Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate game day or party snack, combining shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and spicy buffalo sauce all melted together in one easy slow cooker. It’s warm, cheesy, with a nice kick of heat that buffalo wing lovers will instantly recognize. The slow cooker makes it super simple to prepare, and it’s perfect for keeping warm while guests nibble throughout the day.
I love making this dip because it’s such a crowd-pleaser and takes almost no effort. Just toss the ingredients into the crock pot, turn it on, and let the flavors mingle and get melty. I usually use rotisserie chicken to save time, and it still tastes like you spent hours cooking it from scratch. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that gets better the longer it cooks, so it’s great for potlucks or family gatherings where people graze over time.
My favorite way to serve this dip is with crunchy celery sticks and sturdy tortilla chips for dipping. It’s also great spooned onto toasted baguette slices or used as a filling for sandwiches. Whenever I bring it to parties, it disappears fast, and I can’t blame anyone—it’s creamy, spicy, and downright addictive. If you like buffalo wings but want something a little easier to share, this dip is a must-make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut—tender and flavorful. You can also boil chicken breasts if you prefer homemade or want a leaner option.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy texture. If you want a lighter dip, try using Neufchâtel cheese or a reduced-fat cream cheese.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic, but any buffalo-style hot sauce works. For less heat, mix half buffalo sauce with half BBQ sauce.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds cool creaminess that balances the spice. Greek yogurt mixed with some dried herbs can be a healthier swap.
Cheddar & Blue Cheese: Cheddar adds a smooth, melty quality. Blue cheese gives a punchy flavor—feel free to skip if you’re not a fan or want a milder taste.
How Can I Make Sure the Dip Stays Creamy and Doesn’t Separate?
Slow cookers heat gently but unevenly, so stirring helps. Here’s how to keep the dip silky smooth:
- Soften cream cheese before adding—it blends easier with the other ingredients.
- Stir the dip every 30-45 minutes during cooking to mix melted cheese and sauce well.
- Avoid high heat for too long, or the dip may separate. Low heat for a longer time works best.
- If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk or ranch dressing to loosen the texture.
Following these tips will keep your Buffalo Chicken Dip creamy and delicious the whole time it’s out for guests!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock Pot or Slow Cooker – I like it because it keeps the dip warm and ready to serve without fuss.
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula – makes stirring the ingredients easy and keeps everything well combined.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – helpful to measure ingredients accurately, especially the sauces and dressings.
- Serving Spoon – a large spoon for scooping up the dip and dividing it onto plates or chips.
- Optional Garnish Tools (like a chopper or grater) – for chopping herbs or grating extra cheese for topping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked turkey or even shredded cooked pork—different meats make it fun to try new flavors.
- Use pepper jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar for a different cheesy taste or a milder flavor.
- Add cooked chopped bacon or sautéed peppers for extra texture and flavor.
- Mix in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you want it extra spicy or smoky paprika for a different kick.
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breast)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or green onion (for garnish, optional)
- Celery sticks and tortilla chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then 2 to 3 hours to cook on low in the crock pot (or 1 to 1.5 hours on high). It’s perfect for setting up ahead so it’s warm and ready by party time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crock Pot:
Spray the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent the dip from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In the crock pot, add the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything well until it’s mostly combined and the cream cheese starts to melt into the mixture.
3. Cook the Dip:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every so often to blend the flavors and keep it smooth. If you’re short on time, use high heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Blue Cheese and Garnish:
Once the dip is hot and melted, stir in the crumbled blue cheese if using. Let it cook for another 5 minutes so the blue cheese flavors warm through. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley or green onions on top if you like.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the dip warm right from the crock pot alongside celery sticks and tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy the creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness perfect for any party or game day!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before adding it to the crock pot. Thaw overnight in the fridge or quick-thaw in cold water sealed in a bag. This helps ensure even cooking and a better texture.
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix all the ingredients together and store the dip in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it. Add a little extra ranch or buffalo sauce if it thickens too much before cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the crock pot on low or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Serve With Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Classic dippers include celery sticks, carrot sticks, and sturdy tortilla chips. You can also try toasted baguette slices or pita chips—anything that holds up to the creamy, spicy dip!