There’s something so cozy and irresistible about a warm, cheesy dip bubbling away in a crockpot, isn’t there? This Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe hits that mark perfectly — creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that always brings everyone to the table, no questions asked.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly can’t get enough of this Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe because it’s so effortlessly delicious and perfect for gatherings. I love throwing it together before guests arrive and watching it work its magic while I’m free to catch up with friends.
- Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, letting you relax instead of hover.
- Perfect balance: The tang of hot sauce blends beautifully with creamy cheese and spices.
- Customizable spice: You control the heat by choosing your favorite buffalo sauce.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a cozy night, this dip satisfies every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe plays a crucial role. The hot sauce brings the signature tang and heat, sour cream adds creaminess, and the ranch seasoning amps up the flavor. Combining several cheeses forms a rich, melty texture that’s downright addictive.
- Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce: Choose this exact sauce for authentic tangy heat; avoid traditional or original versions as they’re milder.
- Sour cream: Full-fat works best here to keep the dip smooth and creamy.
- Ranch seasoning mix: Adds a herby, savory punch that balances the spiciness.
- Chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder: These spices deepen the flavor, giving it a smoky, savory dimension.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes life so easy and juicy for this dip.
- Blue cheese crumbles: Just enough to get that classic bite and creaminess but not overpower the dip.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives the dip that rich, cheesy flavor with great melt.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, helping with texture and gooeyness.
- Cream cheese: Cubed into pieces to melt slowly in the crockpot, making the whole dip luscious without extra work.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love most about this Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your own taste or dietary needs — it’s a recipe canvas waiting for your spin.
- Variation: Sometimes, I swap out blue cheese for extra ranch seasoning if I know some guests aren’t fans, and it’s just as tasty.
- Heat level: You can dial down the spice by blending in milder hot sauce or more sour cream.
- Protein swap: Shredded rotisserie turkey works wonders after holiday feasts for another twist.
- Dairy-free option: Using dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar-style cheese alternatives still gives a creamy dip but with a different texture.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot and Mix Flavors
I always start by spraying the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray—that way, nothing sticks later, and cleanup is a breeze. Then, I whisk together the buffalo sauce, full-fat sour cream, ranch seasoning, and all those fragrant spices right in the crockpot. It’s the foundation of flavor, so take a moment to taste that blend—adjusting if you want a little more kick.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Cheeses
Next up, stir in the shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, one cup of cheddar, and a third cup of mozzarella into the spicy creamy sauce. At this point, the dip is already looking and smelling incredible—just wait.
Step 3: Cream Cheese Magic
Here’s a little trick I've picked up: microwave those cubed cream cheese pieces for about 25 seconds just to soften them up before placing them on top of the mixture without stirring. This slow-melting method makes for a silky smooth dip and helps to avoid clumpy pockets of cream cheese. Don’t stir in yet—trust me on this.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for an hour, then give everything a good stir. For newer, larger crockpots, your dip might be ready to enjoy at this point. Older or smaller ones may need another hour to an hour and a half, with occasional stirs to encourage even melting and mixing—keep an eye, but don’t rush!
Step 5: Cheese Topping Finish
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top, cover again, and cook for an additional 20 minutes. By now, you’ll have a beautifully melted, bubbly, golden-topped dip that’s ready for its moment in the spotlight.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn the crockpot heat to low or warm to keep the dip cozy while serving. Top with chopped green onions and a few extra blue cheese crumbles if you’re feeling fancy. Serve alongside your favorite chips, crunchy veggies, or warm crostini—and watch everyone dig in happily.
Top Tip
Having made this Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really up the flavor and texture game while keeping it simple.
- Softening Cream Cheese: Microwaving the cream cheese cubes briefly before adding them lets them melt evenly without clumps, creating a dreamy smooth texture.
- Timing Your Stir: Stir only after an hour of cooking to avoid breaking down the chicken too much and keep the dip chunky and satisfying.
- Choosing Your Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce is the gold standard here, so don’t substitute with milder types unless you want less heat.
- Keeping Warm: After cooking, use the crockpot’s warm setting to keep the dip perfect for parties without drying it out.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle chopped green onions and extra blue cheese crumbles on top – it adds a little freshness and a tangy pop. Sometimes, I toss on a few cilantro leaves when I’m feeling adventurous; it brightens things up beautifully. These simple touches elevate the dip in both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs perfectly with sturdy dippers like crunchy celery sticks, colorful bell pepper slices, and carrot sticks to balance the richness. I also love serving it alongside thick-cut tortilla chips, buttery crostini, or crunchy pretzels for a satisfying bite every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this dip carved out in a hollowed bread bowl — it’s dramatic and delicious. You can also layer it with extra cheese on top in a cast-iron skillet and broil briefly for a tantalizing, golden crust that guests go wild for. Presentation helps make the experience feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It thickens as it cools, so before serving again, I add a splash of milk or broth and reheat gently to bring back that luscious creamy texture.
Freezing
This dip freezes surprisingly well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and bake from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture holds up nicely, though a gentle stir and warm reheating will restore any separation.
Reheating
I reheat buffalo chicken dip slowly in the microwave or stovetop, stirring often to keep everything blended and smooth. Using low heat preserves the flavors and prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery or greasy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s tender, flavorful, and requires zero prep. You can also use leftovers or poached chicken—just shred before adding to the dip.
Absolutely! The heat level depends entirely on the buffalo sauce you use. For more heat, choose a hotter sauce or add cayenne pepper. For milder versions, mix in additional sour cream or opt for a milder hot sauce.
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts 3 to 4 days. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.
Yes! You can assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, just start the cooking process as directed for a freshly made dip later in the day.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s the ultimate easy, crowd-friendly comfort food that never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it fills your home with that warm, irresistible aroma that brings everyone together. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to dip for every occasion!
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Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy appetizer perfect for game days or parties. Made with shredded chicken, Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of cheeses and spices, this dip is slow-cooked to melty perfection and served with chips or veggies for dipping.
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, etc.
Instructions
- Prep Crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, whisk together Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings sauce, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir in the shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and ⅓ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Add Cream Cheese: Microwave the cubed cream cheese on a plate for 25 seconds to soften it slightly. Evenly distribute the softened cream cheese cubes over the top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot, but do not stir them in yet.
- Cook the Stir: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 1 hour. After 1 hour, stir all ingredients together thoroughly to combine the cream cheese and blend flavors.
- Cook Until Melted: Continue cooking on low for an additional 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally. This extra time allows the cheeses to melt completely and the dip to become hot and bubbly. Adjust cooking times depending on your crockpot's size and age.
- Top with Cheeses: Evenly sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup cheddar cheese and ⅓ cup mozzarella cheese on top of the dip. Cover and cook on low for 20 more minutes, or until the cheese topping has melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Keep the dip warm on low while serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve with chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, or fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery sticks, and bell peppers for dipping.
Notes
- Use full-fat dairy products for the creamiest and richest dip.
- Shred leftover cooked chicken or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- If you don’t have a crockpot, this dip can be made in a low oven-safe dish at 325°F for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring halfway through.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to make the dip milder or spicier according to your preference.
- For a thicker dip, reduce sour cream slightly or add more cream cheese.
- Serve with a variety of dipping options to accommodate different tastes and dietary restrictions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
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