Our Buffalo Chicken Dip Uses A Simple Overlooked Ingredient For Maximum Flavor (2024)

Buffalo chicken is a combination that's practically synonymous with game day. Whether it's the classic Buffalo wings, Buffalo chicken pizza, or Buffalo chicken egg rolls, this flavor profile was made for party pleasing. While we'll incorporate this combo into countless party apps, this Buffalo chicken dip remains an all-time favorite. Whether it's served with a plate of carrot and celery sticks or just an open bag of tortilla chips, it's a party dip staple during Super Bowl snacking. While this dip is pretty straightforward, there are a few tiny details that will take it from being pretty good to truly incredible. Keep reading on for our top tips on how to create the ultimate Buffalo chicken dip:

Buffalo chicken dip ingredients:
All you need is cream cheese, Buffalo hot sauce, blue cheese dressing, cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and chicken breasts to bring this dip together. We prefer using shredded cooked chicken breasts in this dip, but you can also use shredded rotisserie chicken if you prefer. You can use any Buffalo sauce you prefer, but we're partial to Frank's. As far as the cheese goes, we're big fans of the sharp cheddar and blue cheese combination, but feel free to experiment with other combinations. If you're not a blue cheese fan, check out our Crockpot buffalo chicken dip which replaces the blue cheese with ranch dressing.

How to make the best Buffalo chicken dip:
Chop your shredded chicken. During tastings, most people agreed that they wanted shredded chicken in their dip as opposed to chunks; however, we also found that the shreds of chicken were sometimes too long, making it difficult to scoop up that perfect bite. Roughly chopping the shredded chicken eliminates that issue and guarantees you pieces that are the perfect texture and scoopable size.
Mix in stages. Most recipes call for throwing all the dip ingredients in the bowl and mixing them up. But trying to incorporate not-quite-soft-enough cream cheese with Buffalo wing sauce and shredded chicken all at the same time is a guaranteed recipe for disaster. Stirring together just the cream cheese, Buffalo sauce, and blue cheese dressing until smooth before adding in the shredded chicken and cheese ensures a much easier (and less messy) assembly.
Salt your dip as needed. With so much cheese and Buffalo sauce, most of us would probably assume that this dip doesn’t need any actual salt added. But in testing, we discovered that the dip often tasted flat unless we stirred in a little kosher salt. We found 1/2 teaspoon to be the perfect amount, but since salt levels of prepared dressings and sauces can vary (as well as personal preferences), we recommend you start by adding 1/4 teaspoon salt, then tasting and adding more as needed before you spread it into the casserole dish.

Make it in the Crockpot:
While we love this classic version, if you're looking for more of a hands-off recipe, then our Crockpot buffalo chicken dip will make your party even easier.

How to serve Buffalo chicken dip:
We love to serve this dip alongside tortilla chips and a plate of carrots and celery sticks, but your options don't stop there. Add on some crackers, pita, a sliced baguette, or an array of veggies to your tray—this dip is good with just about everything.

Storage:
Like most cream cheese-based dips, Buffalo chicken dip is best served warm, right after it’s been baked. If you want to prep in advance, you can mix everything together, spread it into the baking dish, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.

Did you try making this? Let us know how it went in the comments!

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Yields:
4 - 6 serving(s)
Total Time:
50 mins
Cal/Serv:
668

Ingredients

  • 1

    (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

  • 3/4 c.

    Buffalo hot sauce

  • 4 tbsp.

    blue cheese dressing

  • 1/2 tsp.

    kosher salt, divided

  • 6 oz.

    sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 c.), divided

  • 1/4 c.

    crumbled blue cheese, divided

  • 10 oz.

    cooked chicken breast, shredded, chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 2 c.)

