Home » Recipes » » Buffalo Chicken Dip
by Joanne August 14, 2022
39
Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect game day appetizer, especially if you’re a lover of Frank’s hot sauce and all things buffalo chicken! It’s an incredibly easy “mix and bake” recipe that only takes 35 minutes to make. It’s one of my favorite crowdpleasers for parties, especially alongside other hits likeHomemade Corn DogsandHomemade Mozzarella Sticks.
Of all the appetizers you can make for watching football or sports on TV, buffalo chicken dip is one of the best and easiest options. While appetizers like Baked Chicken Wings are both wonderful and essential on game day, they’re a bit more involved to make. Including a dip like this on the menu is really nice because it’s simple to put together, can be done in advance, and tastes great.
As indulgent as this recipe is, believe it or not, it’s actually suitable for a wide variety of dietary styles, like gluten-free, low carb, and keto. It’s classic to serve the dip with corn chips, but when I was following low carb and keto diets, I ate spoonfuls of it in endive cups and with celery sticks, and it was delicious.
Tips for Best Results
Use the correct sauce – For the best flavor, I recommend using Frank’s Red Hot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce. This is the original, authentic sauce, and though other brands have come up with their own versions, they don’t taste the same.
Cook the chicken gently – You will need cooked chicken breasts for this recipe, and I recommend cooking them in the slow cooker via my Crockpot Chicken Breast method. It makes for the absolute juiciest, moistest, most gently cooked chicken, which is ideal since the chicken will need to go in the oven again for this recipe. You may also use rotisserie chicken from the store.
Use good mayonnaise – Though it’s not the dominant ingredient here, we’ll use a little bit of mayonnaise to give us the perfect dip consistency. Make sure to use a good-tasting mayonnaise brand, or better yet, make your own homemade Mayonnaise for the best flavor.
One thing I love about this recipe is it’s very hearty. I played with the proportions to make it so each bite has a generous amount of chicken, and less of the creamy filler. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still plenty cheesy and indulgent, but without gobs of sour cream. It’s well balanced!
Step by Step Overview:
In a bowl, combine cooked chicken breast, shredded cheddar cheese or colby jack cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sliced scallions, and Frank’s hot sauce:
How you cook the meat is up to you, but I always keep a batch of Crockpot Chicken Breast around in the fridge or freezer, so I have chicken ready for recipes like this.
Spread the mixture evenly into an 8×8 baking dish. You can also do mini ramekins for individual portions, or even double the recipe for a 9×13.
Make-ahead Option
If you’re not ready to bake the dip right now, you can stop here, cover the dish, and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, bake it in the oven as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time since the mixture is starting out colder.
Then bake the Buffalo dip in the oven until bubbly, cheesy, and hot! Since the chicken is already cooked, you’re really just warming up the cheese and letting the ingredients meld together.
Crockpot Option
If you don’t want to bake the dip in the oven, you can also make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip. It takes a lot longer, but one benefit is that the crock will keep the dip warmer a little bit longer when serving. However, it’s also harder to serve from the crock.
I love the dip best when it’s a little bit browned on the edges of the pan, like this:
How to Serve It
Put a trivet on the table and carry the baking dish straight from the oven to the table with oven mitts. This is definitely a dip best enjoyed piping hot. Serve it with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, endive cups, crackers, or baguette slices.
To round out the perfect spread, serve this dish alongside Potato Croquettes, Fathead Pizza, and Guacamole.
This recipe is gluten free, low carb, and keto friendly!
Recipe Tips and FAQ
How do you store leftover buffalo chicken dip?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can this chicken dip be frozen?
Yes, for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do you reheat buffalo chicken dip?
Reheat in a 250F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes, until warmed through. Or reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until bubbling and warm.
Can you make buffalo chicken dip without cream cheese?
Yes, you can make it mayonnaise and sour cream based instead, but the texture will be less thick. Try a 1/2 cup of each.
Can you make this dip spicier?
Yes, add cayenne pepper to taste. It’s actually fairly mild with the regular Frank’s hot sauce. Dairy tends to temper down the heat.
What do you serve with buffalo dip?
Corn chips, flat pretzel crisps, celery sticks, carrot sticks, endive cups, crackers, and baguette slices are all great.
