Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for game days, parties, or even a cozy night in? This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is the answer! It’s loaded with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and cheesy goodness—ready to be scooped up with your favorite chips or veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy Prep: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it do the work!
- Crowd Favorite: This creamy, spicy dip is always a hit at gatherings.
- Versatile: Serve it with chips, crackers, or celery sticks for a healthier option.
Perfect for Parties and Game Day
This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is one of those recipes that people can’t stop eating. I’ve served it at family gatherings, and game-day get-togethers, and it’s always a hit. The best part? It takes just a few minutes to prepare, then the slow cooker handles the rest. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just need a fun appetizer, this dip will save the day.
You will need the following ingredients:
Cooked chicken- Leftover chicken works great for this recipe. If you don’t have leftover chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or fully cooked grilled chicken strips.
Cream cheese- I used regular, full fat cream cheese. You could also use low-fat cream cheese. There is no need to soften the cream cheese for this recipe, but if you prefer you can do so to help speed up the cooking time just a little bit.
Cheese- Sharp Cheddar and Colby Jack cheese are what this recipe calls for. I prefer to shred my own cheese, as it tends to melt better. If you would like to use pre-shredded cheese, you will need 2 cups of each cheese variety.
Buffalo sauce- I used Frank’s RedHot Sauce, but any buffalo sauce will do. I also really love Primal Kitchen Medium Buffalo Sauce.
Ranch dressing- Use your favorite ranch dressing brand. I used Marzetti Simply Ranch and really love the flavor that it gives. Hidden Valley Ranch would be a great choice also.
Garnishes- I garnish this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip with sliced green onions and bleu cheese crumbles. If you’re not a fan of green onions or bleu cheese, feel free to leave these out as they are optional!
You will need the following supplies:
Spatula or Spoon – For stirring the ingredients together and spreading the dip evenly in the slow cooker.
Measuring Cups – To accurately measure out your buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and bleu cheese crumbles.
Cheese Grater – If you prefer to grate fresh cheddar and Colby jack cheese instead of using pre-shredded.
Cutting Board and Knife – For chopping or shredding the cooked chicken and slicing green onions for garnish.
Serving Dish – For transferring the dip to a serving dish, or you can serve it directly from the slow cooker for convenience.
Tongs or Ladle – For serving the dip onto plates or directly with dippers like chips or veggies.
How to Make Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Start by throwing your chopped or shredded cooked chicken, into the crock pot.
Add the cream cheese next.
I like to cut the cream cheese into cubes so it cooks quicker, but you don’t really have to do that if you prefer not to.
Next, add in the shredded cheese.
Pour the ranch dressing and buffalo sauce in.
Stir well to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
Finally, 10-15 minutes before serving, sprinkle in the bleu cheese crumbles. This will allow them to warm up a bit instead of having cold chunks in your dip.
Garnish with the thinly sliced green onions.
Serve with chips, crackers, or veggies! You’re options are endless with the yummy Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip!
F.A.Q’s About Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can substitute canned chicken for cooked chicken. Be sure to drain it well and shred it before adding it to the dip for the best texture.
What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice for buffalo sauce, but you can use any brand you prefer based on your heat tolerance. If you like it extra spicy, opt for a hotter buffalo sauce.
Can I use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of blue cheese, you can replace the ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing to enhance the flavor.
How do I make this dip spicier or more mild?
To make the dip spicier, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or use a hotter variety. I would add more in ¼ cup increments until I reached my desired spice level.
To make it milder, reduce the buffalo sauce and add a bit more ranch dressing or cream cheese to balance out the heat.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip mixture a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and then heat it in the slow cooker before serving. Just add about 30 more minutes to the cooking time if starting from chilled.
What’s the best way to make this dip without a slow cooker?
You can make this dip on the stovetop by combining all the ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. You can also bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken chopped or shredded
- 2 8 oz blocks cream cheese
- 1 8 oz block medium cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 8 oz block Colby Jack cheese shredded
- 1 1/2 cups buffalo sauce
- 2 cups ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup bleu cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
Instructions
- Start by shredding the cheese and cutting the cream cheese into cubes.
- To the crockpot, add in the chicken, cubed cream cheese, shredded cheese, ranch and buffalo sauce. Give the mixture a quick stir to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. Stir the dip occasionally while cooking.
- About 10-15 minutes before serving, stir the dip once more. Then, sprinkle the bleu cheese crumbles over the top. This will allow them to warm slightly.
- Garnish the dip with sliced green onions and serve.
This simple, spicy, and creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect party snack or game day appetizer. It’s a guaranteed hit, so make sure to save this recipe and try it out! Let me know in the comments if you loved it as much as we do!