When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Crock Pot reigns supreme. This creamy, spicy dip captures everything we love about buffalo wings—minus the mess—making it perfect for game days, parties, or casual family nights. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, this slow cooker buffalo dip offers irresistible flavor with cheesy, tangy, and savory notes in every bite.
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Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Buffalo Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Crock Pot isn’t just easy—it’s unforgettable. From its rich, cheesy texture to its spicy kick, this dish delivers flavor without the fuss of frying wings. It’s a low-effort, high-impact recipe that turns basic ingredients into a warm, crave-worthy dip everyone will be asking for again.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work—just mix, set, and forget.
- Flavor-Packed: Cream cheese and cheddar create the perfect creamy base, while ranch and buffalo sauce deliver that tangy, spicy edge.
- Perfect for Sharing: Serve it with veggies, chips, crackers, or bread—ideal for potlucks or family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cooked Chicken: The heart of the dip, offering a meaty bite and protein. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- Cream Cheese: Provides richness and a velvety texture that melts into every scoop.
- Buffalo Sauce: Brings that iconic heat and tangy depth; smoother and richer than regular hot sauce.
- Ranch Dressing: Adds a creamy, herby flavor that balances the spice perfectly.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and extra gooey goodness. A must for texture and bold taste.
- Green Onions (Garnish): Offer a mild, fresh onion flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Carrot & Celery Sticks, Tortilla Chips (For Serving): Crunchy sides that complement the creamy, spicy dip.
Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Alternatives
If you’re short on an ingredient or need to accommodate dietary needs, try these variations:
- Greek Yogurt for Ranch: Use plain Greek yogurt with herbs and garlic for a tangy, high-protein swap.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: For a funkier, bolder flavor instead of ranch.
- Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese: If you want a milder or spicier cheese blend.
- Vegan Cream Cheese & Chicken: To make a dairy-free and plant-based version of Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Crock Pot.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Crock Pot
- Combine Ingredients: Add shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese to your Crock Pot. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set to LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1–2 hours. Stir every 30 minutes to ensure even melting and prevent burning.
- Finish with Cheese: Once the cream cheese is fully melted and everything is blended, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover again and cook until the top layer of cheese melts.
- Serve Warm: Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve directly from the Crock Pot alongside tortilla chips, carrots, celery sticks, or crackers.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Don’t Substitute Buffalo Sauce: Hot sauce lacks the creamy, buttery depth of true buffalo sauce. Stick with authentic buffalo sauce for that signature flavor.
- Double the Batch for a Crowd: This dip goes fast—especially during events. Doubling it ensures no one misses out.
- Mix Up Textures: Serve with both soft breadsticks and crunchy chips to keep things interesting.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a small pot on low heat.
Pair It Like a Pro: What Goes With Buffalo Chicken Dip
Complement your Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Crock Pot with these delicious pairings and variations:
- Side Ideas: Try it with beer bread, soft pretzels, or even sweet potato chips for contrast.
- Quesadilla Filling: Spread leftovers in a tortilla with extra cheese, fold, and grill until crispy.
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Pile the dip on small buns and toast for bite-sized sandwiches.
- Buffalo Rice Bowl: Serve a scoop over white or brown rice with a drizzle of ranch for a complete meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Use lettuce wraps or cucumber slices instead of chips for a keto-friendly snack.
A Dip That Delivers Every Time
Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Crock Pot has earned its place as a staple on appetizer tables. It’s a nostalgic nod to classic wings with a twist that makes it easier—and less messy—to enjoy. Its warm, comforting flavors make it a favorite no matter the season, while the ease of slow cooking means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the game (or party).
Whether you’re prepping for Super Bowl Sunday, a casual potluck, or a weeknight treat, this buffalo chicken dip delivers every time. Rich, tangy, spicy, and totally addicting—it’s more than just a dip. It’s the life of the party.
Wrapping It All Up: Why You Need to Make This Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Crock Pot brings the ultimate comfort-food experience to your party table with ease. It’s spicy, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely addicting—everything you want in an appetizer. Whether you’re hosting game day, a family get-together, or need a quick crowd-pleaser for potlucks, this slow cooker buffalo dip delivers in both flavor and simplicity.
Set it and forget it, then sit back and watch as your guests gather around, chips in hand, coming back for seconds (and thirds). Once you try it, this dip will become a go-to in your recipe rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Crock Pot
What kind of chicken works best for buffalo chicken dip?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is ideal for Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Crock Pot because it’s tender, flavorful, and a huge time-saver. You can also use leftover baked or poached chicken breast, as long as it’s well-shredded to mix evenly into the dip. Avoid using canned chicken as it can be too salty or mushy.
Can I make buffalo chicken dip ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble all ingredients for the buffalo chicken dip in your Crock Pot insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, place the insert into your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1–2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure everything blends smoothly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or warm on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of ranch dressing or a bit of cream cheese if it thickens too much.
More Relevant Recipes
- Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken: This flavorful dish features tender chicken baked with melted cheese and bold fajita spices. The cheesy-spicy combo is reminiscent of Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Crock Pot and makes a hearty main for any weeknight dinner.
- Crock Pot Crack Chicken: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon, this slow cooker recipe is a comforting and addictive dish. It’s a great alternative for those who love the rich, savory taste of buffalo dip but want a twist with ranch and cheddar.
- Jalapeño Popper Bites: These spicy, cheesy bites pack a punch with jalapeños and cream cheese—perfectly echoing the creamy heat of Buffalo Chicken Dip. A great finger food option for game day or party trays.
Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Crock Pot
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Crock Pot is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy party favorite. Made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, ranch, and buffalo sauce, it’s the perfect hands-off appetizer for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Carrot sticks, for serving
- Celery sticks, for serving
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Add shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the Crock Pot.
- Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
- Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and set it on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1–2 hours.
- Stir every 30 minutes to ensure even heating and blending of the cheeses.
- Once the mixture is smooth and the cheese is fully melted, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover again and allow to cook until the top cheese layer is melted.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- Do not substitute hot sauce for buffalo sauce – buffalo sauce includes butter for richness.
- Add a tablespoon of butter to reduce heat intensity or sugar to cut tanginess if preferred.
- Great as a dip or sandwich filling, or even as a topping for rice or pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 221 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 646 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 61 mg