Buffalo Chicken Dip is so easy to make in the Crockpot and in the oven – instructions for both methods are included! Either way you prep it, this dip is boldly flavored with ingredients like buffalo hot sauce, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder and more. There’s also just enough cream cheese to make it SO creamy!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This easy dip is everyones favorite and the first one to go at parties! I’ve been serving this dip at parties, game days, and potlucks for years and I’ve never seen anything disappear quite as quick. It’s a thick and creamy buffalo dip that’s packed with tender chicken – what’s not to love? The best part (besides how amazing it is) is just how easy it is to toss together. Whether you use your slow cooker or toss it in the oven, you’re going to love making this effortless buffalo dip right before the party starts! It’s as low-stress as can be and always gets me more compliments than anything else.
If you’re looking for more game day dips try out our Fried Pickle Dip and Hot Sausage Dip too!
What is Buffalo Chicken Dip Made of?
It’s a simple mixture of cream cheese, cooked and shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, dry ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and buffalo sauce. I’ve tested and perfected the amounts of these ingredients over the years to make sure it’s the best!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Oven
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Mix everything together. Mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, ranch mix, garlic powder, shredded cheese, and buffalo sauce.
- Bake. Pour the dip into a 9×9 inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Note that you can also make this in the crockpot and full directions for both methods are in the recipe card below.
Can I Make Buffalo Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make this dip ahead and heat it up later. Simply combine all ingredients as listed. Then, pour it all into a container with a tight fitting lid or a large zip-lock bag. Refrigerate for up to 3 days before cooking and serving. When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F, pour the dip into an oven safe dish, and bake till hot!
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Shredded Chicken: For this recipe, I like to use a rotisserie chicken when possible. It’s already cooked and easy to shred and get into the slow cooker quickly. You can also use canned chicken if that is your preference. I’m also fond of keeping this Crockpot Shredded Chicken on hand for dips like this!
- Cream Cheese: Soften your cream cheese and cut into cubes before mixing up your dip. Softened cream cheese is always the best option if possible. However, if you’re short on time simply cut the cream cheese into cubes first. This will ensure that it melts smoothly into the dip.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: Make sure you’re using the dry powder and not ranch dressing. You just want to add flavor, not alter the consistency.
- Garlic Powder: Add more or less as you see fit.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: In a rush, bagged shredded cheddar cheese works just fine. However, I love using freshly grated cheddar whenever I can – it’s got better consistency and flavor.
- Buffalo Hot Sauce: Any brand works just fine. So far, I’ve yet to try a buffalo sauce that I didn’t like! I do typically use Franks Red Hot Buffalo. Just make sure you’re using buffalo and not just regular hot sauce.
- Optional: You can serve this dip with any crackers, chips, and veggies that you like the best. Some of my favorites are tortilla chips, nacho chips (Doritos), Ritz crackers are great, and for veggies we really love celery and carrots!
Enjoy!
~Nichole
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese, Softened and Cubed
- 1 (1 Ounce Package) Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Buffalo Hot Sauce
Instructions
CROCKPOT METHOD:
- In a 2 quart or larger slow cooker add the shredded chicken, cream cheese, dry ranch mix, garlic powder, 1 1/2 Cups of the shredded cheese and stir well to combine.
- Top the mixture with the remaining shredded cheese. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 1-2 hours until hot and bubbly.
OVEN BAKED METHOD:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large bowl mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, ranch mix, garlic powder, 1 1/2 Cups of the shredded cheese, and buffalo sauce.
- Pour the dip into a 9×9 inch baking dish and spread out evenly then top with the remaining cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I have a friend at work that always make a Buffalo Dip and I wanted to make it. I did it today for the first time and i reduced the quantities in half because it was only to try it and it went really well. Love the recipe, easy and delicious! Thanks for sharing!
i made this recipe in a 4 Qt crock pot TWICE and i love it. the first time i made the dip EXACTLY how it was explained. the cheese wasn’t melted all the way but i used the dry ranch mix and franks red hot buffalo sauce it was chunky and spicy just the way i like it but very delicious. My second time making it i used liquid ranch and regular hot sauce. the dip is thinner and i set the timer for 3 hours and so far all the cheese melted and it tastes SO SO SO good. i will definitely make this dip a third time for my house warming. i have to say id prefer the liquid ranch over the dry ranch. everybody has a different taste though! thank you for this delicious recipe!
how huch of the liquid ranch did you use
I’m so trying this for my husband and I after we get the kids sleep Saturday night this will be our Netflix movie snack with some chips and a few adult drinks.
Yes you can I always use the ranch dressing I use small bottle of ranch
Wondering since I have my own buffalo sauce recipe that’s got a little sweet barbecue hint to it? Wondering how this would work.
Can I mix the ranch pkg with sour cream?
Can I use canned chicken? How many cans would you say?
Yes you can, I’d say two small cans would work. You can add as much as you’d like though, really 🙂
Does this dip have a strong ranch flavor? I’m not a big fan of ranch so I was wondering how this tastes.
Not a strong ranch flavor at all when using the bottled ranch. I find the packets can be a tad salty IMO. It’s kinda more a back flavor to the hot acidic of the Hot sauce and the combination of cream cheese mellows it out. You can also add a half cup of blue cheese crumble if you want, too!
We have made similar with diced celery and no ranch. It’s delicious.
No the ranch taste is very subtle. It will though have a kick from the buffalo sauce
Would it fit in a 1.5 qt slow cooker?!
I think I accidentally added an extra 1/2 tsp garlic powder. It was so garlicky. Very very good otherwise