Buffalo Chicken Dip for Parties

Name: Buffalo Chicken Dip for Parties
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup ranch dressing; 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish); Tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for serving

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love hosting gatherings, and this Buffalo Chicken Dip has become a staple at every party. It’s creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive! Each time I make it, I know it will be a hit, especially when I serve it with crispy tortilla chips or fresh veggies. The combination of tender chicken, sharp cheddar, and a zesty buffalo sauce creates a rich flavor profile that everyone seems to crave. It’s super easy to whip up too, making it perfect for last-minute plans.

Created by

Keira Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-20T01:22:08.683Z

When I first encountered Buffalo Chicken Dip, I was immediately drawn to its vibrant flavor. I’ve tried numerous variations, but the classic mix of chicken, cream cheese, and buffalo sauce remains my favorite. To make sure it’s consistently delicious, I use rotisserie chicken for a quick prep and a smoky seasoning blend that really enhances the dish.

This dip is best baked until bubbly, and I often top it off with a sprinkle of blue cheese for an extra kick. I recommend serving it hot to fully enjoy the creamy texture and robust flavors, which are always a crowd-pleaser.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy, bold flavors that excite the palate
Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
Always a crowd favorite that disappears quickly

      

Perfectly Balanced Flavor

The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing provides a delicious balance of heat and creaminess, making every bite of this dip tantalizing. The buffalo sauce adds a sharp, tangy kick that is essential for that classic flavor profile, while the ranch dressing smooths out the spice, delivering a comforting richness. I recommend using a medium-heat buffalo sauce for the best results, as it adds a nice warmth without overwhelming the dish.

Moreover, the sharp cheddar cheese not only contributes to the creamy texture but also enhances the overall flavor complexity of the dip. Opt for freshly shredded cheese; it melts better and offers a more pronounced taste compared to pre-shredded options, which often contain anti-caking agents. This small detail can truly elevate your buffalo chicken dip and ensure it’s as rich and decadent as possible.

Tips for Preparation and Serving

When mixing the ingredients, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. This ensures a smooth and consistent mixture without any lumps. If you’re short on time, you can microwave the cream cheese for about 15 seconds to soften it faster—just don’t let it get too warm, or it will lose its ability to combine smoothly with the other ingredients.

For serving, I love pairing this buffalo chicken dip with sturdy tortilla chips that can hold up against the creamy texture. Fresh veggies like celery sticks or carrot sticks provide a nice crunch and a refreshing contrast. You can also get creative by serving it in a hollowed-out bread bowl, making it a fun centerpiece for your gathering.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create the perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip:

Ingredients

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
Tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for serving

Make sure to have enough chips or veggies on hand for dipping!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Buffalo Chicken Dip:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing until blended.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and spread it evenly.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with sliced green onions before serving with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.

Your dip is now ready to delight your taste buds!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a few tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese into the dip before baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This buffalo chicken dip is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the mixture up to a day in advance; just store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, transfer it to a baking dish and pop it in the oven. Allow an extra 10 minutes of baking time if baking straight from the fridge, ensuring it’s heated through and bubbly.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and slightly bubbly, to retain the creamy texture.

Variations to Consider

For a different twist, you can easily adjust the flavor profile by swapping out the buffalo sauce for a barbecue sauce, creating a sweet and smoky version of this dish. Another fun variation is to add ingredients like crumbled blue cheese for an extra punch or diced jalapeños if you want to kick the heat up a notch.

Vegetarians can enjoy a similar dip by substituting the chicken with cooked chickpeas or black beans, which provide a satisfying texture and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. Don’t forget to adjust the cooking time based on the inclusions to ensure everything is heated through and delicious!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake it just before serving.

→ How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Dip?

The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce used. You can control it by choosing mild or hot sauces.

→ What can I use instead of ranch dressing?

You can substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a more traditional flavor.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can replace chicken with shredded jackfruit or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.