There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dip that packs a punch, and this Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe nails it every time. Perfectly creamy, spicy, and melty, it’s the ideal crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or any casual gathering where you want something effortlessly delicious.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m genuinely obsessed with this Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe because it hits that glorious trifecta of flavor: spicy, creamy, and cheesy. It’s one of those dishes you can set and forget in your crockpot while focusing on the party or your day — total win-win.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Pop everything in the crockpot and relax; no hovering over the stove means less stress for you.
- Bold, Balanced Flavor: Using Frank’s RedHot Wings Sauce, ranch seasoning, and blue cheese creates a depth of flavor that’s spicy but not overwhelming.
- Melty, Cheesy Goodness: The blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese gives you perfectly creamy, gooey dip every time.
- Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Serve it with chips, veggies, crackers—you name it—and watch it disappear.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient plays a part in making this Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe so tasty and balanced. Whether it’s the spicy kick from Frank’s RedHot, the creamy richness from the cheeses, or the savory hints from the ranch and spices, these flavors complement each other perfectly. Plus, shopping for these pantry staples means this dip is always within reach.
- Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce: This is the star of the dish—make sure to use the wings sauce, not the original, for that authentic spicy tang.
- Full Fat Sour Cream: Adds a cool creaminess that balances the heat.
- Dry Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix: Brings in that classic herb and garlic flavor that pairs amazingly with buffalo sauce.
- Spices (Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Garlic & Onion Powder, Salt): These enhance and deepen the flavor without overpowering the chicken.
- Cooked & Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe—super convenient and flavorful.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: If you love tangy richness, blue cheese is a must; it also adds texture.
- Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheeses: The combo melts beautifully and gives the dip its irresistible gooey factor.
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese: The secret weapon for ultimate creaminess and smooth texture.
- Green Onions, Cilantro or Parsley (for garnish): Fresh herbs brighten the richness and add a burst of color at the end.
- Chips, Crackers, Veggies: Your preferred dippers—ranging from sturdy pretzels to crisp celery sticks.
Make It Your Way
I love mixing up the level of spice depending on the crowd, and sometimes I’ll swap in ranch dressing powder for buttermilk ranch if I want a little tangier dip. The best part? You can easily customize this Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe to fit your taste buds or dietary needs.
- Variation: I once added chopped jalapeños for an extra kick, and it was a hit at the party—feel free to experiment with heat!
- Dairy-Free Option: Using dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream works well for those who need it, just check the cheeses for suitable alternatives.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for shredded jackfruit or chickpeas, though you’ll lose some of the meaty texture.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with pepper jack or gouda for a smoky or spicy twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot and Mix the Base
Start by giving your crockpot insert a good spray of nonstick cooking spray—it makes cleanup so much easier. Next, whisk together the Frank’s RedHot wings sauce, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and all your spices right in the crockpot. This creates the creamy, flavorful base that ties everything together.
Step 2: Add Chicken, Cheeses, and Blue Cheese
Stir in your shredded chicken along with the blue cheese crumbles, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, and ⅓ cup of mozzarella. This mix is where flavors start to meld—make sure the chicken’s evenly coated for maximum bite.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese & Begin Cooking
Microwave the cubed cream cheese for about 25 seconds to soften, then scatter it evenly over the top of your chicken mixture. Resist the urge to stir it in just yet! Cover and cook on low for one hour—this gentle heat softens the cream cheese so it melts perfectly when stirred later.
Step 4: Stir and Continue Cooking Until Melty
After that first hour, give everything a good stir. Newer, larger crockpots might find the dip nearly ready now. But if you’re using a smaller or older model, cook longer—another hour to an hour and a half—stirring occasionally. You want all those cheeses melted into one creamy, luscious dip.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Cheese and Final Melt
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly on top, then cover and cook on low for 20 minutes more. This final step creates a beautiful cheesy crust that’s irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm
Switch the crockpot to warm or low heat to keep it perfectly gooey during serving. Finish with fresh green onions, extra crumbled blue cheese, and the herbs you like. Serve alongside a big platter of chips, veggies, or your favorite crunchy dippers.
Top Tip
After making this dip several times, I’ve learned a few tricks to make sure it always turns out perfectly smooth and delicious. These tips are game-changers if you’re worried about lumps, dryness, or overly spicy bites.
