Name: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip That Disappears at Every Party
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Shredded Chicken: Grab a rotisserie chicken and shred it while it’s still warm.; 8 oz Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so you don’t end up with “cheese clumps.”; 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the gold standard here (but use your favorite!); 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing: Go for a high-quality refrigerated brand if you can.; 1.5 cups Shredded Cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast to the spicy sauce.; Optional: Blue cheese crumbles if you’re a purist and sliced green onions for that “I tried” garnish.

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Let’s be honest: you can’t have a proper US watch party without a bubbling dish of Buffalo Chicken Dip. It is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the appetizer table.

I’ve tried dozens of versions, but this one is my absolute favorite because it hits that perfect trifecta: creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of “zing.” Best of all? It takes about 10 minutes to prep if you use my favorite shortcut (hello, rotisserie chicken!). Whether you’re hosting the Super Bowl or just having a “snack dinner” on a Tuesday, this is the recipe you’ll be asked for every single time.

Why This is the Only Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe You Need

Most recipes are either too greasy or too mild. This version stays perfectly creamy thanks to the specific ratio of cream cheese to ranch, and it has a “clean” heat that doesn’t overwhelm the flavor of the chicken.

The Shortcut: We use shredded rotisserie chicken. It’s a lifesaver and tastes better than canned or boiled chicken.
The Texture: We don’t just stir and bake; we layer the cheese to get those glorious “cheese pull” moments.
The Crowd-Pleaser Factor: It’s gluten-free (if served with veggies/GF chips), making it a safe bet for big groups.

This buffalo chicken dip is a legendary part of my Game Day Appetizers That Always Disappear First—perfect for when you need a crowd-pleaser with a kick.

What You’ll Need

2 cups Shredded Chicken: Grab a rotisserie chicken and shred it while it’s still warm.
8 oz Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so you don’t end up with “cheese clumps.”
1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the gold standard here, but use your favorite!
1/2 cup Ranch Dressing: Go for a high-quality refrigerated brand if you can.
1.5 cups Shredded Cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast to the spicy sauce.
Optional: Blue cheese crumbles (if you’re a purist) and sliced green onions for that “I tried” garnish.

Step-by-Step: How to Make It

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish or a 9-inch pie plate.
The Mix: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch, buffalo sauce, and half of your shredded cheddar. Stir until it’s a beautiful, orange, creamy mess.
Layer: Spread the mixture into your dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and the blue cheese crumbles (if using).
Bake: Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be bubbly and the cheese on top to be perfectly melted.
Finish: Let it sit for 5 minutes (it thickens as it cools slightly), sprinkle with green onions, and serve!

My Pro-Tips for the Best Dip

Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: If you want that viral-worthy cheese pull, grate your own cheddar from a block. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starch that prevents it from melting as smoothly.
Make it “Extra”: If you want more heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of cayenne to the mix.
The Crockpot Method: Hosting a long party? Throw everything into a slow cooker on LOW for 2 hours. It keeps the dip warm and “dippable” all through the game.

What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ditch the boring plain crackers! Here’s how I like to serve it:

The Classics: Tortilla chips or thick-cut potato chips.
The “Healthish” Option: Celery sticks and carrot coins (the crunch is essential!).
The Pro Move: Toasted baguette slices or even warm pita bread.

Nutrition Information

Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 320kcal
Fat: 22g
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 6g

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the dip, cover it with foil, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time since you’re starting from cold.

How do I store leftovers? If you actually have leftovers, they stay good in an airtight container for 3 days. It’s also incredible when used as a filling for a grilled cheese sandwich the next day!

Can I use Blue Cheese dressing instead of Ranch? Absolutely. If you love that funky blue cheese flavor, swap the ranch 1:1. It makes the dip even richer.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Combine everything and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely — it makes this even easier and adds great flavor.

Does this freeze well?
It’s best fresh. Freezing can change the texture once reheated.

Ella Cooks