Can you serve the buffalo dip cold?
I don’t think it tastes good cold, because the cheese should be gooey and melted. Fortunately, the dip takes well to reheating.
Did you enjoy the recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Or, follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 35 minutes mins
This Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect game day appetizer, especially if you're a lover of Frank's hot sauce and all things buffalo!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
22
Leave a Review »
Ingredients
- 2 cooked chicken breasts (about 3 cups chopped)
- 1/2 cup Frank’s hot sauce*
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 3 scallions sliced
- 6 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 6 oz cheddar cheese shredded**
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped chicken with the Frank’s hot sauce, mayonnaise, scallions, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese.
Spread the chicken mixture into an 8×8 baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, until bubbling and slightly golden on the edges.
Serve with whatever accompanying snack you’d like, such as tortilla chips, pretzel crisps, celery sticks, endive cups, and more. Enjoy!
Notes
*I almost never specify brands for recipes, but it’s important to use Frank’s hot sauce here. It should be very easy to find.
**Colby jack is another great cheese for this dip.
Storing leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Place in a 250F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes, until warmed through. Or heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until bubbling and warm.
Make-ahead instructions: You may mix this recipe together up to two days in advance and keep it in the fridge, then bake it fresh whenever you want to serve it. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
Crockpot option: Alternatively, you can cook the dip in the crockpot instead of the oven. Instructions are in my Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip post.
Cream cheese substitute: If you wish to make this dip without cream cheese, you can make it with 1/2 cup each of mayonnaise and sour cream. The texture will be looser.
Making it spicier: Add cayenne pepper to taste.
Serving suggestions: Serve with corn chips, pretzel crisps, celery sticks, carrot sticks, endive cups, crackers, or baguette slices.
Nutrition
Calories: 189kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 52mg, Sodium: 699mg, Sugar: 1g
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Author: Fifteen Spatulas
Post updated with new photos, writing, and tips in July 2018. Originally published in October 2012.
posted in: All Recent Posts, Appetizers, , Gluten-free 39 comments
Don’t miss a recipe!
Subscribe to receive new recipes via email:
« Previous PostCaramel Apple Crisp
Next Post »Pan Fried Honey Bananas
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
-
GMcPherson — Reply
So this is made with Franks Regular Hot Sauce and not Franks Buffalo Wing Sauce?
-
Taylor — Reply
Yes it is made with the regular hot sauce but if you prefer the buffalo wing sauce that would be an ok substitution
-
-
B — Reply
An easier way to reheat buffalo chicken dip is by putting it in the microwave for 30s then stirring, repeat until hot. (2 to 3times for little bowls)
-
Bethany — Reply
I made this with Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. It is soooo good!
-
Toni | Boulder Locavore — Reply
This is sure to be a hit at parties!
-
Liz — Reply
This is terrific! I’m making it for my next book club!
-
Melissa Sperka — Reply
Perfect game day party food!
-
Heather — Reply
This dip is perfect for game watching. Absolutely addictive!
-
Joanna Cismaru — Reply
This is seriously one of my favorite dips!
-
Jennifer Farley — Reply
I am a huge buffalo chicken fan! Making this for my next family get-together.
-
Cathy @ Noble Pig — Reply
I’m ready for football to start if this dip is in front of me!
-
katie lynn — Reply
On my chicken dip, i love taking corn flakes, crushing them and mixing with melted butter, place on bottom of dish and sprinkling the top.. soo good after baked yumm!!!
-
Joanne Ozug — Reply
Great idea Katie Lynn!
-
-
Billierae — Reply
I make this often, I use sharp cheddar and bottled blue cheese dressing instead of the mayo!
Love your blog, makes dinner easy and awesome! You make me look like a good cook!
Thanks-
Joanne Ozug — Reply
Oooo that sounds delicious! I love that idea. And I’m so glad to hear that you enjoy the recipes! Thank you for visiting =)
-
-
Marriah — Reply
I made this for my family and they all loved it! Even my dad, who hates spicy things, enjoyed it 🙂 Thanks for the recipe!
-
Joanne Ozug — Reply
YAY! That’s wonderful Marriah. Thanks for stopping by to let me know =)
-
-
cathy — Reply
I tried the Buffalo chicken dip this past Sunday and it was a huge hit with my hubby and the boys. My favorites are your Asian recipes though. I love your website and enjoy the blog immensely. I will keep trying your recipes and passing them on to friends.
