This creamy buffalo chicken dip has the flavor you want without all the heat. Made in the slow cooker with just five ingredients, it’s an easy appetizer for parties, game days, and anyone who prefers their buffalo dip on the mild side.
Not everyone likes eating spicy food and that’s okay. The trick is finding ways to enjoy the flavor without adding all the heat.
Buffalo chicken dip was one of those recipe for me. I liked the flavor, but not the intensity of the heat that comes with it.After some experimenting to create my own recipe, this is the version I keep coming back to. It's mild enough for people who don't love spicy food, but it still tastes like buffalo chicken dip. And everything goes into the crock pot, which makes it about as easy as an appetizer can be.
So how do you make buffalo chicken dip less spicy? The secret to just the right amount of heat is surprisingly simple: a little more ranch and a little less hot sauce. Adjust the amounts of each to find the balance that suits your own taste.
In this post, I’m answering the most frequently asked questions about exactly how to make the best tasting mild buffalo chicken dip that is perfect for game day, sharing at a party or potluck or just at-home snacking.
READ NEXT: If you enjoy the flavor of buffalo chicken with less heat, you might also like my favorite Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings that aren’t too spicy.
What's In Buffalo Chicken Dip?
There are countless different recipes for buffalo chicken dip, but most have the same basic ingredients:- Ranch dressing - I prefer Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, or you can make your own.
- Cream cheese - Softened and cut into cubes for faster melting
- Shredded cheddar cheese - Mild cheddar lends a subtle cheese flavor, while sharp cheddar provides a bolder, tangier taste. Shredding your own cheese from a block will give you the best creamy melt!
- Hot sauce - My preference is Frank's RedHot Original hot sauce
- Shredded chicken - A fresh rotisserie chicken from the deli torn into small chunks is an easy and flavorful option, but leftover chicken breast works well, too. Canned chicken is convenient, but does have a different flavor.
A full ingredients list can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
This appetizer couldn't be much easier. Simply add all the ingredients at one time into a 6-quart slow cooker and stir to combine with a silicone spatula or spoon.Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. It’s done when the cheese is completely melted and you don’t see any chunks of cream cheese remaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does Some Chicken Dip Get Greasy?
Overcooking the dip or cooking it at too high a temperature can result in an oily-looking appetizer. This won't affect the flavor, but it doesn't look particularly appealing.The secret is to cook the buffalo chicken dip on low for 2 to 4 hours. Turning up the heat will cook your dip faster, but it can cause the oils from the hot sauce and cheese to separate, resulting in a greasy dip.
What Do You Eat Buffalo Chicken Dip With?
There are many things you can serve with this warm appetizer. I love eating it with tortilla chips, specifically Tostito's Scoops, because they work really well for getting a chip full of the creamy dip. It's also delicious served with celery sticks, pretzels, or crackers.Can Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip Be Reheated?
Yes, you can reheat buffalo chicken dip!Just as when preparing the dip the first time, you don't want to overheat it. I like to put a serving in a small dish and microwave it for about 30 seconds, test it, and then heat it a little more if necessary.
It can also be heated in a baking dish in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes or in a slow cooker on low for about an hour.
Can the Recipe Be Made in a Smaller Amount?
This recipe makes a party-sized amount of dip. If you'd like to make just enough for yourself or a small group, you can divide the recipe in half or even in fourths. Follow the instructions as written, and cook the dip in the slow cooker until the cream cheese has melted completely.How can you get the best flavor?
As with most recipes you’ll make, the way to the best flavor is to use quality ingredients. I like to use Hidden Valley Ranch dressing and Frank's Hot Sauce because I prefer the taste. If you have another favorite ranch dressing or hot sauce, then you may want to use those.Also, use freshly cooked chicken, either rotisserie from the grocery store or leftovers from dinner. Canned chicken is convenient and makes the recipe easy to prepare, but the flavor is best when the chicken is fresh.
If you like buffalo chicken dip but don't want it to be overwhelmingly spicy, this is a good appetizer to keep in your recipe box.
It has the creamy texture and buffalo flavor you expect, but the heat stays in the background where it belongs.And since it comes together in the crock pot, it's especially handy when you're making several dishes for a party or gathering. Enjoy!
Other Homemade Appetizers Great for a Crowd
Cocktail Hot Dogs in Grape Jelly and Ketchup Sauce- sooo good and also made in a slow cooker!
Homemade Potato Chips
Bacon and Ranch Cheeseball - Two favor flavors rolled into one delicious spread.
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings - A flavorful sauce without a lot of heat.
Mild Buffalo Chicken Dip
A creamy buffalo chicken dip with the flavor you want, but not all the heat. Made in the slow cooker with just five ingredients, it’s an easy appetizer for parties, game days, and anyone who prefers their buffalo dip on the mild side.
Makes 8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a slow cooker and stir to combine with a silicone spatula or spoon.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook the mixture on low for 2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. It is done when the cheese is completely melted without any chunks of cream cheese remaining.
Store the leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Homemade buffalo chicken dip will last up to four days in the fridge.
