy preparation, crowd-pleasing flavor, and endless customization options, it’s no wonder that Buffalo Chicken Dip remains one of the most beloved appetizers across kitchens everywhere.