Looking for the ultimate game day snack? This buffalo chicken dip crockpot recipe is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spicy. Easy to make with pantry staples and a slow cooker, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll make again and again.
If you’ve ever hosted a party or gathered with friends for game day, you know snacks can make or break the atmosphere. One of my all-time favorites is buffalo chicken dip crockpot style. It’s warm, comforting, and loaded with flavor. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced with Buffalo wing sauce.
If you love Buffalo flavors, you might also enjoy my buffalo chicken and rice casserole, which is just as comforting but baked into a hearty family meal.
The beauty of this dip is its simplicity. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the hard work while you enjoy your guests. By the time you’re ready to serve, the dip is hot, melty, and impossible to resist.
I’ve made this recipe countless times for family get-togethers, backyard parties, and even as a simple weekend treat. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started.
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture that make the dip irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Canned Chunk Chicken (12.5 oz, drained):
Using canned chicken keeps things quick and easy. Swanson brand is my go-to because it’s consistently tender and flavorful. - Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened):
The base of our dip. Cream cheese gives that creamy, rich texture that holds everything together. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing. - Colby Jack Cheese (4 oz, shredded):
A perfect balance of mild and slightly sharp flavors. Colby Jack melts beautifully, giving the dip that gooey, cheesy stretch everyone loves. - Buffalo Wing Sauce (½ cup, or more for extra heat):
The star of the show! I love using Sweet Baby Ray’s or Frank’s Wing Sauce. They bring just the right amount of tang and spice. - Ranch Dressing (½ cup):
Ranch balances the spice with cool creaminess. It also adds that familiar flavor that makes Buffalo dip such a favorite. - Dippers:
Tortilla chips, crunchy carrots, and crisp celery sticks are classic pairings. They bring the perfect crunch to contrast the creamy dip.
Each ingredient works in harmony, creating a dip that’s rich, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy.
Additional Ingredients and Substitutes
One of the best parts about making buffalo chicken dip crockpot style is that it’s flexible. If you’re missing something or want to switch things up, here are some great options:
- Chicken Options: Instead of canned chicken, use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. The flavor deepens, and the texture is heartier. This same trick works beautifully in dishes like my buffalo wild wings chicken pasta, where tender chicken soaks up bold flavors.
- Cheese Swaps: Don’t have Colby Jack? Try mozzarella for a milder flavor or sharp cheddar for a stronger bite.
- Dressing Choices: Not a fan of ranch? Blue cheese dressing is a classic Buffalo pairing and adds a bold, tangy twist.
- Extra Heat: Add diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or cayenne pepper if you love things fiery.
- Toppings: Sprinkle green onions or crumbled blue cheese on top for a garnish that looks beautiful and tastes even better.
These little tweaks let you make the recipe truly your own while keeping that signature Buffalo chicken dip flavor everyone craves.
Expert Tips for Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Success
Want to make your dip not just good, but absolutely unforgettable? Here are my tried-and-true tips for perfecting your buffalo chicken dip crockpot every single time:
- Soften Your Cream Cheese First: Cold cream cheese is hard to mix and can leave lumps in your dip. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Mix Before Heating: Combine the chicken, cream cheese, ranch, and wing sauce together before turning on the crockpot. This ensures every bite is flavorful and creamy.
- Stir Occasionally: If you’re around, give the dip a quick stir once or twice while it’s cooking. This keeps the cheese from sticking to the sides and helps everything melt evenly.
- Choose the Right Heat Setting:
- On low, cook for 2–3 hours.
- On high, cook for 1–1.5 hours.
Going too long can cause the dip to separate, so don’t overcook.
- Add Cheese at the End: Stir in shredded Colby Jack during the last 20 minutes. It melts smoothly and prevents clumping.
- Serving Tip: Keep your crockpot on the “warm” setting while serving. This keeps the dip hot and gooey without overcooking it.
