Buffalo Chicken Dip for Parties

Name: Buffalo Chicken Dip for Parties
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 6-8
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love hosting gatherings, and one dish that never fails to impress my guests is Buffalo Chicken Dip. This creamy, spicy dip manages to combine the flavors of tender chicken with zesty buffalo sauce and gooey cheese, creating an irresistible treat. Whenever I serve it, I get compliments and requests for the recipe. It’s super easy to make, and I always have the ingredients on hand. This dip is perfect for game days, parties, or simply watching a movie at home with friends.

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-20T00:40:16.616Z

When I first discovered Buffalo Chicken Dip, I knew it was going to become a staple in my entertaining repertoire. The combination of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and hot sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s simply addictive. I usually add a bit of blue cheese or ranch dressing for that extra creaminess, and it pairs perfectly with crunchy tortilla chips or celery sticks. Everyone can’t resist going back for seconds!

I’ve experimented with various cooking methods over the years, but baking it in the oven offers the best texture. It allows the cheese to bubble and brown slightly, adding that wonderful depth of flavor. It’s best served warm, so I always keep it in the oven until I’m ready to serve. Just be prepared for your guests to hover around the dish!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Spicy and creamy flavor that keeps you coming back for more
Simple ingredients with a quick prep time
Perfect for sharing at parties or game day gatherings

      

Perfecting the Creamy Texture

Achieving the right creamy texture is essential for a delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip. Start by ensuring your cream cheese is softened at room temperature, which usually takes about 30 minutes out of the fridge. A hand mixer or a sturdy fork will help blend the cream cheese smoothly with the other ingredients. If your dip ends up too thick, you can add a splash of milk or additional buffalo sauce to loosen it while mixing.

When combining the ingredients, mix them until just blended; overmixing can result in a dip that’s too airy or not cohesive. It should be creamy with a slight chunk from the shredded chicken. A balanced amalgamation of chicken and cheese creates a rich mouthfeel while still allowing the spicy flavor of the buffalo sauce to shine.

Garnishing for Presentation

Garnishing your Buffalo Chicken Dip doesn't just enhance its appearance; it adds layers of flavor. The chopped green onions lend a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the richness of the dip. You can sprinkle them on right before serving to maintain their color and crispness. Feel free to get creative with your garnishes: a drizzle of ranch dressing or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese can elevate the dish aesthetically and lift the flavor profile.

If you’re serving a large crowd, consider serving the dip in an oven-safe skillet instead of a baking dish. This allows for a rustic presentation and keeps the dip warm longer as it retains heat better. Pair it with a variety of dippers like tortilla chips, celery sticks, or sliced bell peppers to cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Dip

Dip Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

Make sure to have some tortilla chips or sliced veggies ready for dipping!

Steps to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Dip

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, blue cheese or ranch dressing, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix until well blended.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixture into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm with chips or veggie sticks.

Enjoy your creamy and spicy dip with friends!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder to the mix before baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Buffalo Chicken Dip can be made a day in advance, making it convenient for busy hosts. Prepare the dip by mixing all the ingredients and transfer it to the baking dish, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to serve, simply remove the wrap and bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time until bubbly and hot.

To ensure freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to freeze the dip, make sure it’s in a freezer-safe dish, and it can last up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, and you might need to add a little more buffalo sauce to revive the flavors after freezing.

Spicing It Up

While the traditional buffalo sauce provides a perfect kick, don’t hesitate to customize the spice level to your liking. For a milder version, try mixing hot sauce with a bit of ketchup or using a milder variety of buffalo sauce. If you love intense heat, consider adding minced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to elevate the spice even further.

For those who prefer a subtler flavor profile, you can replace the buffalo sauce with a spicier barbecue sauce or even a smoky chipotle sauce, which will impart a different flavor while maintaining the creamy consistency of the dip. Experimenting with flavored cream cheeses or even adding a hint of garlic powder can provide interesting depth and variations to suit your guests’ preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dip, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve.

→ Is there a way to make this dip healthier?

You can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to reduce calories and fat, or opt for shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.

→ What can I use as dippers?

Tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even pita bread are great options for dipping.

→ How spicy is this dip?

The spiciness depends on the type of buffalo sauce you use. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less sauce to suit your taste.