There’s something magical about walking into a room and being greeted by the tantalizing aroma of buffalo chicken. It instantly signals that good times are ahead. I’ll never forget the first time I brought my Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip to my brother’s Super Bowl party. As a chef who usually prepares more “sophisticated” dishes, I wasn’t prepared for how quickly this simple dip would disappear—or for the number of recipe requests that would follow!
This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe combines the iconic flavors of buffalo wings with the creamy comfort of a hot dip, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s the perfect hands-off appetizer that lets you enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
There are countless reasons why this buffalo chicken dip has become my most-requested recipe:
- Set it and forget it convenience: Simply add the ingredients to your crockpot and let it work its magic
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it the day before and reheat when needed
- Crowd pleaser: Appeals to almost everyone, from spice lovers to cheese enthusiasts
- Versatile serving options: Works with chips, vegetables, crackers, or bread
- Customizable heat level: Easily adjust the spiciness to suit your guests
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, potluck, or family movie night, this dip brings the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors that keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Dip
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this irresistible dip:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- ¾ cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), plus more to taste
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
- Celery sticks, carrot sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers for serving
How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Pour ¼ cup of buffalo sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the crockpot and place on a cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
- Add the softened cream cheese cubes, ranch dressing, remaining buffalo sauce, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and all of the mozzarella cheese to the crockpot.
- If using, add the ranch seasoning.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Cook the Dip
- Cover and cook on LOW for 1-2 hours or HIGH for 30-45 minutes, until all cheese is melted and the dip is hot and bubbly.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to combine ingredients thoroughly.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover and cook until the cheese melts, about 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve warm with your choice of dippers.
Expert Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Time-saving option: Use 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken.
- Texture tip: For a smoother dip, let cream cheese come to room temperature before adding to the crockpot.
- Spice control: Taste and adjust the buffalo sauce amount to your preferred heat level.
- Prevent burning: If your crockpot runs hot, stir the dip occasionally to prevent the edges from burning.
- Make ahead: This dip can be made a day in advance and reheated in the crockpot on LOW for 1-2 hours before serving.
Delicious Variations
Blue Cheese Lover’s Version
Substitute half of the ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing and add ½ cup crumbled blue cheese along with the other cheeses.
Extra Spicy Buffalo Dip
Add 1-2 tablespoons of minced jalapeños and use a spicier buffalo sauce or add a few dashes of cayenne pepper.
Lighter Option
Use reduced-fat cream cheese, light ranch dressing, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to cut calories without sacrificing flavor.
Southwest Style
Add 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup of corn kernels, and 1 teaspoon of cumin for a southwestern twist.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dip pairs beautifully with:
- Vegetables: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, bell pepper slices, cucumber rounds
- Chips and crackers: Tortilla chips, pita chips, butter crackers, bagel chips
- Bread options: Toasted baguette slices, soft pretzel bites, breadsticks
- Creative uses: Spread on wraps, dolloped on baked potatoes, or used as a topping for burgers
Nutritional Information (Approximate per ¼ cup serving)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 590mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates only and will vary based on specific products used.
Buffalo Chicken Dip: A Guaranteed Hit
There’s a reason this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe has become my signature party dish. It strikes that perfect balance between convenience and incredible flavor that keeps everyone hovering around the snack table. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and zesty buffalo sauce creates an irresistible dip that disappears faster than you can say “touchdown!”
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe delivers spectacular results every time. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy your guests and the compliments that will inevitably come your way.
So the next time you’re asked to bring an appetizer to a gathering, or you’re hosting friends for the big game, remember this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip. I promise it will become your new go-to recipe that friends and family request time and again. Happy dipping!
