Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Buffalo chicken dip is the ultimate party starter—a rich, creamy, spicy dish that disappears faster than you can say “game day.” Made with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and a double dose of melty cheese, this dip is bold, addictive, and ridiculously easy to make.

Whether you’re hosting a football party, holiday gathering, or just a Friday night hangout, this hot dip is always a guaranteed hit. And with minimal prep and ingredients you likely have on hand, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🔥 Bold flavor: Buffalo sauce + creamy cheese = perfect spicy balance
• 🥣 Creamy & gooey: Melts to perfection with mozzarella and cheddar
• ⏱️ Fast prep: Ready in 30 minutes or less
• 🧊 Make-ahead & freezer-friendly: Prep now, bake later
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Party-approved: Loved by adults and kids alike

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1 tbsp pickle juice (see tip below)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix base: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, ranch, buffalo sauce, sour cream, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
3. Add the rest: Fold in shredded chicken, ¾ of the cheeses, and chopped green onions.
4. Bake: Spread into baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
5. Top it off: Sprinkle extra green onions. For a flavor boost, stir in a tablespoon of pickle juice before serving.
6. Serve: With celery sticks, tortilla chips, pretzels, or baguette slices.

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Servings: 8–10
• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Facts (Per 100g – Approximate)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbs: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg

Tips & Variations

• Pickle juice twist: A splash (1 tbsp) cuts the richness and brightens the dip without overwhelming the flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or a chopped jalapeño for extra kick.
• Slow cooker version: Mix everything in the crockpot and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Add bacon: Stir in crispy crumbled bacon for a smoky, meaty upgrade.
• Blue cheese fan? Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing and add crumbles for a classic Buffalo wing vibe.

Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack, or use a Mexican blend.
• Ranch: Use blue cheese dressing if you prefer traditional Buffalo flavor.
• Sour cream: Greek yogurt works too—just use half the amount.
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based versions of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese (choose brands that melt well).
• Chicken: Try leftover turkey or canned chicken (well-drained).

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A creamy, cheesy, spicy dip that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, and tailgating. Quick to prep and gone in minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• – 8 oz cream cheese softened
• – ½ cup ranch dressing
• – ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
• – ½ cup sour cream
• – 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• – 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• – 2 green onions chopped
• – 1 tsp garlic powder
• – Pinch of salt
• – *Optional*: 1 tbsp pickle juice

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish
• – Hand mixer or spoon
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
2. Mix cream cheese, ranch, buffalo sauce, sour cream, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
3. Fold in chicken, ¾ of the cheese, and green onions.
4. Spread into dish, top with remaining cheese.
5. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Add pickle juice and garnish with green onions. Serve hot with chips or veggies.

Notes

– Make ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking
– Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months
– Serve with celery, crackers, or pretzel chips

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dip and store in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 2 days. Add 5–10 extra minutes to bake time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before baking for best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What do you serve with buffalo chicken dip?
Celery sticks, carrots, tortilla chips, pretzel chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices—even apple slices work surprisingly well!

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, just drain thoroughly and add extra seasoning for flavor.

Conclusion

This buffalo chicken dip recipe is your new secret weapon for parties, potlucks, and game days. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced, it’s the kind of dish that keeps people coming back for more. And once you try the pickle juice trick—you’ll never go back.