Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe is the ultimate cozy crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your guests with smiles. It’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy—the kind of dish that makes game day, parties, or even a casual night in feel special and hassle-free.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe has become a staple in my home for a good reason. It combines bold flavors with effortless cooking—just set it and forget it. Honestly, the rich blend of creamy cheeses with that smoky Buffalo heat keeps everyone coming back for more, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to customize.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic while you relax or prep other dishes.
- Perfect Party Food: This dip feeds a crowd, making it ideal for game days, family get-togethers, or casual hangouts.
- Rich & Flavorful: The mix of blue cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese brings creamy depth with just the right kick from the hot sauce and spices.
- Flexible & Customizable: Whether you like it extra spicy, loaded with veggies, or dairy-free, this recipe takes changes in stride.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe plays a specific role to build layers of flavor and texture. The combination of rich cheeses with tangy hot sauce and savory ranch seasoning creates a crave-worthy dip that’s hard to beat. Here’s what each brings to the party:
- Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce: This is the heart of the dip’s flavor—make sure to use the classic Buffalo style, not original or traditional, to keep that proper spicy tang.
- Full Fat Sour Cream: Adds creamy tanginess and smoothness, balancing the heat perfectly.
- Dry Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix: Brings that familiar herby, zesty note that pairs brilliantly with Buffalo flavors.
- Spices (chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt): These round out the dip with smoky, savory depth and a hint of warmth.
- Cooked, Shredded Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken here for ease—it’s tender, flavorful, and makes prep a breeze.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: Throws in a tangy, sharp bite that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.
- Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty richness and a bit of bite, crucial for that classic dip texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Offers gooey stretchiness and mild flavor to balance sharper cheeses.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to ultra-rich, velvety results—you soften it slightly before adding for perfect melting.
Make It Your Way
I’m a big fan of adding a little extra heat sometimes by stirring in an extra splash of hot sauce mid-cook, but the great thing about this Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe is how you can adjust it perfectly to your taste or dietary needs.
- Variation: For a smoky twist, I’ve tossed in a dash more smoked paprika or even a touch of chipotle powder—adds a nice depth without overwhelming the classic Buffalo flavor.
- Dairy-Free Tip: Swap the cheeses for dairy-free versions and use a vegan cream cheese to make a plant-based version that’s still creamy and spicy.
- Make it Milder: If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of Buffalo sauce and add more sour cream or cream cheese to soften the punch.
- Add Veggies: Dicing celery or bell peppers into the dip after cooking gives a delightful crunch and freshness, perfect for balancing richness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot & Mix the Base
Start by spraying your crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking or burning later on; this little step saves cleanup headaches. Then whisk together the Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, full-fat sour cream, dry ranch seasoning, and all your spices right in the crockpot. Once smooth and evenly mixed, fold in the shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, plus one cup of shredded cheddar and a third cup of mozzarella cheese. This creates the base layer full of flavor and cheesy goodness ready to bubble.
Step 2: Soften and Add Cream Cheese Without Stirring
Pop the cubed cream cheese into the microwave for about 25 seconds—just long enough to soften but not fully melt. Distribute those cubes evenly over the chicken mixture in the crockpot without stirring them in. This small technique really helps ensure the cream cheese melts into creamy pockets rather than clumping, resulting in a smoother overall dip texture.
Step 3: Cooking & Stirring to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for around 1 hour. At this point, give it a good stir to evenly meld all those melty cheeses and spices together. Depending on your crockpot’s age and size, you might need to cook an additional 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring every so often, until everything is hot and the cheeses are fully melted and smooth.
Step 4: Finish with Extra Cheese & Serve
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top, cover again, and let it melt for about 20 minutes on low heat. Before serving, I like to turn the heat to warm so it stays gooey and ready to dip into. Garnish with chopped green onions and extra blue cheese crumbles if you love that bold punch. Then grab some chips, pretzels, or veggie sticks and dig in!
Top Tip
From my experience making this Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe many times, a few tricks make all the difference between a good dip and a memorable one. Take it slow, let everything melt naturally, and don't rush the stirring.
- Spray the Crockpot: Prevent sticking and burning by giving the insert a good coat of nonstick spray right from the start.
