Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

This is the buffalo chicken dip that shows up at a tailgate and comes home as an empty crock. Creamy and tangy underneath, the right ratio of ranch to buffalo, with a melted cheddar layer on top that pulls when you drag a chip through it. The cheesy pull is thanks to dividing the cheese. It’s the kind of dip where people can tell the difference.

I’ve made this dip countless times for Super Bowl parties, holidays, potlucks, and honestly just to eat throughout the week. The version I landed on came from getting tired of dips that taste like straight hot sauce just mixed with some chicken and a ranch packet. A full cup of ranch against a full cup of buffalo sauce gives the perfect ratio. It’s what makes the heat sit right instead of hitting you in the throat.

The cheese split is the other thing I won’t budge on. One cup goes in at the start and melts down into the base, and the second cup goes on top after the dip is already hot, with the lid back on for about ten minutes. If you dump all two cups in at the beginning, you get an orange dip. If you hold half back, you get an orange dip with a real melted cheese layer on it.

I also don’t cook raw chicken in the dip. I use chicken that’s already cooked and shredded (either a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store or Instant Pot Shredded Chicken). That’s the whole reason this only needs two hours instead of four. But it also means everything in that crock is just sitting there warming, and that’s where dips go wrong. Ranch dressing is an emulsion, and emulsions break when they sit on heat too long. That’s how you get a slick of orange grease floating on top. Two things keep mine from doing it: I cube the cream cheese and set it on the counter while I shred, so it melts in fast instead of slowly weeping oil, and I never take this above LOW. If it ever does look separated, stir it hard for thirty seconds, and it pulls right back together.

Why This is the Best Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

• This classic appetizer is always a crowd favorite and is perfect for parties, holidays, and game day. It also makes a fun and easy weeknight meal.
• It’s easy to make and almost completely hands off. It can even be made ahead of time so you can spend more time with the guests and less time in the kitchen.
• You can customize the heat level from mild to spicy. Or make a batch, split it in two and spice up one half of it for mild and spicy.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Crock Pot ingredients

This easy Buffalo crockpot chicken dip is made with only 5 simple ingredients.

• Cooked, shredded chicken – you can use cooked rotisserie chicken, chicken breast, or even drained, canned chicken. Perfect for using up any leftover chicken in the fridge.
• Cream cheese – I find full-fat cream cheese works best.
• Buffalo sauce – Frank’s is the classic choice for wing sauce, but you can use your favorite.
• Ranch dressing –  use this homemade buttermilk ranch or this wing stop copycat ranch for the best flavors.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – use fresh, shredded cheese from a block for creamiest results
• Optional toppings: blue cheese crumbles, extra buffalo sauce, green onions

kitchen tools to make this Buffalo Chicken Dip (Crock Pot Recipe)

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measuring cups

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Substitutions for this Buffalo Chicken Dip Slow Cooker Recipe

• You can substitute the shredded chicken with canned chicken.
• Substitute cream cheese with whipped cream cheese for a lighter option.
• Replace the buffalo sauce with regular hot sauce. But be advised this can drastically alter the spiciness of the dish.

How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip (Step by Step)

1. Place the chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and half of the cheddar cheese into the crockpot.
2. Mix well with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until fully combined.
3. Cook the Buffalo dip on LOW for 2-3 hours until heated through. It’s important you cook it on low.
4. Once heated through, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and place the lid back on just until it’s melted. It should take about 10 minutes.
5. Top with any additional toppings you like and serve!

How to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken

You can easily sub canned chicken in this recipe. Simply remove it from the can, drain it well, and shred it as you would a cooked chicken breast. It’s a great option making an already quick and easy recipe even faster and easier. There’s a variety of brands available at grocery stores everywhere. 

Tips & Tricks for making this Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (Crock Pot Version)

• Be careful not to cook this Buffalo dip on high. It will likely burn and stick to the bottom if this is cooked on high.
• Use fresh shredded cheddar from a block. Most pre-shredded cheeses use an anti-caking agent that can leave a grainy result in your dip.
• Use a flavorful ranch dressing like this homemade buttermilk ranch or this wing stop copycat ranch for the best flavors
• To make it ahead of time, mix together the ingredients and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge then add it to the crockpot and proceed as normal.

How to Shred Chicken for Buffalo Dip

Whether using homemade or store bought chicken, shredding is the same. There are two ways you can do it:

• Using two forks to pull the chicken apart. Use your non-dominant hand for stabilizing the chicken and the other to pull the meat away. They also make special little claw tools you can purchase for shredding meats.
• In a stand mixer – the mixer method is only recommended for boneless chicken.

How Long to Cook Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Crockpot

Buffalo chicken dip takes 2 to 3 hours on LOW in a 4 to 6 quart crockpot. It’s ready when the cream cheese has melted all the way in, and the dip looks smooth and glossy with no white streaks. Give it a good stir around the 90 minute mark to help it along.

Stick to LOW heat for this one. High heat is what turns a dip like this greasy and can cause it to burn quickly.

Once you’ve melted the cheese on top, switch the crockpot to WARM. It’ll hold great for another 3 to 4 hours, which is the whole reason to make this in a slow cooker instead of the oven. Stir it every hour or so, and it’s just as good at the end of the game as it was at kickoff.

How to Serve Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Serve this crockpot buffalo dip warm with

• Tortilla chips or Fritos
• Pretzels or pretzel rods
• Baguette slices
• Bagel chips
• Carrot and celery sticks
• Bell pepper slices

How to Store this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Allow leftover dip to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.

• Refrigerate leftover Buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Depending on the type and temperature of your freezer, leftover dip can be frozen 4-6 months. Check out my post on how to freeze Buffalo chicken dip for proper storage to achieve the best results.

How to Reheat

Reheat leftover refrigerated dip in the microwave at 75% for 3-4 minutes until heated through.

Defrost frozen dip before reheating in the microwave at 75% for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Crock Pot Recipe FAQs

More Party and Game Day Recipes

• Air Fryer Potato Skins
• Garlic Parmesan Wings
• Boneless Buffalo Tenders
• Buffalo Chicken Sliders
• Simple Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
• French Onion Meatballs
• Smoked White Queso Dip

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