There’s something about Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese that just makes people gather around the table a little faster. Maybe it’s the bubbling cheese, maybe it’s the spicy kick, or maybe it’s just the promise of gooey goodness waiting on a chip. Either way, if you’ve been searching for the ultimate game day or family gathering snack—this is it.
I still remember the first time I served this at one of my kids’ birthday parties. Forget the cake—the adults practically formed a line around the dip. By the end of the night, all that was left was a lonely carrot stick. That’s when I knew this recipe wasn’t just “good,” it was a keeper.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese
- Effortless comfort food: Just mix, bake, and serve.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for parties, holidays, or even a Tuesday night snack.
- Customizable: Add bacon, swap cheeses, or toss in jalapeños if you like things wild.
- Versatile: Pairs with chips, veggies, bread, or even spoonfuls (no judgment here).
What Does Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese Taste Like?
Imagine the bold, spicy tang of Buffalo wings, mellowed out with the creamy richness of cream cheese and ranch. Then add gooey layers of cheddar and mozzarella pulling together every bite. It’s hearty, bold, and irresistible. If you’ve ever thought, “I could drink Buffalo sauce,” this is your slightly more socially acceptable option.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese
When it comes to making the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese, the secret is in balancing bold flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness. Every ingredient plays a role—so let’s break it down.
- Cooked, shredded chicken (2 cups) – The heart of this dip. I love using rotisserie chicken because it’s juicy, flavorful, and saves precious time. If you’ve got leftover chicken from another dinner, that works beautifully too.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened) – This is where the dip gets its creamy, velvety texture. Be sure to let it soften on the counter before mixing so it blends smoothly with the sauce and dressing.
- Buffalo wing sauce (½ cup) – That unmistakable spicy tang! Frank’s RedHot is the classic, but feel free to use your favorite Buffalo sauce if you want it milder or extra fiery.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (½ cup) – Ranch gives a cool, creamy balance while blue cheese dressing adds tangy depth. Pick whichever fits your family’s taste buds.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) – Sharp cheddar brings a nutty, savory bite that pairs perfectly with the heat of the sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup) – Melty and stretchy, mozzarella helps give you those irresistible cheese pulls.
- Crumbled blue cheese (¼ cup, optional) – This one is for the blue cheese lovers! Stir some in for tang and sprinkle more on top for a restaurant-style finish.
- Chopped green onions (1 tbsp, optional) – A fresh, colorful garnish that adds just the right amount of brightness.
And let’s not forget the dippers. After all, the best part of a creamy dip is what you scoop it up with:
- Crunchy tortilla chips or pita chips
- Celery and carrot sticks (for a fresh, crisp bite)
- French bread slices or baguette rounds (perfect for soaking up that gooey cheese)
- Pretzels or cheese crackers for an extra salty crunch
If you love recipes that bring creamy, cheesy comfort food to the table, you’ll also enjoy my creamy crock pot mac and cheese. It has that same soul-satisfying richness, but in pasta form.
With these ingredients prepped and ready, your kitchen will soon smell like a game day party—even if it’s just a cozy night in.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese (Step by Step)
Making Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese isn’t complicated, but the little details make all the difference between “good dip” and “gone-in-five-minutes dip.” Here’s a step-by-step guide that’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for hosting.
Step 1: Preheat and prep your baking dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready when your dip goes in. While it’s heating, grease an 8×8 casserole dish or similar baking dish. A light coat of nonstick spray or butter works fine—it prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier later.
Step 2: Create the creamy base
In a large mixing bowl, add your softened cream cheese, ranch (or blue cheese dressing), and Buffalo wing sauce. Use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. This step is important because it’s the foundation of your Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese—if the base isn’t silky, the finished dip won’t have that luscious texture.
Step 3: Fold in the chicken and cheeses
Add your shredded chicken into the bowl along with cheddar cheese and mozzarella. If you’re using blue cheese, stir in half of it here for a tangy surprise in every bite. Fold everything gently until evenly combined. The mix should look creamy and cheesy, with little pockets of chicken waiting to soak up the sauce.
Tip: This is also the stage where you can add extras like crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of taco seasoning if you’re craving a Tex-Mex twist.
Step 4: Transfer to the dish and top
Spoon the mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle the top with the remaining blue cheese or, if you’re a cheddar fan, add a generous handful for a golden, bubbly crust.
Step 5: Bake until hot and bubbly
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly golden, the cheese on top is melted, and the dip bubbles gently around the sides. Your kitchen will smell like Buffalo wings and cheesy heaven—it’s the moment everyone starts hovering.
Step 6: Garnish and serve immediately
Remove from the oven and let the dip cool for 5 minutes (yes, it’s hard to wait, but this prevents scorched tongues). Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a pop of freshness. Serve hot with tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or crusty bread.
For another easy and comforting chicken recipe you’ll love just as much, try my slow cooker brown sugar garlic chicken. It’s sweet, savory, and just as simple to prepare.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese
- Soften your cream cheese: Cold cream cheese doesn’t mix well. Let it sit out or microwave it for 15 seconds.
- Go heavy on the cheese: No one ever complained about “too much cheese.”
- Make-ahead option: Prep it the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Slow cooker swap: Want to keep it warm during a party? Transfer the baked dip into a slow cooker on “warm.”
- Avoid overbaking: If the edges look dry, it’s time to pull it out.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until bubbly, or zap in the microwave for a quick fix.
- Freezer: Not recommended—dairy doesn’t thaw back to creamy perfection.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours.
Can I use canned chicken?
You can, but rotisserie chicken brings way more flavor.
What’s the best dipping option?
Classic tortilla chips, but pretzels and celery sticks are always a hit too.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a holiday get-together, or just craving something indulgent on a Friday night, Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese is the answer. It’s cheesy, spicy, creamy, and absolutely addictive. Trust me, once you serve this, you’ll never leave a party without being asked to bring it again.
So, grab your chips and get ready—this dip is going to be the star of your table.
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Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese: Quick & Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible, this Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese is the ultimate party appetizer. Perfectly balanced with ranch, cheddar, and tender shredded chicken, it’s baked to bubbling perfection for a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is ideal)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup Buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is classic!)
½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping or inside)
1 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Optional Dippers:
French bread slices or baguette rounds
Pretzels
Cheese crackers
Carrot and celery sticks
Tortilla chips or pita chips
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish or an 8×8 casserole dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing), and Buffalo sauce. Beat or stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella. If using blue cheese, mix in half now and reserve the rest for topping.
4. Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and top with the remaining blue cheese or a handful of extra cheddar if you prefer a golden crust.
5. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly. The edges should be slightly golden, and the cheese should be fully melted.
6. Let the dip cool slightly. Garnish with green onions and serve with your favorite dippers. Enjoy while hot and gooey!
Notes
Add bacon: Stir in ½ cup crumbled bacon for a smoky kick.
Extra cheesy: Mix in some pepper jack or Colby for extra richness.
Vegetarian version: Use plant-based chicken or cauliflower in place of shredded meat.
Tex-Mex twist: Add a sprinkle of taco seasoning and top with jalapeños or salsa.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the dip and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese, hot dip, party appetizer, cheesy buffalo dip
