Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
There’s something uniquely delightful about a warm, creamy dip that brings people together, and Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip fits that bill perfectly. This decadent dish combines shredded chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and rich cream cheese to create an irresistible concoction that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a cozy movie night, or simply craving something comforting, this dip never fails to impress. It’s cheesy, spicy, and everything you can wish for when you need a satisfying snack.
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I first stumbled upon this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip during a friend’s gathering, and it was an instant hit. The moment you walk into the room and catch a whiff of that savory aroma wafting through the air, it’s hard to resist. Quickly, I learned that this recipe wasn’t just about taste; it was also incredibly easy to whip up. It’s become a go-to in my home because it’s budget-friendly and reliably delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing creates a tangy, comforting taste that’s addictive.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with melty cheese and garnished with fresh green onions, it looks as good as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacking, serving at parties, or even as a cozy meal on chilly nights.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjustable for gluten-free diets or low-carb lifestyles.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Leftover roast chicken works perfectly here, but any cooked chicken will do. You can even use canned chicken for convenience.
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature: This provides the creamy base that’s essential for a smooth dip. Soften it before mixing to ensure a velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce: This is the key ingredient that gives the dip its signature buffalo flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- 1/2 cup Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing: Adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese: Adds depth and richness. Feel free to go with sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions: These provide a fresh touch and a pop of color, which is always welcome!
How to Make Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures your dip will be bubbly and hot when it’s time to serve.
Prepare the chicken: If your chicken isn’t shredded yet, take this moment to shred it into bite-sized pieces. A fork or your hands works great for this.
Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, 1/2 cup Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, and 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. The mixture should have a beautiful, creamy consistency.
Spread in baking dish: Take the combined mixture and spread it evenly into a 9×9-inch baking dish. The uniform layer helps ensure even heating and that every bite is just as delicious.
Add more cheese: For those who love extra cheese (and who doesn’t?), sprinkle a bit more shredded cheese on top. This step creates that delightful melty layer when baked.
Bake it: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for the edges to be bubbly and the top to have a lovely golden color, indicating the cheese is melting beautifully.
Cool and garnish: After taking it out of the oven, let the dip cool for a few minutes—just enough for it to settle. Then, garnish with the freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.
Serve and enjoy: Serve your Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies. Dive in and enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Storing & Reheating
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, transfer the dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warm and bubbly again. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, so stir it well to bring it back to life.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid the creamy catastrophe: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened; this prevents clumps in your dip.
- Spice it up or tone it down: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the hot sauce, or add a bit more ranch dressing for balance.
- Timing is key: Bake until the edges are bubbling; this signals that the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Freshness matters: Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded helps maintain the dip’s texture and creaminess.
- Make ahead: This dip can be made a day in advance; just store it in the fridge before baking for your event.
Sometimes, you just want a dish that checks all the boxes: it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and brings everyone together. This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip is all that and more. It strikes the perfect balance between spicy and creamy, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients or dipping options to make it your own. The simplicity of this recipe means you can focus on enjoying food and friends rather than fussing in the kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until everything is melted and warm. This method is great for keeping the dip warm during parties!
How can I make this dip healthier?
You can substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese and use a low-fat ranch dressing. Additionally, consider using shredded chicken breast for lower fat content. It won’t lose much flavor, but will feel a bit lighter.
Can I make this dip in advance?
Certainly! Prepare the dip, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
What should I serve with Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip?
This dip pairs beautifully with tortilla chips, crackers, sliced cucumbers, or celery sticks. You can also use it as a filling for sandwiches or on top of baked potatoes for a unique twist!
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📖 Recipe Card

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 105|Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleaser that’s packed with flavor. With tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty ranch, it’s perfect for game day or any gathering!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup frank’s red hot sauce
- 1/2 cup hidden valley ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Shred the chicken if it isn’t already shredded.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese for a melty finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly with melted cheese on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
For extra flavor, use smoked chicken instead of plain shredded chicken.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking for milder or spicier dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg





