This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate appetizer for any occasion from game days and potlucks to casual gatherings with friends. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and a rich blend of cheeses, this dip brings the heat and the flavor in every bite.
Best of all, it’s incredibly easy and fast to make using your Instant Pot. Just a few minutes of prep and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing, low-carb, high-protein snack that everyone will rave about. Whether served with fresh veggies or your favorite chips, this spicy, cheesy dip disappears fast!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
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3/4 cup buffalo hot sauce
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup ranch dressing
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (optional)
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Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
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Veggies, chips, or crackers for serving
Directions:
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Place chicken breast, buffalo sauce, and chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set valve to Sealing.
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Cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 15 minutes. Once finished, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
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Remove the chicken and shred using two forks.
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Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and combined with the sauce.
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Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella until fully melted and creamy.
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Turn off heat. Top with crumbled blue cheese (if using) and garnish with green onions or parsley.
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Serve warm with your favorite dippers like celery, carrots, or tortilla chips.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip: A Spicy, Cheesy Crowd Favorite for Every Occasion
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a classic party appetizer that never goes out of style. It’s spicy, savory, creamy, and packed with flavor everything you’d want in a warm, indulgent dip. With the Instant Pot, this beloved recipe becomes even more convenient. Whether you’re preparing for a game-day feast, a weekend hangout, or just craving something bold and comforting, this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is your go-to recipe. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and is almost foolproof.
What sets this version apart is the balance of heat from the buffalo sauce, creaminess from the cheeses, and richness from tender shredded chicken. The Instant Pot speeds up the process without compromising on texture or flavor. It’s the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, cheesy, and savory that hits every craving all at once. It’s also highly versatile, you can adjust the spice level, substitute cheeses, or even make it low-carb/keto-friendly depending on your dietary preferences.
The Origin and Popularity of Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a twist on the iconic Buffalo wings that originated in Buffalo, New York. The original wings were first served in the Anchor Bar in the 1960s, featuring fried chicken wings tossed in a spicy, buttery cayenne pepper hot sauce. Over time, the concept of combining these same flavors into a creamy, scoopable dip became a hit, especially at American tailgate parties and potlucks.
Today, Buffalo Chicken Dip is one of the most searched-for party appetizers online. It’s easy to see why: the ingredients are pantry staples, the preparation is simple, and the result is addictively good. When you add the convenience of an Instant Pot, it becomes a modern kitchen marvel.
Why Make It in an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is one of the most efficient tools for quick, flavorful cooking. For this recipe, it shreds the chicken perfectly while infusing it with hot sauce and broth. Then, using the Sauté mode, you can easily melt and blend in the cheeses without transferring to another dish. This saves you time and cuts down on dishes, making the entire process smoother.
Another bonus? You can keep the dip warm directly in the Instant Pot during serving, ideal for parties and gatherings where people will graze over time. No worries about it cooling down too fast.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
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Use Full-Fat Dairy for Creaminess – Full-fat cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella create a velvety, rich texture that balances the heat from the hot sauce.
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Choose the Right Buffalo Sauce – Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but any cayenne-based hot sauce with vinegar undertones works. Want it milder? Opt for a milder buffalo sauce or add extra ranch dressing to mellow it out.
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Shred the Chicken Well – Use two forks or a hand mixer to get tender, stringy shreds that incorporate beautifully into the cheese mixture.
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Finish with a Broil (Optional) – If you want a bubbly, slightly browned top, transfer the finished dip to an oven-safe dish and broil for 3–5 minutes.
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Make It Low-Carb or Keto – Skip crackers and serve with sliced bell peppers, celery sticks, or cucumber rounds. Use keto-approved ranch dressing and full-fat cheeses for a dip that fits your macros.
Serving Suggestions
This dip pairs wonderfully with all kinds of dippers:
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Tortilla Chips – The classic choice.
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Celery & Carrot Sticks – Adds crunch and coolness to balance the heat.
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Mini Bell Peppers – Colorful and sweet; great for presentation.
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Pita Chips or Crackers – Hearty enough to hold up to thick, cheesy dips.
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Bread Cubes – Perfect for a fondue-style serving.
You can also spread it on sandwiches, use it as a topping for baked potatoes, or stir it into cooked pasta for a quick, cheesy buffalo chicken casserole.
Customization Ideas
This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is incredibly forgiving and flexible. Here are some creative variations:
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Blue Cheese Crumbles – Stir them in or use as garnish for an authentic Buffalo wing vibe.
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Add Bacon – Crumbled bacon adds a smoky crunch that enhances every bite.
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Extra Spicy – Stir in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of cayenne for more heat.
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Milder Version – Add more cream cheese or ranch to reduce the spiciness.
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Vegetarian Twist – Swap chicken for canned jackfruit or roasted cauliflower for a meatless version.
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Make it a Meal – Stir the dip into cooked pasta or rice, or stuff into baked potatoes for a filling dish.
Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftover buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
You can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through. Alternatively, warm it in a small saucepan over low heat or return it to the Instant Pot using the Sauté function.
Freezing:
This dip can be frozen, but note that dairy-based dips can slightly change in texture upon thawing. To freeze, let it cool completely and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed above.
Nutrition Notes
Buffalo Chicken Dip is naturally high in protein and fat, making it a satisfying low-carb snack. If you’re following a keto diet, it’s ideal when paired with low-carb dippers like celery and peppers. However, because of the cheese and sauces, it’s also high in calories, so portion control is key, especially if you’re watching your macros.
Occasions to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip
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Super Bowl Sunday – A must-have on any game day table.
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Potlucks & Picnics – Easy to make ahead and serve warm.
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Birthday Parties – A hit with both kids and adults.
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Holiday Gatherings – A spicy, savory break from sweet treats.
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Movie Nights – The perfect couch snack.
You can even make this as part of your weekly meal prep, using leftovers for wraps, sandwiches, or as a protein-packed snack with veggies.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
To prepare in advance, cook and shred the chicken, then mix all ingredients except cheese and garnish. Store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, return to the Instant Pot, heat on Sauté, stir in cheeses until melted, and garnish just before serving.
This also makes a fantastic base for creative lunch ideas throughout the week, just spoon into a container and pair with dippers or bread.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate party pleaser: bold, cheesy, spicy, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a staple in your appetizer lineup because of its versatility, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a low-carb snack, or just want something indulgent and delicious, this dip checks all the boxes.
Best of all, using the Instant Pot makes it practically effortless, with minimal prep and fast cleanup. You’ll love how it comes together in under 30 minutes with rich, creamy results every time. It’s more than a dip, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to over and over again.