This creamy, mild flavored buffalo chicken dip is an appetizer sure to be a hit at your next party and couldn't be any easier to make with just five ingredients placed in a crock pot.
COOK + BAKE | Updated March 20, 2023
I know there is nothing new about buffalo chicken dip, but up until recently, I haven't been able to say that I liked everyone's favorite party dip.
All of the recipes I tasted had huge chunks of chicken that never quite fit on my tortilla chip, along with a lot of hot buffalo flavor. While I know some people love that spice, I'm not one of them. And after posting my recipe for a mild buffalo chicken wing appetizer, I realized I'm not the only one who feels this way.
This past summer, though, I was finally able to experience the delight of buffalo chicken dip when I tasted a more mild version.
The secret to a more mild flavored buffalo chicken dip? A little more ranch, a little less hot sauce.
I've worked for a bit to perfect my own recipe to share with those of you who, like me, don't love all the heat, but love the creamy texture and flavor. (And if you do, just add some more hot sauce when heating it in the crock pot.)
In this post, I'll be sharing the answers to all of your frequently asked questions about exactly how to make the best tasting, most flavorful buffalo chicken dip that is perfect for game day, sharing at a party or potluck or just at-home snacking.
This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using the link, but there is no additional cost to you. For more information, you can view my disclosure policy.
I've worked for a bit to perfect my own recipe to share with those of you who, like me, don't love all the heat, but love the creamy texture and flavor. (And if you do, just add some more hot sauce when heating it in the crock pot.)
In this post, I'll be sharing the answers to all of your frequently asked questions about exactly how to make the best tasting, most flavorful buffalo chicken dip that is perfect for game day, sharing at a party or potluck or just at-home snacking.
This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using the link, but there is no additional cost to you. For more information, you can view my disclosure policy.
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 like to make my own. You can also use blue cheese dressing if it is what you enjoy.
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese - Shredding your own blocks of cheddar will give you the best creamy melt!
- Hot sauce - My preference is Frank's Red Hot buffalo sauce
- Shredded chicken
What makes each recipe different is the exact amounts of each ingredient and how the dip is prepared.
How Can You Get the Best Flavor?
- As is the case with most recipes you'll make, the way to get the best flavor from your buffalo chicken dip is to use quality ingredients. I like to use Hidden Valley Ranch dressing and Frank's Hot Sauce because I prefer their flavor. If you have another favorite ranch dressing or hot sauce, then you may want to use those ingredients. I've actually started making this recipe using homemade ranch dressing to avoid all the chemicals and additives and it is every bit as good. (Still haven't found a replacement for the hot sauce yet!)
- The second way that I like to get the best flavor is to use fresh Rotisserie chicken from the deli that I cut into small chunks myself. Canned chicken is convenient and makes the recipe easy to prepare, but I personally prefer the flavor of the Rotisserie chicken. You can also use freshly cooked chicken you may have leftover from dinner.
Why Does Some Chicken Dip Get Greasy?
Overcooking the dip or having the temperature up too high will result in an oily looking dip. This will not affect the flavor, but doesn't look as appealing.
The secret is to cook the buffalo chicken dip on low for 3 to 4 hours. Turning up the heat will obviously cook your dip faster, but will most often result in the oils from the hot sauce and cheese separating resulting in the grease.
What Do You Eat Buffalo Chicken Dip With?
There are many things you can serve with your warm appetizer. I love eating the dip with tortilla chips, specifically Tostito's Scoops because I think they work really well for getting a chip full of dip. It is also delicious served with celery sticks, pretzels, or crackers.
Although the dip was made in the slow cooker, I served it as individual portions inside these mini cast iron pots. (They are perfect for making oven baked macaroni and cheese, too.)
Each was placed on rattan coaster to protect the plate from the heat. Mini cutting boards would work as well!
Can Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip Be Reheated?
Yes, you can reheat buffalo chicken dip! But just as when you're 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 for about 30 seconds, test it, and then heat a bit more if necessary.
It can also be heated in a baking dish in a 350 degree oven for about 10 to 15 minutes or a slow cooker on low for about an hour.
Can the Recipe Be Made in a Smaller Amount?
This recipe prepares a party-sized amount of the appetizer. But if you'd like to have just enough for yourself or a small group, feel free to 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.
MILD BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP RECIPE
This creamy, mild flavored buffalo chicken dip is an appetizer sure to be a hit at your next party and can't be any easier to make with just five ingredients cooked in a crock pot.
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
STEP 1: Add all the ingredients into a slow cooker and stir to combine with a silicone spatula or spoon.
STEP 2: Place your lid on slow cooker and cook the mixture on low for 2 to 4 hours stirring occasionally. It is done when the cheese is completely melted and you don't see any chunks of cream cheese remaining. Do not over-cook and do not turn the heat up to high.
Store the leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Homemade buffalo chicken dip will last up to one week in the fridge.
OTHER HOMEMADE APPETIZERS GREAT FOR A CROWD
COCKTAIL HOT DOGS IN GRAPE JELLY + KETCHUP SAUCE- sooo good and also made in a slow cooker!
HOMEMADE POTATO CHIPS
