Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip: 5 Easy Steps

Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, a cheesy, spicy, and unbelievably addictive dish that’s perfect for game days, parties, or any casual gathering. This slow cooker version makes preparing it a breeze, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your guests. Imagine tender shredded chicken, drenched in tangy buffalo sauce, blended with creamy cheeses and savory ranch or blue cheese dressing, all warm and bubbling.

It’s an explosion of flavor that captures the essence of classic buffalo wings in a dippable format, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned host or a beginner, this recipe guarantees a stress-free and delicious addition to your spread. Get ready for rave reviews!

The first time I brought this Buffalo Chicken Dip to a football party, it vanished within minutes. Seriously, before the second quarter even started, the slow cooker was practically licked clean! I’d always loved buffalo wings but hated the mess, and the idea of transforming those flavors into a communal dip just clicked. Friends were asking for the recipe before they’d even finished their first scoop.

It became my go-to contribution, synonymous with good times and great food. The beauty of the slow cooker method is how it marries all the ingredients into a perfectly smooth, warm, and cohesive dip, allowing the spicy, tangy, and cheesy notes to truly shine without any last-minute fuss. It’s a testament to simple ingredients creating something truly spectacular.

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What Makes Buffalo Chicken Dip Special

What sets a great Buffalo Chicken Dip apart is its irresistible balance of creamy texture, sharp tang, and spicy kick. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and often a touch of mozzarella provides that decadent gooeyness, while buffalo sauce brings the signature heat and vinegar notes.

Using shredded chicken ensures that every scoop gets a hearty portion, and the slow cooker method allows these flavors to meld deeply without burning, creating a truly harmonious blend. Many people wonder, “What kind of chicken is best for buffalo chicken dip?” For the best results, cooked and shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken works wonderfully, as it’s lean and absorbs the flavors readily. Avoid overly fatty cuts that can make the dip greasy. The slow, gentle heat also prevents common issues like separation or dryness, ensuring your dip is consistently smooth and delicious.

Key Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Dip

• Cooked Chicken: About 2 cups, shredded. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut.
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese delivers the best creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot Original is the classic choice for authentic flavor.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds a cool, tangy counterpoint to the spice.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp or mild cheddar for cheesy goodness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Optional, but adds an extra stringy, melty texture.
• Green Onions: For a fresh garnish and mild onion flavor.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Chicken:

Ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded. If using raw chicken breasts, you can cook them directly in the slow cooker with a little broth until easily shredded, then drain thoroughly. For best flavor and texture, aim for finely shredded chicken that can easily blend into the creamy base.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients:

In your slow cooker, add the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese (cut into cubes for faster melting), buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir everything together until well combined. This initial mix ensures all components are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cheeses are fully melted and the dip is hot and bubbly. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even melting and distribution of flavors.

Continuation of Step 3:

A common question is, “Can you cook buffalo chicken dip on high in a slow cooker?” While technically possible for about 1 hour, cooking on LOW is generally recommended to prevent scorching, avoid separation of the dairy components, and ensure a smoother, more evenly heated dip without drying out the edges. High heat can sometimes lead to a slightly grainy texture.

Step 4: Add Remaining Cheese:

Once fully melted and hot, give the dip another good stir. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. Recover the slow cooker and cook for another 15-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted and bubbly. This creates a gorgeous, gooey topping.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve:

Before serving, garnish your hot and delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip with freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite array of dippers.

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Storing Your Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but leftovers can be stored. “Can I make buffalo chicken dip ahead of time?” Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the dip as instructed, then allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave (stirring every minute), the oven at 300°F (covered, until heated through), or even back in the slow cooker on low.

If reheating in the slow cooker, you might want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen it up. Avoid repeated reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious dip for days.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Variations & Substitutions

There are many ways to customize your Buffalo Chicken Dip to suit your taste. For a milder flavor, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a mild version, and increase the amount of ranch or blue cheese dressing. To amp up the heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a hotter buffalo sauce. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, sticking to ranch dressing is a popular choice.

You can also experiment with different cheeses; a blend of Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack can add unique dimensions. For a smoky twist, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use Greek yogurt in place of some cream cheese or light dressings, though this may alter the texture slightly. Feel free to incorporate finely diced celery or bell peppers for added crunch and freshness.

Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Dip

“What do you serve with buffalo chicken dip?” The possibilities are endless! Classic dippers include sturdy tortilla chips, corn chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, and crackers.

For a heartier option, consider serving it with sliced baguette, toasted pita bread, or even mini bell peppers. Some people enjoy it scooped onto mini slider buns for a deconstructed sandwich. It also makes a fantastic topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or even as a filling for quesadillas. Don’t forget a side of extra blue cheese dressing or ranch and some fresh celery and carrot sticks for that authentic buffalo wing experience and to help cut through the richness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional green onions can add a nice visual touch.

The History of Buffalo Chicken Dip

While the exact origin of Buffalo Chicken Dip isn’t precisely documented, it clearly emerged as a creative offshoot of the iconic Buffalo chicken wing. Buffalo wings themselves were famously invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, by Teressa Bellissimo. As the popularity of buffalo wings soared, chefs and home cooks began to experiment, transforming the beloved spicy, tangy, and savory flavors into other formats. The dip likely gained traction in the late 1980s or 1990s, especially with the rise of televised sports and tailgate parties, where communal, easy-to-eat appetizers were highly prized.

Its genius lies in capturing the essence of the wing – chicken, hot sauce, and blue cheese/ranch – in a much less messy, shareable form. The slow cooker adaptation further cemented its status as a convenient party staple, evolving from stovetop or oven versions to the effortless preparation we enjoy today.

This Cheesy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip is more than just an appetizer; it’s a guaranteed way to bring smiles and satisfied stomachs to any gathering. With its rich, creamy texture and bold, spicy flavor, it’s a dish that invites sharing and celebration. So fire up your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and prepare to delight everyone with this effortless yet incredibly delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip. It’s truly a game-changer for entertaining.

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FAQs

Cheesy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Make irresistible Buffalo Chicken Dip in your slow cooker. Perfect for parties, game days, and easy entertaining!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded from rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce such as Frank’s RedHot Original
• 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Prep the Chicken: Ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded. If using raw chicken breasts, you can cook them directly in the slow cooker with a little broth until easily shredded, then drain thoroughly. For best flavor and texture, aim for finely shredded chicken that can easily blend into the creamy base.
• Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese (cut into cubes for faster melting), buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir everything together until well combined. This initial mix ensures all components are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
• Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cheeses are fully melted and the dip is hot and bubbly. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even melting and distribution of flavors.
• Continuation of Cooking: A common question is, “Can you cook buffalo chicken dip on high in a slow cooker?” While technically possible for about 1 hour, cooking on LOW is generally recommended to prevent scorching, avoid separation of the dairy components, and ensure a smoother, more evenly heated dip without drying out the edges. High heat can sometimes lead to a slightly grainy texture.
• Add Remaining Cheese: Once fully melted and hot, give the dip another good stir. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. Recover the slow cooker and cook for another 15-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted and bubbly.
• Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish your hot and delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip with freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite array of dippers.

Notes

• To prevent your Buffalo Chicken Dip from becoming oily, make sure to drain any excess liquid from your cooked chicken and avoid using overly greasy shredded cheese varieties. If you find your dip becomes a bit oily, simply dab the surface gently with a paper towel before stirring.
• For an extra kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce when mixing. For ultimate creaminess, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the slow cooker.