Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect game day or party snack that’s creamy, spicy, and super easy to make. It blends shredded chicken with tangy buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and melted cheese, all cooked slowly in the crock pot to get that delicious melty goodness. The mix of spicy and creamy flavors is something everyone loves to scoop up with chips or veggies.
I really like making this dip because it’s hands-off once you put everything in the crock pot. While it warms up, you can get everything else ready without worrying about something burning on the stove. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—no matter the occasion, people keep coming back for more. My favorite part: that little kick of buffalo sauce that keeps it lively but not too hot.
When I serve this dip, I always set it out with some crunchy celery sticks and tortilla chips on the side. It’s nice to have something refreshing like celery alongside the rich and spicy dip. I also find it’s great for casual get-togethers because guests can munch while chatting, and the dip stays warm and melty right in the crock pot. It’s definitely become one of my go-to recipes for easy and tasty sharing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked shredded chicken is key for texture. Rotisserie chicken is great for saving time and adds flavor. You can also use leftover or canned chicken if pressed for time.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the dip its creamy base. For a lighter option, try Neufchatel cheese, which is lower in fat but still smooth.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This adds that classic spicy kick. Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice. If you want milder heat, reduce the amount or swap with hot sauce of your choice.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Either dressing adds tang and coolness to balance the spice. You can use dairy-free dressings to keep it vegan-friendly.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts well and adds sharpness. Feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness or use pepper jack to amp the heat.
Blue Cheese (Optional): Crumbled blue cheese gives a nice bold flavor on top but isn’t for everyone. Omit or substitute with extra cheddar if you prefer.
How Do You Make Sure the Dip Is Creamy Without Burning?
Cooking this dip low and slow in the crock pot helps everything melt smoothly without scorching. Here’s what I find works best:
- Start with softened cream cheese so it blends easily.
- Mix all ingredients well before heating to even out textures.
- Cook on LOW heat for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to avoid sticking.
- If your crock pot tends to run hot, consider stirring more often or cooking for less time.
- Keep the lid on as much as possible to maintain heat and moisture.
This gentle cooking keeps the dip creamy, melty, and perfect for dipping. If you want it hotter, serve right from the crock pot on warm setting or heat briefly in the oven before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot – I recommend a 4-quart size so there’s plenty of room for all the ingredients to cook evenly and stay warm.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurement of sauces and dressings.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – makes stirring the dip easy and quick without scratching the crock pot.
- Serving bowl and dipping utensils – for presenting the dip and encouraging easy scooping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use shredded rotisserie turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor profile that works well with the buffalo sauce.
- Mix in some chopped green onions or cilantro for fresh herbal notes.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it spicy and want more heat.
- For a cheesy twist, stir in some shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese before serving.
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Celery sticks and toasted bread slices or tortilla chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus around 2 hours of cooking time in the crock pot on low heat. It’s mostly hands-off cooking, so you can relax or get other things ready while it warms up and the flavors blend together deliciously!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
Start by adding the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese into your crock pot. Mix everything well so the creamy and spicy ingredients blend nicely with the chicken.
2. Cook the Dip:
Cover your crock pot and cook the mixture on low heat for about 2 hours. Remember to stir the dip every 30-45 minutes to make sure it heats evenly and nothing sticks to the sides.
3. Serve Warm and Garnish:
When the dip is hot and all the cheese has melted smoothly, give it one last stir. You can transfer it to a serving bowl if you like. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the top if you want that extra tangy crunch.
4. Enjoy With Your Favorite Dippers:
Serve your buffalo chicken dip warm with celery sticks, toasted bread slices, or tortilla chips. It’s a perfect snack for parties, game days, or whenever you want a tasty, creamy treat!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Dip?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding and adding it to the crock pot. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip mixture and store it in the fridge overnight. When ready to serve, heat it in the crock pot on low for 1-2 hours until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
How Should I Store Leftover Dip?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in the crock pot on the warm setting, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth.
Can I Adjust the Spiciness of This Dip?
Definitely! Reduce the buffalo sauce for a milder dip, or add extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños if you like it spicier. You can also balance heat by using ranch dressing instead of blue cheese.