  • 1 tbsp.

    finely sliced chives

  • Carrots, celery sticks, and tortilla chips, for serving

Directions

    1. Step1Place a rack in center of oven; preheat to 350°. In a large bowl, stir cream cheese, hot sauce, blue cheese dressing, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and combined. Fold in 1 cup cheddar and 3 tablespoons blue cheese. Fold in chicken; season with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, if needed.
    2. Step2Spread chicken mixture in a 11" x 7" ceramic baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar.
    3. Step3Bake dip until bubbling all the way through, 20 to 25 minutes.
    4. Step4Top with chives and remaining 1 tablespoon blue cheese. Serve with carrots, celery sticks, and tortilla chips alongside.

Our Buffalo Chicken Dip Uses A Simple Overlooked Ingredient For Maximum Flavor (3)

Our Buffalo Chicken Dip Uses A Simple Overlooked Ingredient For Maximum Flavor (5)

Our Buffalo Chicken Dip Uses A Simple Overlooked Ingredient For Maximum Flavor (8)

Taylor Ann Spencer

Assistant Food Editor

Taylor Ann Spencer is the assistant food editor at Delish, where she develops recipes, creates recipe videos, and styles food. With a background in writing and theater as well as professional cooking, she enjoys sharing her love for global flavors and all things baking through informational posts, hosted videos, and just plain everyday conversations. When she's not cooking, she's brainstorming her next culinary mash-up. Mac 'n' cheese chili rellenos, anyone?

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

I am an expert and enthusiast. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide assistance on various topics. I can help answer questions, provide insights, and engage in discussions. If you have any specific questions or need information on a particular topic, feel free to ask!

Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a popular party dip that combines the flavors of Buffalo chicken with creamy and cheesy ingredients. It is often served with carrot and celery sticks or tortilla chips. The dip typically includes cream cheese, Buffalo hot sauce, blue cheese dressing, cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and shredded cooked chicken breasts. The dip is baked until bubbly and can be garnished with chives and additional blue cheese. It can also be made in a Crockpot for a hands-off cooking experience. Buffalo chicken dip is a favorite among game day snacks, especially during events like the Super Bowl.

Ingredients

To make Buffalo chicken dip, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 (8-oz.) package of cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup of Buffalo hot sauce
  • 4 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing
  • 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, divided
  • 6 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups), divided
  • 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese, divided
  • 10 ounces of cooked chicken breast, shredded and chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 2 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon of finely sliced chives
  • Carrots, celery sticks, and tortilla chips, for serving

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

Here's how you can make the best Buffalo chicken dip:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a rack in the center.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, Buffalo hot sauce, blue cheese dressing, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt until smooth and combined.
  3. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 3 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese.
  4. Fold in the shredded chicken and season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, if needed.
  5. Spread the chicken mixture in an 11" x 7" ceramic baking dish.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  7. Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is bubbling all the way through.
  8. Top the baked dip with finely sliced chives and the remaining 1 tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese.
  9. Serve the Buffalo chicken dip with carrots, celery sticks, and tortilla chips.

Storage

Buffalo chicken dip is best served warm, right after it's been baked. However, if you want to prepare it in advance, you can mix all the ingredients together, spread the mixture into the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake the dip as directed.

I hope this information helps you create a delicious Buffalo chicken dip for your next gathering! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Our Buffalo Chicken Dip Uses A Simple Overlooked Ingredient For Maximum Flavor (2024)

FAQs

What is buffalo chicken dip made of? ›

This Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is an easy classic that features three different layers of flavors including chicken (use canned or rotisserie!) mixed with your favorite buffalo sauce (I always go for Frank's RedHot!), cream cheese, ranch dressing and, of course, lots of cheese!

How to tell if buffalo chicken dip is bad? ›

Bad buffalo chicken dip often develops a sour or off smell. If the dip has been sitting out for several hours at room temperature, especially during a party or event, it's best to toss it as the risk of foodborne illness grows with time. Always store buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to tone down buffalo chicken dip? ›

Dairy has a natural ability to counteract spiciness, so a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkling of cheese can help tone down the heat. You can also try stirring in things such as butter, cream, or yogurt. In addition to that, you can also try making a cream or sauce that can be added on top of the dish.

