This Buffalo Chicken Dip is creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and packed with shredded chicken and plenty of buffalo flavor. Made with cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, cheddar, and mozzarella, it’s the ultimate easy appetizer for game day, parties, holidays, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing dip.
Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe especially easy. Everything comes together quickly on the stovetop before being topped with more cheese and baked until hot and bubbly. A quick broil at the end gives you that irresistible golden, cheesy top!
Serve it warm with tortilla chips, crackers, celery, carrots, or your favorite veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Quick and easy – Rotisserie chicken saves tons of prep time.
- Extra cheesy – Cheddar and mozzarella make this dip creamy, gooey, and cheesy.
- Perfect for game day – This is an easy appetizer to make for football season, tailgates, or watch parties.
- Great for a crowd – One 9×9-inch dish gives you plenty to share.
- Easy to prep ahead – Assemble the dip ahead of time and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Just the right amount of heat – Buffalo sauce adds plenty of flavor and spice while ranch and cream cheese keep everything creamy.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip – Creamy & Cheesy
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I use rotisserie chicken)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, add the cubed cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until the cream cheese has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Add the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese.
- Stir until the chicken is evenly coated and the cheese is incorporated throughout the dip.
- Transfer the buffalo chicken mixture to the prepared 9×9-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top has completely melted.
- Set the oven to broil and broil the dip for approximately 2 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove the buffalo chicken dip from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery, carrots, crackers, or your favorite veggies.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
Use rotisserie chicken. This is my favorite shortcut for buffalo chicken dip. It’s already cooked and flavorful, so all you have to do is shred it.
Cube the cream cheese. Cutting the cream cheese into smaller pieces helps it melt faster and more evenly into the sauce.
Shred your own cheese if possible. Freshly shredded cheddar and mozzarella melt especially well and give the dip a smooth, cheesy texture.
Keep the heat moderate. When making the sauce, you only need enough heat to melt the cream cheese. Whisk frequently so everything becomes smooth without scorching.
Don’t skip the broil. Those extra couple of minutes give the cheese a bubbly, golden-brown finish that’s perfect for serving.
Watch it closely! Every broiler is different. Stay near the oven during those final two minutes so the cheese doesn’t burn.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip
There are so many ways to serve this dip. Try it with:
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Bell pepper slices
- Crackers
- Pretzel crisps
- Toasted baguette slices
Can You Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! This is a great appetizer to prepare ahead of a party.
Prepare the dip through the step where you transfer everything into the baking dish and add the cheese on top. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Because you’re starting with a cold dip, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Bake until it’s completely heated through and bubbling around the edges.
How to Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip
Allow leftover buffalo chicken dip to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container or tightly cover the baking dish.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm a larger amount in the oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chicken is best for buffalo chicken dip?
Rotisserie chicken is my favorite because it’s quick, easy, and already flavorful. You can also use any cooked and shredded chicken breast you have on hand.
What kind of buffalo sauce should I use?
Use your favorite prepared buffalo wing sauce. I like Frank’s Buffalo Wings Sauce for this recipe because it provides plenty of classic buffalo flavor.
Is buffalo chicken dip spicy?
Buffalo chicken dip has some heat, but the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and cheese help balance the buffalo sauce. The exact spice level will depend on the buffalo sauce you use.
Can I make buffalo chicken dip ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dip in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. You may need to increase the baking time slightly when baking it directly from the refrigerator.
Can I make buffalo chicken dip without rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Cooked and shredded chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins will work. You’ll need approximately 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken.
What cheese goes in buffalo chicken dip?
This recipe uses both cheddar and mozzarella. Cheddar adds plenty of flavor, while mozzarella gives the dip that gooey, melty cheese pull.
The Perfect Party Dip
This Buffalo Chicken Dip is one of those easy appetizers that always disappears fast! With tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch, plenty of cheese, and just the right amount of buffalo sauce, every bite is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re making it for game day, a holiday party, or just a weekend get-together, this is such an easy crowd-pleasing dip to have in your recipe collection. Serve it warm with tortilla chips, crackers, celery, or your favorite dippers, and enjoy!