Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe is the ultimate game day treat that melts together spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors in the best way possible. It’s seriously one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again because it’s so easy and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about letting your crockpot do all the work for you. I adore this Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe because it’s fuss-free but delivers big on flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion when you want warm, gooey, spicy dip that gets everyone grabbing for more.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it in the crockpot—you’ll have warm buffalo dip without hovering over the stove.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combo of Frank’s RedHot, ranch seasoning, and spices gives it a kick without overpowering the creamy cheese.
- Great Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, no party is complete without this dip making an appearance.
- Flexible to Customize: You can easily add your own twist or swap cheeses to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this buffalo chicken dip plays its part. The hot sauce provides that signature heat, the sour cream and cream cheese bring luscious creaminess, and the cheeses add sharpness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Here’s why I love these particular ingredients and some tips to get the best results:
- Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce: This is my go-to buffalo sauce because of its tangy, spicy punch—make sure to avoid the original or traditional types for best flavor.
- Sour Cream: Full fat is key here for richness and that perfect tanginess.
- Dry Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix: Adds herbs and a touch of savoriness that complements the buffalo flavor beautifully.
- Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt: These spices deepen the flavor and add just the right warmth without overwhelming the dip.
- Cooked and Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my shortcut for effortless prep and tender texture.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: If you love that bold funkiness, blue cheese adds a stellar contrast to the heat.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly and brings a nice depth.
- Mozzarella Cheese: This mild, melty cheese ensures the dip isn’t too sharp and adds extra gooeyness.
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Cubed cream cheese melts slowly to bind everything into creamy perfection.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this recipe depending on the occasion or who I’m feeding. It’s a super forgiving recipe that adapts well to your favorite flavors or what you have on hand—don’t be shy to make it your own!
- Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is swapping blue cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you prefer a milder, creamier dip without that tangy punch.
- For Extra Heat: Stir in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne—just enough to make you smile but not turn breathless.
- Dairy-Free Option: Try swapping sour cream and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use a dairy-free shredded cheese blend. I’ve done this and it’s surprisingly tasty.
- Make It Chunky: Add finely diced celery or carrots into the dip before cooking for a little crunch and freshness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot and Mix Saucy Goodness
Start by giving your crockpot insert a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. This saves you the grief of scrubbing later on. Then whisk together the Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, full-fat sour cream, dry ranch dressing seasoning, plus the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This mixture is the flavor base that makes this dip irresistible.
Step 2: Stir In Chicken, Cheeses, and Blue Cheese Crumbles
Next, you’ll fold in the cooked and shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, and ⅓ cup of mozzarella. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little chunky—that’s how it should be. The cheese melts beautifully once it’s all cooked together.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese Cubes
Microwave your cubed cream cheese on a plate for about 25 seconds until it softens just a bit. Then, place the cubes evenly on top of the dip mixture in the crockpot, but don’t stir them in yet.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow, then Stir
Cover and cook on low for 1 hour. After that, give everything a good stir to fully incorporate the cream cheese and combine all ingredients. Depending on your crockpot’s age and size, you might want to keep cooking it for another hour to an hour and a half, stirring occasionally until everything is melted and hot.
Step 5: Top Off with More Cheese and Finish Cooking
Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of cheddar and ⅓ cup of mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover and cook on low for 20 more minutes until the cheese melts and forms that perfect golden layer.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot
Turn the crockpot heat to low or warm to keep this dip cozy while you serve. Scatter chopped green onions and extra blue cheese crumbles on top for that pop of color and sharp flavor. Serve it with chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, or fresh veggies like carrots and celery sticks.
Top Tip
From my experience making this dip many times, a few small tricks really improve the result and save you hassle. These handy tips make this recipe straightforward and foolproof—even if it’s your first time using a crockpot for such a dish.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s tender, flavorful, and eliminates the step of cooking the chicken yourself.
- Don’t Overstir Early: Add the cream cheese cubes on top first and let them melt slowly; stirring too soon can break the texture.
- Adjust Spice Level Gradually: Start with Frank’s RedHot and a dash of chili powder, then add more heat after tasting if needed.