Who first made buffalo chicken dip? ›

Trillin, who has the most authoritative account of the history of the Buffalo chicken wing, found that Frank Bellissimo, founder of the Anchor Bar on Main Street in Buffalo, invented the classic dish in 1964. “Dom Bellissimo asked his mother to make something special to pass around gratis at the stroke of midnight.

What is buffalo Flavour made of? ›

Cayenne pepper-based hot sauce, melted butter, and vinegar are the standard base of Buffalo wing sauce, which may be made mild, medium, or hot. Other ingredients are also common, although less dominant, such as Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder.

Can I eat left out buffalo chicken dip? ›

Buffalo Chicken Dip should not sit out at room temperature for longer than two hours. If you can keep it warm (like in a slow cooker on “warm” setting) then it will last for longer.

Is it OK to reheat buffalo chicken dip? ›

Your frozen buffalo dip can be reheated in many different ways. You can transfer the dip in an oven-safe container and pop the dip in a preheated oven for a few minutes until the dip is bubbly and reaches its perfect, creamy consistency.

Why is my buffalo chicken dip so greasy? ›

Buffalo Chicken Dip Tips

Use all-white meat chicken. This will cut down on the amount of grease in your dip. Use freshly shredded cheese (or a pre-shredded brand with cream cheese in the mix like Krafts Creamy Melt cheese).

Why is my Buffalo chicken dip too thick? ›

This Buffalo chicken dip recipe should be thick enough if made according to the directions. But if you prefer an even thicker dip, feel free to add an extra ounce or two of cream cheese. Alternatively, if it's too thick, add milk—1 tablespoon at a time—until you reach a spoonable consistency.

How to thicken buffalo dip? ›

How do you thicken Buffalo Chicken Dip? You can try adding more cream cheese, but the fastest way is to make a slurry of cornstarch and stir it in slowly until the mixture thickens up.

Is Buffalo chicken dip better cold or hot? ›

Based on the ingredients, the mixture should keep in the refrigerator for at least a few days. The dip can be served cold or, if preferred, baked till hot in a shallow casserole dish. For dipping, offer corn chips, ideally with low salt. Place cream cheese, unwrapped, in a large mixing bowl to warm and soften.

Why did my buffalo chicken dip separate? ›

How do you keep buffalo chicken dip from separating? As I mentioned above, oftentimes it's the ingredients or the baking that causes your chicken dip to separate or get greasy. Here are a few tips to consider to prevent that from becoming an issue: Be careful not to use too much cheese!

Why is my buffalo chicken dip liquid? ›

Buffalo chicken dip can be runny if you use a reduced fat cream cheese. It can also be runny if you use too much ranch dressing or not enough chicken. You can thicken the dip by adding more shredded chicken, or even more cubes of full fat cream cheese or even more shredded cheddar cheese.

What is buffalo chicken sauce made of? ›

In its simplest form, buffalo wing sauce is a just a combination of cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter. My recipe calls for a few additional ingredients to help balance the flavors, but it's still very straightforward. If you keep a bottle of Frank's RedHot in your fridge, you can whip it up anytime!

Does buffalo sauce have buffalo meat? ›

Some people may be turned off by the name Buffalo sauce, thinking that it's a sauce made from the animal of the same name. Rest assured, Buffalo sauce does not contain any part of the buffalo animal. Many brands of Buffalo sauce are actually vegan because they use artificial butter flavoring rather than actual butter.

Is buffalo chicken chicken or beef? ›

No, buffalo are a type of cattle (or sometimes an alternative name for the bison, also a type of cattle). But Buffalo Wings is a way of cooking chicken wings - I think it's a spice mixture used to cook them. There's a town called Buffalo I think, so maybe the recipe comes from there.

What is chicken dipping sauce made of? ›

Whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, and garlic powder together in a bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce to the mayonnaise mixture and whisk until smooth. Sprinkle enough pepper over the surface of the mayonnaise mixture to cover; stir to incorporate. Repeat sprinkling and stirring of pepper once more.

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