- Make it Ahead: You can mix everything together the night before and refrigerate. Just pop it in the crockpot when you’re ready. Add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be starting cold. I use the same prep-ahead method when making slow cooker arroz con pollo, and it saves so much time on busy nights.
- Double the Recipe for Parties: Trust me, this dip disappears fast! If you’re hosting more than a few guests, go ahead and double the ingredients. Use a larger crockpot or split into two smaller ones.
By following these tips, you’ll have a dip that’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this dip couldn’t be easier. Here’s a clear breakdown so you can follow along:
- Prepare the Crockpot
Lightly spray the inside with non-stick cooking spray. This makes cleanup much easier later. - Combine the Ingredients
Add drained chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and Buffalo wing sauce to the crockpot. Stir until everything is blended together. - Cook
Set your crockpot on low for 2–3 hours or high for 1–1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to make sure the mixture heats evenly. - Add Cheese
Stir in shredded Colby Jack cheese during the last 20 minutes of cooking. Let it melt completely before serving. - Serve
Switch the crockpot to warm. Serve the dip hot with tortilla chips, carrots, and celery sticks.
Additional Guide: Variations and Serving Ideas
Want to give your buffalo chicken dip crockpot recipe a personal twist? Here are some creative variations:
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Spread the dip on slider buns and top with lettuce for quick sandwiches.
- Loaded Nachos: Spoon the dip over tortilla chips and add jalapeños, tomatoes, and sour cream.
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill mini bell peppers with the dip for a fun finger food.
- Buffalo Mac and Cheese: Stir leftover dip into cooked macaroni for a creamy, spicy pasta dish. Or, turn up the flavor by pairing it with rice-based meals like my buffalo chicken dynamite rice.
- Healthier Option: Use light cream cheese, low-fat ranch, and whole wheat crackers for dipping.
These little tweaks let you serve the dip in exciting new ways, keeping things fresh and fun for every occasion.
FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe
How do you make crockpot buffalo chicken dip?
Making crockpot buffalo chicken dip is super simple. Just toss in shredded chicken, cream cheese, Colby Jack cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Give it a quick stir, then let the slow cooker do the magic on LOW for about 2 hours. Once it’s hot, creamy, and bubbly, stir again and serve it warm with chips, celery, or carrots. That’s it, no fuss, no stress!
Can I make buffalo chicken dip crockpot style without canned chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken both work beautifully.
What’s the best dipping option besides chips?
Carrot sticks, celery sticks, and even pretzel bites pair wonderfully with this creamy dip.
Can you leave buffalo chicken dip in the crockpot overnight?
It’s best not to leave buffalo chicken dip in the crockpot overnight for food safety reasons. Even on the “warm” setting, bacteria can grow if it sits out too long. If you’ve got leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge once everyone’s done snacking. The dip reheats beautifully the next day, just pop it back in the crockpot or microwave until warm and melty.
Conclusion
There you have it, my favorite buffalo chicken dip crockpot recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and just downright comforting. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family gathering, or just craving something delicious on a cozy night in, this dip never disappoints.
I’ve shared all my tips, tricks, and variations so you can make it your own. But here’s the truth: no matter how you tweak it, this dip is always a winner.
So grab your crockpot, gather the ingredients, and get ready to wow your family and friends. And if chicken and rice is more your style, don’t miss classics like paprika chicken and rice bake or the ultra-comforting stick of butter chicken and rice.
From my Florida kitchen to yours, happy cooking and happy dipping!
Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 12.5 oz chunk chicken breast drained, Swanson brand recommended
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 4 oz Colby Jack cheese finely shredded
- 1/2 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce Sweet Baby Ray’s or Frank’s Wing Sauce recommended
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
For Dipping
- tortilla chips
- carrots cut into sticks
- celery cut into sticks
Instructions
- Place the chicken, cream cheese, Colby Jack cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing into the crockpot.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours or until hot and bubbly.
- Stir before serving and keep warm in the crockpot for parties or gatherings.
- Serve with tortilla chips, carrots, and celery sticks for dipping.