Alright y’all, let’s talk comfort food with a kick—Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip. Whether you’re prepping for game day, hosting family, or just needing a flavorful excuse to scoop something cheesy with a tortilla chip, this is it.
Back in Texas, buffalo anything was always a crowd-pleaser, and this dip quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It’s got everything I love—easy prep, big flavor, and it cooks while I get other things done (read: corraling my three hungry kids or setting up the folding chairs for Sunday football).
So if you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and satisfying that’ll practically cook itself, pull out that slow cooker—we’re making Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Super easy: Toss, stir, and walk away. That’s my kind of recipe.
- Perfect for parties: Football, family reunions, or just a Netflix night—this dip delivers.
- Flavor-packed: Cream cheese meets spicy wing sauce? Yes, please.
- Kid and adult approved: Even my spice-wary 10-year-old went in for seconds.
- Prep ahead friendly: Make it early, let it warm, and you’re stress-free when the guests arrive.
What Does Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Taste Like?
Imagine if spicy wings and creamy ranch had a baby—and then invited cheese to the party. That’s what this dip is. It’s rich and tangy, with just the right amount of heat. The cream cheese smooths everything out, while the Colby Jack gives it that melty pull we all love.
And honestly? It tastes even better when you scoop it with a celery stick and call it “vegetables.”
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip isn’t just another party snack—it’s a creamy, spicy, scoopable masterpiece. The secret? Simple pantry ingredients that bring big flavor without a lot of fuss. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into the magic:
12.5 oz Can of Chunk Chicken Breast, Drained
This recipe starts with canned chunk chicken, and trust me—it’s a busy cook’s best friend. It shreds beautifully once warmed and blends right into the creamy base. If you’re not a fan of canned meat, you can absolutely substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken. Just be sure it’s well-drained so the dip stays thick and luscious.
8 oz Cream Cheese, Softened
Ah, cream cheese—our dreamy, tangy, melt-in-your-mouth base. Softening it beforehand is key. If you forget (and haven’t we all?), you can warm it slightly in the microwave in 10-second bursts. Cream cheese gives Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip its signature silky texture. It’s the backbone of this whole cheesy situation.
Want more creamy inspiration? Check out this ultra-comforting Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese—it’s another fan favorite.
4 oz Finely Grated Colby Jack Cheese
I use Colby Jack here for its mild, creamy melt and beautiful marbling, but you can mix things up with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack if you like it hotter. Whatever cheese you choose, grate it fresh—bagged shredded cheese has a coating that can make your dip less smooth.
1/2 Cup Buffalo Wing Sauce
This is where the magic happens. Your favorite buffalo wing sauce (I’m a loyal Frank’s RedHot girl, but you do you!) brings the heat and the signature tangy zip. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less—start with 1/2 cup and taste-test your way to perfection. If you love bold flavor, don’t be shy.
1/2 Cup Ranch Dressing
Ranch is the great equalizer. It cools the buffalo heat, adds creaminess, and gives the dip its irresistible flavor combo. Some folks swear by blue cheese, and that’s totally an option too. But ranch is my go-to for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially when kids are involved.
Dippers: Tortilla Chips, Carrot Sticks, Celery Sticks, or Bread Cubes
Let’s not forget the sidekicks! Tortilla chips are the classic, but don’t sleep on crunchy veggie sticks (hello, carrots and celery) or little slices of sourdough or French bread. I’ve even served this with mini bell pepper halves—it’s like spicy, cheesy pepper boats. So good.
How to Make Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip (Step-by-Step)
Let’s get one thing straight: this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe isn’t just easy—it’s a lifesaver when you want big flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your immediate chaos crew, these steps will guide you from prep to party in the most stress-free way.
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
First things first—let’s set yourself up for success. Pull out your 3- or 6-quart slow cooker (both work well). Grab all your ingredients and set them on the counter. If your cream cheese is still cold, give it a head start by letting it sit at room temperature or zap it in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds.
Pro tip: I like to give the canned chicken a quick shred with a fork in a bowl before it goes into the pot. It just makes for a smoother dip texture later on.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Crock Pot
Now it’s time to get dumping!
