Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Y’all, let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the smell of buffalo chicken dip wafting through the house on game day. My kids, bless their hearts, practically trip over themselves trying to get to the crockpot first. This recipe? I’ve made it at least a dozen times in my Texas kitchen, tweaking it just so until it was absolutely perfect. And let me tell you, it’s a crowd-pleaser. This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of kick. I promise it will be the star of your next get-together!

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy momma of two, I need recipes that are easy, reliable, and, most importantly, something the whole family will devour. This crockpot buffalo chicken dip checks all those boxes!

• Hands-off Cooking: Throw everything in the slow cooker, and let it do its thing. Perfect for busy days.
• Kid-Approved Flavor: My kiddos can’t get enough of it! The cream cheese and ranch tones down the heat just enough.
• Make-Ahead Wonder: You can prep it in the morning and have it ready to go by party time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 large chicken breasts)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (I like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Chicken: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store is a major time saver. You can also boil or bake your own chicken breasts. Just make sure they are fully cooked and shredded well.

Buffalo Wing Sauce: I’m partial to Frank’s RedHot, but feel free to use your favorite brand. Adjust the amount to control the heat level. For a milder dip, start with 3/4 cup.

Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easier mixing. You can leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it for 15-20 seconds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients.

In a 4-quart or larger crockpot, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese crumbles (if using). Give it a good stir until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Cook.

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After testing this several times, I learned that cooking it on low really melds the flavors together beautifully.

Step 3: Stir and Serve.

Once the dip is ready, give it one final stir to make sure everything is well combined. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dippers. I usually put the crockpot out on the table so it stays nice and warm!

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Leftover buffalo chicken dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: You can reheat the dip in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. For the best results, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help restore the creamy consistency.

Make-Ahead: This dip is perfect for making ahead! You can combine all the ingredients in the crockpot liner and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply place the liner in the crockpot and cook as directed.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels of your ingredients, especially the ranch dressing and buffalo wing sauce, to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Dairy-Free: To make this dip dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free cheddar cheese, and dairy-free ranch dressing. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may be slightly different.

Spicier Dip: For a spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also use a spicier buffalo wing sauce.

Blue Cheese Lover’s Dip: If you’re a fan of blue cheese, increase the amount of blue cheese crumbles to 3/4 cup or even a full cup. The tangy flavor of the blue cheese pairs perfectly with the buffalo wing sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix all the ingredients together and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to give it a good stir before turning on the crockpot.

Can I use canned chicken?

While fresh or rotisserie chicken is preferred for flavor and texture, you can use canned chicken in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the crockpot.

How do I know when the dip is done?

The dip is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and everything is heated through. Stir it well to ensure all the ingredients are combined and the dip is smooth and creamy.

What if I don’t have a crockpot?

No worries! You can also bake this dip in a baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

My dip is too thick. What can I do?

If your dip is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out. Start with a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Is this dip kid-friendly?

While buffalo chicken dip does have a bit of a kick, it’s generally kid-friendly, especially if you use a milder buffalo wing sauce and add a generous amount of cream cheese and ranch dressing. My kids absolutely love it!

Can I freeze this dip?

While you can technically freeze buffalo chicken dip, the texture may change slightly after thawing. The cream cheese can sometimes become a bit grainy. If you do freeze it, make sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This buffalo chicken dip is fantastic with a variety of dippers:

• Tortilla chips
• Crackers
• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Toasted baguette slices
• Pita bread

For a fun presentation, serve the dip directly from the crockpot or transfer it to a serving bowl and garnish with extra cheddar cheese, blue cheese crumbles, and chopped green onions.

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