-
Joanne Ozug — Reply
Hi Cathy, wonderful! I’m so glad that you all enjoyed it, and thank you so much for your super kind comments! Totally made my day <3
-
-
Tommy — Reply
Sounds amazing Joanne! I was at a friend’s dip party a few weeks ago (yes, my friends have parties dedicated to dips) and my friend brought a vegan buffalo dip, made with mashed up chickpeas. It was awesome — way more awesome than I expected. However, the meat-eater in me wants to tear thru a bowl of this RIGHT NOW. Great stuff.
-
Joanne Ozug — Reply
Dip party? That sounds awesome. I need to throw a dip party LOL. Ohhhh so it was like a buffalo hummus dip kind of? That sounds really interesting. I am definitely going to try that!
-
-
Maureen | org*smic Chef — Reply
I love this dish and I’ll be eating some before the weekend.
I’m older than dirt but I’ve never missed an “annual squeezing”. I wasn’t paying attention when God passed out boobs so I went through the line twice. If we don’t look after ourselves first we can’t look after anyone else.
-
Joanne Ozug — Reply
LOL! You are so funny Maureen! Thanks for stopping by =)
-
-
Bam's Kitchen — Reply
Breast Cancer does not only happen to women in their middle ages. One of my friends daughter, 16 year old, was just diagnosed last week. Please say a little prayer for her and her family.
I would have to double the recipe to keep enough on the table with my hungry teenage boys. This is a great dip for those football games and such. I will have to give this one a try. Take Care, BAM-
Joanne Ozug — Reply
Wow, that is just crazy. 16 years old…that is so devastating. I will keep her in my thoughts for sure.
-
-
suzanne Perazzini — Reply
I’ve never heard of this dish and it seems it was my loss. Looks so good. I agree about the mammograms – I do them regularly.
-
Dianne — Reply
Love your blog, I’ve been in the food field for over 30 years and I love the creativity of all of you young bloggers. My comment is to breast cancer, had it 15 years ago and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy (not that I have any) but I also wouldn’t go back and change a thing, it really has a way of putting things in perspective and truley slaps you in the face as to who and what is important in life. So ladies, get your mammograms, do your self checks catch things early if there is anything set your chin and say this will not take me down. I’ve also had 3 other cancers not related to the breast and I’m still here to enjoy my grandchildren, job and all that beautiful food.
-
Joanne Ozug — Reply
I am sorry to hear that you have battled through cancers, but I’m so happy that you are with us today. You must be a really tough woman!
-
-
Suzie — Reply
I have seen this around but, never tried it. Just because there was so much other food. It looks great and I must make this soon. I know my hubs (and myself) would really enjoy it. Thanks for sharing!
-
Erin — Reply
My husband loves this dip!
-
Cassie | Bake Your Day — Reply
My husband could live on buffalo chicken dip! We love this stuff like it’s our job. Love the post. And thanks for joining us this week!
-
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction — Reply
Love buffalo chicken dip! This would be devoured in no time at my house!
-
d — Reply
Frank’s is Buffalo Chicken!!! Yum!
-
Elizabeth — Reply
I LOVE Buffalo Chicken Dip! My bf can’t get enough of it so I make it for all the big Football games. I make mine a little differently…
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Ranch Dressing
1/2 cup Frank’s Buffalo Sauce (same great taste but just a little less spicey)
4 oz Cream Cheese
2 Chicken Breast ShreddedI like to boil my chicken with old bay seasoning to give it a little extra spice and seasoning. Then I shred it and add the chicken and everything else into a sauce pan until blended… then bake:)
-
Elizabeth — Reply
Also, I’m sure they are way more fattening than the Tostito Scoops but the dip is great with Frito Scoops.
-
Joanne Ozug — Reply
Lol, you have to go big or go home right? Oh, I bet the ranch is awesome with this!
-
-
-
Dawn — Reply
Love this stuff!
-
mallory @ totalnoms — Reply
I totally agree about Frank’s… it’s the only way to go! As they say… I put that $#!t on everything!!!! This looks amazing… I’m going to have to make this Sunday 🙂
