Can you freeze buffalo chicken dip? Yes, you absolutely can! If you have leftover buffalo chicken dip or want to prepare it in advance, here is our guide on how to freeze it.
What is buffalo chicken dip
As a take on buffalo chicken wings, buffalo chicken dip is a creamy appetizer often enjoyed during football season.
This creamy dip combines simple ingredients:
- shredded chicken (you can use leftover rotisserie chicken)
- cream cheese
- buffalo sauce (or hot sauce)
- ranch dressing (sometimes blue cheese dressing)
- shredded cheddar cheese
It’s often served with celery sticks, carrot sticks, bell peppers, and tortilla chips.
I love topping mine with an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce, chopped green onions, and some blue cheese crumbles.
Buffalo dip is a delicious appetizer that can be made in the oven, slow cooker, and even the Instant Pot. It’s often made for game-day parties.
How long does buffalo chicken dip last
How long buffalo chicken dip lasts depends entirely on what temperature it’s being stored.
Room temperature
For food safety, any dip containing cream cheese or sour cream should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator
When stored properly, buffalo chicken dip can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Freezer
If you’re storing dip in a standard freezer, you’ll be able to keep it for up to 3 months.
In a deep freezer, properly stored dip can last up to 6 months.
How to store easy buffalo chicken dip in the freezer
Freezing buffalo chicken dip is a great way to prep an easy appetizer before cooking or for saving leftovers.
Before cooking
Make your buffalo chicken dip all the way up until the heating/baking step. Place the mixed dip in an airtight, freezer-safe container and put it in the freezer.
After cooking
First, you’ll want your dip to completely come to room temperature. This will prevent condensation from building up in the container and contributing to freezer burn.
Once it has cooled completely, place the dip into an airtight freezer-safe container. If you are using a freezer bag, be sure to push out all of the air from the bag before sealing.
Place the container in the freezer and allow it to freeze completely.
The best container for freezing leftover dip
It is important that the container you choose be an airtight container. While it can be tempting to leave it in the baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, you will end up with freezer burn.
My personal favorite airtight, freezer-safe container is the Rubbermaid Brilliance container.
You can also use a freezer bag. The best way to use this is by laying it flat in the freezer.
Items to note when freezing creamy buffalo chicken dip
Anytime you are freezing a dairy-based dip, you are risking the texture of the dip changing. Especially if it isn’t frozen properly.
In order to preserve the creamy texture, you’ll want to be sure to store it properly.
It’s important that you allow the dip to cool completely. This helps prevent condensation.
Air can cause freezer burn quickly. By using airtight containers, you will help prevent that from happening.
I don’t recommend refreezing the dip for food safety. To avoid this, you can divide up the dip into smaller portions before freezing.
How to thaw frozen buffalo chicken dip
To thaw frozen buffalo dip, place it in the refrigerator to slowly defrost. Because the dip has cream cheese, this will help the texture stay creamy and avoid separation.
How to reheat spicy buffalo chicken dip
There are several different ways to reheat buffalo dip. The key is having the right amount of heat and not overcooking it.
Before reheating, you’ll need to allow the dip to thaw completely in the refrigerator.
Oven
Place the thawed dip in an oven-safe baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat in a 350ºF oven for 15-20 minutes. Remove the foil and give it a good stir.
I like adding a little extra shredded cheddar and putting it back in the oven to cook for an additional 5 minutes to get the top melted and bubbly.
Stove
Put the thawed buffalo dip in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Slow Cooker/Crockpot
Add the thawed buffalo to the slow cooker and set it to low. Stir occasionally until it begins to heat through, then change it to a warm setting to prevent burning.
Microwave
Place the thawed dip in a microwave-safe container and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
freezer meal basics
If you’re looking for other ways to utilize freezer meals, check out our freezer meal basics.