- Don’t Over-Microwave Cream Cheese: Softening just enough is key—too melted and it loses that creamy texture in pockets throughout the dip.
- Stir Gently and Occasionally: Stir after the initial hour and every half hour if needed. It keeps cheeses melting evenly and prevents separation.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds extra flavor without any fuss—great for busy days!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe
Garnishes
I swear by topping this dip with plenty of chopped green onions for color and fresh bite, plus extra crumbled blue cheese for that signature tanginess that melts into creamy bursts with each bite. Sometimes I toss on a few fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of herbal brightness—totally optional but delightful.
Side Dishes
Chips like sturdy pita, classic tortilla, or kettle-cooked varieties are my go-tos, but who can resist pretzels? For a healthier spin, I love crisp veggies—carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips add crunch and balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I sometimes serve the dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl or a mini crockpot at each table for a cozy touch. If you want to make it a centerpiece, layering in a glass serving dish lets guests see the melty cheeses invitingly on top. Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra hot sauce right before serving amps up the visual appeal and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dip thickens a bit as it cools, so before serving again, I usually add a splash of milk or extra sour cream to loosen it up while reheating—it makes everything creamy and fresh again.
Freezing
This buffalo chicken dip freezes well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you're ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove or in the crockpot with a little extra cheese or cream to revive that creamy texture.
Reheating
Slow and steady wins here—reheat the dip in a crockpot on low or in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorch and to encourage smooth, melty cheese. Adding a splash of milk or sour cream helps refresh the creaminess if the dip feels too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I recommend sticking to Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce (the Buffalo style, not the original or traditional) because it has the perfect flavor balance for this dip. Other hot sauces tend to be either too vinegary or too sweet, which changes the classic Buffalo flavor profile you want.
The Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe typically cooks on low for about 2 to 2 ½ hours. Start with one hour of cooking, then stir and check. Depending on your crockpot, it might need an additional one to one and a half hours to fully melt the cheeses and blend the flavors.
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients and combine everything in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you're ready, just cook it on low as directed. It’s a great way to save time on busy days or before a party.
Serve it with classic dippers like tortilla chips, pretzels, or crostini. For a healthier option, serve alongside fresh veggies such as celery sticks, carrot sticks, and sliced bell peppers to balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to bring people together with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s warm, comforting, and endlessly versatile—plus, it sparks the kind of casual joy that makes hosting or relaxing at home feel just a bit more special. Give it a try and I bet it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too. Trust me, your guests (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This creamy, cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for game day or parties. Combining shredded chicken, bold Buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and three cheeses, slow-cooked in a crockpot until hot and melty, it’s a crowd-pleaser served with chips, crackers, and veggies.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ⅔ cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, NOT original/traditional
- ¾ cup full fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound (4 packed cups) cooked and shredded chicken (about 1 large rotisserie)
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 ⅓ packed cups finely shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ⅔ packed cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, cubed into 12 pieces
For Serving
- Green onions
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Cilantro or parsley
- Chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, veggies (carrots, celery sticks, bell peppers)
Instructions
- Prep Crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine: In the crockpot, whisk together the Buffalo sauce, sour cream, ranch seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir in the shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Add Cream Cheese: Microwave the cubed cream cheese on a plate for 25 seconds to soften, then evenly distribute the cubes over the chicken mixture without stirring them in.
- Cook the Stir: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 1 hour. After this time, stir all ingredients together thoroughly.
- Cook Until Melted: Continue cooking on low for an additional 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the cheeses are melted and the dip is hot throughout. Newer or larger crockpots may need less time.
- Top with Cheeses: Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup cheddar cheese and ⅓ cup mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Cover and cook on low for 20 minutes more, until the cheese topping is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Keep the dip warm on low heat while serving. Garnish with sliced green onions, additional blue cheese crumbles, and fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve with chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, and fresh vegetable sticks.
Notes
- Use a rotisserie chicken for convenient pre-cooked shredded chicken.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Buffalo sauce slightly.
- Softening cream cheese before adding helps it melt evenly without clumps.
- Stir the dip occasionally during cooking to ensure even melting and prevent burning on the sides.
- For a thicker dip, use full-fat sour cream and full-fat cheeses as recommended.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure that chips or crackers served alongside are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/16 recipe
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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