- Choose Your Crockpot Size Wisely: A larger crockpot heats more evenly, so you avoid hot spots and the cheese melting inconsistently.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe
Garnishes
I always top my dip with green onions because their fresh crunch contrasts beautifully with the richness. Crumbled blue cheese adds bursts of tang that a lot of guests adore, but if you want a milder touch, chopped fresh parsley or cilantro works as a lovely, vibrant alternative.
Side Dishes
Buffalo chicken dip pairs so well with crunchy veggies—carrots, celery sticks, and bell pepper strips bring freshness. For something heartier, I serve it with sturdy chips, crostini, or pretzel twists to scoop up every cheesy bite. I’ve even had it alongside soft bread rolls for a more filling bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to use a bread bowl as a fun casserole-style presentation. Hollow out a round sourdough loaf, scoop the dip inside, and serve the bread chunks beside it. It’s eye-catching and makes for easy snacking. Another favorite is layering the dip in small ramekins for individual servings at a casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you reheat, do it gently to keep that creamy texture—microwaving in short bursts and stirring in between works well.
Freezing
This crockpot buffalo chicken dip freezes beautifully! I pack it into freezer-safe containers and keep it for up to 3 months. When thawing, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then slowly reheat on the stovetop or microwave. The texture stays great, and the flavors deepen even more.
Reheating
Reheat slowly on low heat either in a pot over the stove or microwave at medium power, stirring often. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk or cream helps loosen it back to that perfect dip consistency without losing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can cook and shred your own chicken breast or thighs. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and shredded before adding to the crockpot. Rotisserie chicken just saves time and adds extra flavor.
No worries! You can omit the blue cheese or substitute it with more cheddar or mozzarella. Some people also like to replace it with a milder cheese like Monterey Jack.
Yes! This recipe is very adaptable. To make it spicier, add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce amount and skip any additional spicy peppers.
Serving in the crockpot itself is cozy and keeps the dip warm. Pair it with a variety of dippers like crackers, fresh veggies, crostini, and pretzels. You can also serve it in mini ramekins or a bread bowl for a creative touch.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe is one of those easy, soulful dishes that’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe box—I know it’s become mine! Its creamy, spicy goodness keeps guests coming back and makes any gathering feel a little warmer and more fun. I can’t recommend trying this one enough, whether it’s for a last-minute party or a cozy night in. Give it a go, and I bet you’ll be hooked just like I am.
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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
Description
This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy appetizer perfect for game day or parties. Made with tender shredded chicken, Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and a blend of cheeses, this dip is slow-cooked to perfection and served warm with chips, crackers, or 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, etc.
Instructions
- Prep Crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, whisk together the Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce, sour cream, ranch seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and ⅓ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly into the sauce mixture.
- Add Cream Cheese: Microwave the cubed cream cheese for 25 seconds on a plate to soften it slightly, then distribute the cubes evenly over the chicken mixture in the crockpot without stirring them in.
- Cook and Stir: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 1 hour. After 1 hour, stir the mixture well to combine the softened cream cheese throughout the dip.
- Cook Until Melted: Continue cooking on low for an additional 1 to 1 ½ hours if needed, stirring occasionally. This allows all the cheeses to melt and the dip to become hot and creamy. Larger, newer crockpots may be done at 1 hour, while older or smaller models may require the extra time.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ⅓ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dip. Cover and cook on low for another 20 minutes or until the cheese topping has melted completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Keep the dip warm on low or warm setting while serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, additional blue cheese crumbles, and cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve with chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, or fresh vegetables like carrots, celery sticks, and bell peppers.
Notes
- For extra heat, use more Frank’s RedHot Buffalo wing sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a milder dip, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or omit the chili powder.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly, but leftover cooked chicken or even cooked turkey can be substituted.
- Use full-fat cheeses and cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent burning, especially with older crockpots.
- Serve immediately after cooking for best taste, but this dip can be kept warm on a low setting for up to 2 hours.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a microwave or crockpot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/16 of recipe
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
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