Creamy Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleaser that blends tender shredded chicken with creamy cheese and a kick of classic buffalo sauce. It’s rich, a little tangy, and has just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting. This dip is perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you want a tasty snack that everyone will reach for.
I love making this dip because it comes together so quickly, and I can adjust the spice level depending on who I’m serving. Sometimes I go for a milder version if kids are around, but when I want a little extra punch, I add more buffalo sauce—either way, it’s always a hit. I usually mix in some cream cheese and a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing to keep it creamy and smooth.
My favorite way to serve this dip is hot and bubbly straight from the oven, alongside crunchy celery sticks, tortilla chips, or crispy crackers. It’s one of those dishes that gets people chatting and digging in right away. Whenever I bring this to a gathering, it’s the first thing to disappear, so I’d say it’s a pretty reliable winner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. You can also use cooked shredded turkey or even canned chicken in a pinch.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, try low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt, but the dip will be less rich.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: The heart of the spicy kick! If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount or use a mild hot sauce. For a smoky twist, try a chipotle buffalo sauce.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These add tang and balance the heat. Blue cheese dressing strengthens the classic buffalo flavor, while ranch is milder. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
Cheddar & Blue Cheese: Cheddar adds gooey richness, and blue cheese crumbles bring a nice tangy contrast. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, use extra cheddar or mozzarella instead.
How Do I Get the Creamiest, Bubbly Buffalo Chicken Dip?
The key is mixing and baking to melt the cheeses and blend flavors smoothly.
- Soften the cream cheese fully before mixing so there are no lumps.
- Combine all wet ingredients well before adding chicken and cheese to get an even sauce.
- Spread the dip evenly in your baking dish for uniform heating and bubbling.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until edges are bubbling and the center looks hot.
- Keep an eye to avoid overbaking, which can dry it out.
- Adding green onions and blue cheese after baking gives fresh texture and prevents them from overpowering the dip.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe baking dish or skillet – I prefer a 9-inch round or square dish for easy serving.
- Mixing bowls – to blend the creamy ingredients without making a mess.
- Large spoon or spatula – for stirring everything together smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep ingredients precise.
- Oven – for baking the dip until bubbly and golden.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken with cooked shrimp or ground beef for different flavors.
- Instead of blue cheese, stir in chopped mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for extra meltiness.
- Add sautéed onions, chopped bell peppers, or jalapeños for more veggie texture and heat.
- Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra spice, if you like it hot.
Creamy Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)
- Tortilla chips or celery sticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20–25 minutes to bake. In just under 40 minutes, you’ll have a hot, creamy, spicy dip ready to enjoy with your favorite dippers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Mix Creamy Base
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add Chicken and Seasonings
Add in your shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese (save a bit for topping), thinly sliced green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together thoroughly until evenly blended.
3. Bake the Dip
Spread your dip mixture evenly into a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges.
4. Garnish and Serve
Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle the reserved blue cheese, extra green onions, and a pinch of smoked paprika on top. Serve warm with tortilla chips or celery sticks for dipping. Enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before shredding. The best way is to thaw overnight in the fridge or use a quick cold water bath if you’re short on time.
How Can I Make the Dip Less Spicy?
Reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or substitute with a milder hot sauce. You can also add a bit more ranch dressing to mellow out the heat.
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Mix all the ingredients and keep the dip covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it fresh when ready to serve.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm and bubbly again before serving.