Add the following directly into your slow cooker:
- Drained chicken
- Softened cream cheese
- Grated Colby Jack cheese
- Buffalo wing sauce
- Ranch dressing
There’s no strict order here, but I usually place the cream cheese in first to let it warm directly against the ceramic insert.
Give everything a gentle stir so the ingredients are distributed fairly evenly—don’t worry if it’s not perfectly mixed yet. The heat will take care of the rest.
Looking for another “dump-and-go” crowd-pleaser? Check out my Crockpot Crack Chicken Heaven—it’s just as easy, and just as addictive.
Step 3: Set It and Let It Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to the LOW setting.
- Cooking time:
- If you’re using a 6-quart crock pot, the dip should be hot and melty in about 1.5 hours.
- In a 3-quart crock pot, allow closer to 2 full hours for everything to heat evenly.
About every 30–45 minutes, lift the lid and give the dip a good stir. This helps melt the cheese evenly, avoids any sticking or burning at the edges, and brings all that flavor together.
Warning: Your house is about to smell amazing. Prepare for wandering snackers.
Step 4: Stir, Serve, and Savor the Spicy Goodness
Once the dip is fully heated and smooth, give it one final stir to make sure everything’s incorporated and melted to perfection.
Switch your crock pot to the WARM setting to keep it party-ready and creamy throughout your event.
Scoop it into a serving bowl (or just serve straight from the crock pot—no judgment here) and place it alongside your dippers:
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Bread cubes or pita wedges
- Bell pepper scoops for a veggie-forward twist
Whatever you choose, make sure they’re sturdy—you’re about to scoop into a rich, creamy blend of buffalo-flavored heaven.
Bonus Tips:
- For thicker dip: Use less ranch or drain your chicken a little longer.
- Feeding a bigger crew? Double the recipe and use a 6-quart crock pot.
- Want to dial down the heat? Swap out half the buffalo sauce for more ranch.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Want it spicier? Add a splash more buffalo sauce—or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Feeding a crowd? Double the batch, but stir more frequently.
- Don’t skip the stir! Stirring every 30–45 minutes keeps things from sticking and burning around the edges.
- No canned chicken? Shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully.
- Need it dairy-free? Try plant-based cream cheese and ranch (though the flavor will shift slightly).
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm it in the microwave or return to the slow cooker on low.
- Freezer-friendly? Eh, not so much. Cream cheese doesn’t freeze well—it can separate.
FAQs
Can I make Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix everything the night before, refrigerate it in the crock, and start cooking it the next day.
Can I use fresh chicken?
Yes, but cook it beforehand and shred it. This is a dump-and-go kind of dip—pre-cooked chicken is key.
What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot is the classic, but use what you love. If you prefer milder heat, go with a mild version.
Conclusion
There’s just something soul-satisfying about a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting while you get to smell the goodness slowly fill your kitchen. And this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip? It’s creamy, spicy, tangy, and downright addictive.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, pleasing picky eaters, or just trying to keep weeknight dinner interesting, this one earns its spot in your recipe rotation. Give it a go—and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you make it! I love seeing your kitchen magic.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
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Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip – Easy Recipe That Everyone Raves About
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 medium crock pot (about 8 servings) 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game days, parties, or casual get-togethers. Easy to make in the slow cooker, it stays warm and ready to serve for hours.
Ingredients
1 (12.5 oz) can chunk chicken breast, drained
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz finely grated colby jack cheese
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup ranch dressing
Serve with: tortilla chips, carrot sticks, celery sticks
Instructions
1. In a 3-quart or 6-quart crock pot, add drained chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded colby jack cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing.
2. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly so flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Set the crock pot to LOW and cook until hot, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
4. If using a 6-quart crock pot, expect the dip to be ready in about 1 1/2 hours.
5. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
6. Once hot and creamy, serve directly from the crock pot.
7. Enjoy with tortilla chips, carrot sticks, or celery sticks for dipping.
Notes
For extra heat, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or use a spicier brand.
Substitute blue cheese dressing for ranch if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Keep the dip warm by setting the crock pot to the “warm” setting during serving.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip, buffalo dip, chicken dip, appetizer, game day food
