Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Zesty Home-Style Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Creamy, zesty buffalo chicken dip offers a mouthwatering twist on classic game day appetizers that will have everyone reaching for chips.

Loaded with tender shredded chicken and tangy buffalo sauce, this crowd-pleasing recipe delivers bold flavors in every bite.

Cream cheese provides a rich, smooth base that perfectly balances the spicy kick of hot sauce.

Sharp cheddar and green onions add depth and color to this irresistible dip.

You’ll love how simple it is to throw together this crowd-stopping appetizer in just minutes.

The combination of heat and creaminess makes this buffalo chicken dip an instant party favorite that disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Prepare to be the hero of your next gathering with this addictive, spice-packed dip.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 292 kcal

Servings: 9

Everything In Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

For Main Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, velvety base that creates a smooth texture and adds creamy depth to the dip.
  • Shredded Chicken: Lean protein that brings heartiness and classic buffalo chicken flavor to the dish.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Delivers signature tangy and spicy kick that defines the buffalo chicken experience.
  • Ranch Dressing: Adds a cool, herbal tang that balances the heat and enriches the overall flavor profile.
For Cheese Blend:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that provides a bold, classic taste and creates beautiful golden top.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Contributes stretchy, gooey texture and mild creamy notes to the dip.
  • Blue Cheese: Optional ingredient that introduces intense, sharp flavor for serious cheese lovers.
For Seasoning Boosters:
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle, aromatic warmth without overwhelming other ingredients.
  • Onion Powder: Adds gentle, sweet undertone that deepens the overall flavor complexity.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that introduces bright, crisp finish and attractive visual appeal.

Tools You’ll Need For Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all dip ingredients smoothly and evenly.
  • 9-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet: Essential for baking and presenting the hot dip.
  • Cheese grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping green onions as garnish.
  • Oven mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot baking dish.

Steps To Prep Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and give a quick spray of cooking oil in a 9-inch baking dish.

  • Create the Creamy Mixture

Whip cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch, garlic and onion powders into a silky smooth blend. Fold in shredded chicken and cheese until everything is perfectly combined.

  • Bake to Perfection

Spread the mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and pop into the oven. Let it sizzle and bubble for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden and hot.

  • Dress and Deliver

Pull the dip out and let it rest for a moment. Scatter some fresh green onions across the top. Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips, crunchy celery, fresh carrots, or warm crusty bread for dipping.

Flavor Additions For Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

  • Flavor Boosting Tricks: Swap ranch for Greek yogurt to lighten the dip while maintaining creaminess and tangy flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dip up to two days ahead and refrigerate, then bake right before serving to save time during gatherings.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to create mild, medium, or extra-hot versions based on heat preference – start with less and taste as you mix.
  • Diet-Friendly Swaps: Transform into a low-carb option by serving with cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or using cauliflower chips instead of traditional tortilla chips. For keto dieters, replace regular cream cheese with full-fat cream cheese and ensure buffalo sauce has zero added sugars.

Fun Ways To Serve Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

  • Dip Dive Party Platter: Arrange an epic spread with crispy tortilla chips, crunchy celery, colorful carrot sticks, and warm toasted baguette slices for guests to scoop up this spicy buffalo chicken dip.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in a large cast-iron skillet right from the oven, surrounded by an assortment of dippers for football watch parties or casual gatherings with friends.
  • Tailgate Touchdown Treat: Pack the dip in a portable insulated container with separate containers of chips and veggies for outdoor sports events, picnics, or backyard barbecues where everyone can dig in and enjoy.
  • Appetizer Night Sensation: Transform this dip into a complete starter course by offering multiple dipping options like pretzels, pita chips, cucumber rounds, and bell pepper strips for a diverse and colorful presentation.

How To Store Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe Smoothly

  • Quick Refrigeration Trick: Store leftover buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the container sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dip mixture up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then pop it directly into the preheated oven when ready to serve. This method helps ingredients meld together for deeper flavor development.
  • Freezing Strategy: Wrap the unbaked dip tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time to ensure even heating.
  • Portion and Portion Again: Divide the dip into smaller serving containers before storing. This allows you to reheat only the amount needed, keeping the remaining portions fresh and preventing repeated temperature changes that can affect texture and taste.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Hearty buffalo chicken dip brings zesty flavors together in one irresistible appetizer. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and spicy sauce create a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at game day gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups/473 ml cooked shredded chicken
  • ½ cup/118 ml buffalo sauce (like Franks RedHot)
  • ½ cup/118 ml ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing if preferred)
  • 8 oz/227 g cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup/113 g shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup/57 g shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup/59 ml crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsps chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep Workspace: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Create Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and fully integrated, creating a luxurious sauce with consistent texture.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Fold shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese into the creamy mixture, ensuring all components are evenly distributed and thoroughly coated.
  4. Assemble and Top: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly, then crown with additional cheddar cheese and optional crumbled blue cheese to develop a golden, appetizing crust.
  5. Bake and Finish: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until edges bubble and center is thoroughly heated, monitoring for perfect doneness.
  6. Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and allow to settle for a few minutes, then sprinkle with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant final touch.
  7. Serve: Present immediately with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrots, or warm crusty bread, ready to delight guests with its rich, tangy flavor profile.

Notes

  • Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheeses at room temperature for smoother, more even melting and better incorporation into the creamy base.
  • Chicken Preparation: Shred chicken finely and ensure it’s completely cooled before mixing to prevent excess moisture and maintain dip’s thick consistency.
  • Spice Adjustment: Customize buffalo sauce heat level by selecting mild, medium, or hot sauce depending on personal preference or guest tolerance.
  • Dietary Modification: Swap regular cream cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives for lighter version; use Greek yogurt for added protein and tanginess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 292
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 853 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 66 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star