- Sauce Choice Matters: Always use Frank’s RedHot Wings sauce, not the original—it's designed for dips and wings and has the right balance.
- Softening Cream Cheese: Microwaving cubes briefly before cooking prevents clumps and helps it melt evenly.
- Slow and Low: Cooking on low heat is key to creamy texture—avoid high heat to prevent cheese separation.
- Patience When Stirring: Wait an hour before stirring the cream cheese in, then stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients seamlessly.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of topping this dip with sliced green onions and extra crumbled blue cheese for that contrasting sharpness. Fresh cilantro or parsley adds a lovely pop of green and freshness that brightens up the richness—plus, it just looks pretty on the table!
Side Dishes
Some of my favorite dippers include sturdy tortilla chips, crisp celery sticks, crunchy bell pepper slices, and even warm pretzels. For heartier options, crostini or pita chips work beautifully. Pairing this dip with a fresh salad or simple veggie tray makes a balanced spread that guests love.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served the dip inside a hollowed-out bread bowl lined with foil for easy cleanup. It’s always a showstopper! Another fun idea is to set up a DIY dip bar where guests can choose their own dippers and toppings—keep extra green onions, blue cheese crumbles, and hot sauce on hand for layering flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Dip refrigerates beautifully. I typically let it cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you reheat, just do so gently to keep the gooey texture intact.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dip a couple of times with great results. It’s best to freeze in a sturdy container and thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture changes a bit, so I recommend reheating slowly on the stove or crockpot and stirring often to restore creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it in a crockpot or a heavy-bottomed skillet over low heat, stirring every few minutes. This method prevents overheating or drying out. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir in between until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can make this dip on the stove by combining all ingredients in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Stir often until the cheeses are melted and the dip is bubbly and creamy. Just keep an eye to avoid burning.
I love using shredded rotisserie chicken—it’s convenient and flavorful. You can also use leftover cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded by hand or with forks, which works just as well.
Yes! You can prepare the mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it before cooking. Simply give it a good stir before cooking. It’s also great for making early if you want to have less to do on game day.
This dip has a moderate level of heat that most people enjoy. The Frank’s RedHot Wings Sauce provides a nice spicy kick balanced by creamy cheeses and sour cream. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce or jalapeños based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe has become my go-to for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s comforting but exciting, creamy but packed with just enough heat to keep it interesting. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, whether it’s for a casual night with friends or your next big get-together. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a favorite that you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation!
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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
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced appetizer packed with bold flavors from Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, ranch seasoning, blue cheese, and melty cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Ideal for parties and game days, it’s easy to prepare and served warm with chips, crackers, or veggies.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Dip 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 cooked and shredded chicken (about 1 large rotisserie, 4 packed cups)
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 ⅓ cups packed finely shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ⅔ cups packed finely shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (cubed into 12 pieces)
For Garnish and Serving
- Green onions, chopped
- Additional crumbled blue cheese
- Cilantro or parsley
- Chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, or assorted veggies (carrots, celery sticks, bell peppers)
Instructions
- Prep Crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, whisk together the Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, full fat sour cream, dry ranch dressing 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 evenly 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 First Phase: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 1 hour, allowing the cream cheese to start melting into the mixture.
- Stir the Dip: After 1 hour, stir the mixture thoroughly until the cheeses and cream cheese are well incorporated and smooth.
- Continue Cooking: Depending on your crockpot size and age, cook for an additional 1 to 1 ½ hours on low, stirring occasionally, until the dip is hot and all cheeses are completely melted.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of cheddar cheese and ⅓ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the dip. Cover and cook on low for an additional 20 minutes or until the top cheese has melted fully.
- Garnish and Serve: Set the crockpot to low or warm setting to keep the dip hot. Garnish with chopped green onions, extra crumbled blue cheese, and optionally cilantro or parsley. Serve warm alongside chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, and fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, and bell peppers.
Notes
- Use Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce labeled "Wings Sauce" for best flavor, not the original or traditional version.
- Microwaving the cream cheese before adding helps it melt smoothly within the dip.
- Adjust cooking time based on your crockpot size; smaller or older models may need longer.
- This dip is perfect for game day or parties as it can be kept warm in the crockpot for several hours.
- For a milder dip, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or substitute with a milder hot sauce.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover cooked chicken or shredded cooked turkey if preferred.
- Garnish options can be customized with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add color and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/14th of recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg

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