If you’re looking for the ultimate game-day dip, potluck favorite, or just a next-level appetizer that packs a punch, this Buffalo Chicken Dip is the real MVP. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with that signature buffalo heat, this dip is everything you love about buffalo wings—minus the mess. Whether you’re hosting a party, tailgating, or just craving something rich and indulgent, this dip is the perfect answer.
And let’s be honest—ain’t nothing like a dish that’s easy to make, can be prepped ahead, and has folks scraping the bowl for more. Serve it up with chips, veggies, or even as a sandwich spread, and you’ve got a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You Should Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
Still on the fence? Let me break it down for you:
- Ridiculously Easy – One bowl, a few simple ingredients, and less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s the Super Bowl, a family gathering, or just a snack attack, this dip always hits the spot.
- Customizable – Love extra spice? Want to keep it mild? Prefer a different cheese? You can tweak this recipe to fit any preference.
- Mess-Free Alternative to Wings – No bones, no sauce-covered fingers—just all the delicious buffalo flavor in a creamy, cheesy dip.
- Make Ahead Friendly – Prep it in advance and bake when ready for an effortless appetizer that still feels fresh.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Dip
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup homemade ranch dressing (recipe below)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
Homemade Ranch Dressing with a Southern Twist
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (adjust for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional: 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives or green onions
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Buffalo Chicken Dip
Step 1: Make the Ranch Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and optional chives or green onions.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix it up! In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, homemade ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and spread it evenly.
- Top it off with extra shredded cheddar for that melty, golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is bubbling and the cheese is melted to perfection.
- Cool slightly, garnish with chopped green onions, and get ready to dig in.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Go for the fresh block and shred it yourself for the creamiest results.
- Adjust the heat – If you love it spicy, add extra buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne. If you want it milder, use less buffalo sauce and a little more ranch.
- Make it in a slow cooker – Want to keep it warm for hours? Toss everything in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours.
- Add some crunch – Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy finish.
- Double it up – This dip disappears FAST. If you’re serving a big crowd, make a double batch.
15 Buffalo Chicken Dip Variations
- BBQ Buffalo Dip – Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce.
- Bacon Buffalo Dip – Stir in crispy bacon bits.
- Jalapeño Popper Style – Add diced jalapeños and cream cheese.
- Blue Cheese Buffalo Dip – Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing.
- Mexican Style – Add taco seasoning and black beans.
- Ranch Lovers – Double the ranch dressing.
- Keto Version – Skip ranch and use sour cream.
- Extra Cheesy – Mix in pepper jack or Colby cheese.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese – Stir in cooked macaroni.
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders – Use the dip as a sandwich filling.
- Veggie Loaded – Add bell peppers and onions.
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip – Stir in marinara sauce and extra mozzarella.
- Smoky Buffalo Dip – Use smoked paprika and liquid smoke.
- Buffalo Spinach Dip – Mix in chopped spinach.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip (15 Ideas)
- Tortilla chips
- Pita chips
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Pretzels
- Crackers
- Sliced baguette
- Bell pepper strips
- Cucumber rounds
- Soft pretzel bites
- Pork rinds (for a keto option)
- Zucchini chips
- Cauliflower bites
- Breadsticks
- Potato wedges
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate Leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Make Ahead – Assemble the dip up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
- Freeze It – Store in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
How Much Buffalo Chicken Dip to Make for Family Gatherings?
For a group of 10-12 people, this recipe is perfect. If serving a larger crowd, double or triple the ingredients. A half-sheet pan size batch feeds around 25 people.
Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Creamy, spicy, and loaded with tender shredded chicken and bold buffalo flavor. Perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing, indulgent appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup homemade ranch dressing recipe below
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce adjust to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
- Homemade Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk adjust for consistency
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a kick
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional: 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives or green onions
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and optional chives or green onions.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix it up! In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, homemade ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and spread it evenly.
- Top it off with extra shredded cheddar for that melty, golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is bubbling and the cheese is melted to perfection.
- Cool slightly, garnish with chopped green onions, and get ready to dig in.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
