The bold, tangy heat of this Hot and Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. With tender shredded chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and creamy ranch dressing all swirled together under a bubbling golden crust, every bite delivers that iconic buffalo flavor we all know and love.
This dip is a staple at parties, game nights, and holiday gathering and it’s incredibly simple to throw together. Serve it with crisp celery sticks, crunchy tortilla chips, or even toasted baguette slices. Whether you’re feeding a group or indulging solo, this dish is guaranteed to disappear fast.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
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1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup ranch dressing
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1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp paprika
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1 green onion, finely sliced (for garnish)
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Celery sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers for serving
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce until smooth.
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Stir in shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, blue cheese (if using), garlic powder, and paprika.
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Spread mixture into a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
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Garnish with green onions before serving. Serve warm with celery, chips, or crackers.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Everything You Need to Know About Hot and Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, look no further than Hot and Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip. This creamy, spicy, and flavor-packed dish takes all the bold flavors of buffalo wings and transforms them into a rich, cheesy dip that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a holiday get-together, or just need something crave-worthy on a cozy weekend at home, this dip delivers every time.
In this post, we’ll explore everything about this beloved appetizer from its origins, popular ingredient variations, how to make it ahead of time, pairings, presentation tips, and even creative leftovers ideas.
The Origin of Buffalo Chicken Dip
The flavors of buffalo chicken dip are inspired by the classic American dish: Buffalo wings. Originating in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s, the now-iconic buffalo wing is traditionally deep-fried and tossed in a vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce (most famously, Frank’s RedHot) and butter. It quickly became a sports bar staple and an essential dish for game day parties.
Buffalo Chicken Dip takes these same bold flavors: spicy, tangy, and buttery and reimagines them in a baked, cheesy format that’s incredibly easy to make and even easier to serve. The first versions of the dip started appearing in community cookbooks in the early 2000s, and it wasn’t long before it became a viral sensation on Pinterest, food blogs, and Super Bowl spreads across the country.
Why This Dip is So Popular
Buffalo Chicken Dip is more than just tasty, it hits all the comfort food notes while being easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and adaptable for different diets.
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Flavor-packed: It delivers spicy heat, creamy tang, and gooey cheese all in one bite.
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Convenient: You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken, and it only takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.
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Versatile: It can be baked in the oven, warmed in a slow cooker, or even made in an Instant Pot.
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Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, tailgates, birthday parties, BBQs, or even casual dinners.
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Great for leftovers: Use it in sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, or stuffed into baked potatoes.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Every bite of this dip brings together a beautiful combination of textures and flavors. Here’s a closer look at the role of each main ingredient:
1. Shredded Chicken
Tender shredded chicken provides the hearty base. Using a rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time. You can also use leftover grilled chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even canned chicken in a pinch.
2. Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese is essential for that rich, creamy texture. It blends beautifully with the hot sauce and helps hold the dip together.
3. Ranch Dressing
Ranch adds creaminess and tang, complementing the spice of the hot sauce. If you’re not a ranch fan, you can substitute it with blue cheese dressing for a sharper flavor.
4. Hot Sauce
Classic Frank’s RedHot sauce brings the signature buffalo flavor. It’s vinegary and just the right amount of spicy. Feel free to adjust the amount to match your preferred heat level.
5. Cheese
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but you can experiment with a blend of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. Blue cheese crumbles are optional, some love the punch, others skip it.
6. Spices
Garlic powder and paprika subtly elevate the flavor without overpowering it.
7. Green Onions
Sprinkled on top before serving, they add a fresh, slightly sharp bite that cuts through the richness.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
Buffalo Chicken Dip is incredibly customizable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own:
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Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt or light cream cheese to reduce calories.
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Keto-friendly: Skip the crackers and serve with sliced bell peppers or celery.
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Add veggies: Finely chopped celery, carrots, or spinach can add extra nutrition.
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Go extra cheesy: Mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
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Make it spicier: Add cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of hot sauce.
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Make it milder: Use less hot sauce or mix with more ranch.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time
One of the best things about this dip is how well it lends itself to prep-ahead cooking:
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Prep & store: Combine all the ingredients, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
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Bake when ready: Just remove from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
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Slow cooker method: Combine everything in a crockpot and cook on low for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally and serve directly from the pot.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip
Pairing your dip with the right dippers makes all the difference. Here are some of the most popular options:
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Celery sticks – A classic pairing that adds crunch and coolness.
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Carrot sticks – Sweet, crunchy, and great for balancing the heat.
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Tortilla chips – Great for scooping up big bites of dip.
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Crackers – Look for sturdy varieties that won’t crumble.
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Baguette slices – Toasted or fresh, bread is always a winner.
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Pretzel chips – Slightly salty, chewy, and totally addictive.
Pro tip: Offer a variety of dipping options for guests with different tastes and dietary needs.
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, don’t toss them out, transform them! Here are a few fun ideas:
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Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas: Spread inside tortillas with extra cheese, then grill.
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Buffalo Grilled Cheese: Add a layer inside your favorite sandwich for a fiery twist.
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Stuffed Potatoes: Spoon it into baked potatoes, top with sour cream and green onions.
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Buffalo Flatbread Pizza: Use naan or pita, spread the dip on top, and bake for a quick pizza.
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Buffalo Mac & Cheese: Stir into cooked macaroni for a spicy, cheesy upgrade.
Serving & Presentation Tips
While it’s perfectly fine to serve buffalo chicken dip straight from a casserole dish or crockpot, a little presentation can elevate the experience:
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Use a cast iron skillet or rustic baking dish to keep it warm and stylish.
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Top with extra shredded cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes for a bubbly golden top.
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Garnish with green onions, blue cheese crumbles, or chopped parsley for a pop of color.
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Serve on a platter surrounded by dippers for a professional-looking spread.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re watching the big game, hosting a casual hangout, or planning your next party menu, buffalo chicken dip works for virtually every event. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, so always make a little extra just in case!
This dip also makes a great addition to:
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Potlucks
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BBQs
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Game nights
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Birthday parties
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Holiday appetizers
It’s one of those “always a hit” recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Conclusion
Hot and Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip is the kind of appetizer that wins hearts: bold, creamy, spicy, and endlessly satisfying. It’s a breeze to prepare, wildly flexible with ingredients, and sure to impress guests at any gathering. Whether you’re dipping celery, chips, or just a spoon, every bite brings comfort and flavor.
Make it once, and it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. It’s the kind of dish that creates memories, around the TV during football season, during a cozy movie night, or on a spread of delicious party bites. Don’t be surprised if people ask for the recipe… and come back for seconds (or thirds!).