Crockpot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip is the kind of dish that instantly draws everyone to the table. Rich, velvety cream cheese blends with tangy buffalo sauce and tender shredded chicken, creating a dip that’s bold, smooth, and satisfyingly indulgent. Slow cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully, while keeping the texture irresistibly creamy and perfectly scoopable.
I love serving this on game days or casual gatherings because it disappears almost as soon as it’s set out. Leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any, reheat beautifully the next day — making it just as crave-worthy the second time around.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip is my absolute go-to. It’s a total lifesaver when hosting or just needing a reliably delicious appetizer. Seriously, it’s unbelievably easy!
- Effortless Preparation: Minimal prep time means more time for you.
- Unbeatable Flavor: That classic buffalo chicken taste, perfectly creamy.
- Party Perfect: Always a guaranteed hit with guests.
- Versatile Serving: Great with chips, veggies, or even as a sandwich filling.
- Slow Cooker Simplicity: Let your crockpot do the work!
Crockpot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients
The beauty of this Crockpot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip is its simple yet powerful blend. It combines creamy, spicy, and savory elements. Each part plays a role in its amazing flavor. You’ll find the exact amounts in the recipe card below.
- Cooked, Shredded Chicken: This is our hearty base. It gives satisfying protein and texture. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut.
- Cream Cheese: This makes the dip luxurious and creamy. Ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Buffalo Sauce: It brings that signature tangy heat. This defines the dip’s vibrant flavor.
- Ranch Dressing (or Ranch + Sour Cream): It cools the spice. It also adds richness and creaminess.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: It melts in for gooeyness. It adds a mild, cheesy flavor. We use some for mixing and some for the topping.
- Onion Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: These are essential seasonings. They enhance all the other flavors and add depth.
- Green Onions (Optional): These add a fresh bite. They also provide a pop of color as a garnish.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles (Optional): A must for buffalo chicken lovers. They add a tangy punch.
Substitutions and Tips
- Spice Level: Adjust the buffalo sauce amount. Use a milder or hotter sauce.
- Creaminess Factor: For a tangier dip, use half ranch. Use sour cream for the other half.
- Dairy-Free: Try dairy-free cream cheese. Explore dairy-free shredded cheese options too.
- Flavor Boost: Add garlic powder for more flavor. It creates another delicious layer.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dip hours ahead. Refrigerate it. You might need longer cooking time.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Let’s get this amazing slow cooker buffalo chicken dip started! It’s so simple, anyone can master it. You’ll be amazed at how easily these ingredients come together.
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients and Cheese
Get your 4-6 quart slow cooker ready. Add the softened cream cheese first. It should be nice and soft. Next, pour in the buffalo sauce. Then add your ranch dressing. Sprinkle in the onion powder, salt, and black pepper now. Finally, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together really well. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature. This helps immensely with mixing and prevents lumps. A good stir creates a smooth base for our delicious dip.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Now it’s time for the chicken. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken until it’s fully coated. You want every piece covered in that creamy buffalo mixture. This simple step ensures each bite is packed with flavor. It makes our Crockpot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip so satisfying.
Step 3: Cook the Dip
Cover the slow cooker. Cook on the low setting for 2 to 4 hours. Or, use the high setting for 1 to 2 hours. Stir the dip occasionally. A good time to stir is about halfway through. The mixture should be hot. The cheese needs to be melted. Ensure the cream cheese is fully incorporated too. Cooking on low lets flavors meld beautifully. High heat works if you are short on time. Stirring prevents sticking. It also ensures even heating.
Step 4: Melt the Topping Cheese
For the grand finale, let’s add more cheese. During the last 15-30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar on top. Cover it again. Continue cooking until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. This adds that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese topping. It makes the dip even more appealing, truly. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Almost done! Add your garnishes now. Sprinkle with diced green onions. Add blue cheese crumbles if you like them. These add a lovely finish. Serve your warm, creamy buffalo chicken dip right away. It’s best enjoyed piping hot. Pair it with your favorite dippers. Enjoy your easy buffalo chicken dip!
How to Store Crockpot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Leftover Crockpot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip stores well. Keep it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Allow the dip to cool a bit first. Transfer it to the container then. Reheat it gently on the stove. You can also use the microwave. Or, warm it in the slow cooker on low. Heat until it is warmed through. Freezing is not ideal for this dip. The texture of cream cheese changes. Dairy can also get weird when frozen.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pointers for your Crockpot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful base.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth dip.
- Taste and adjust buffalo sauce and seasonings before serving.
- Don’t overcook. The dip can get oily if cooked too long.
- Stir occasionally. This prevents sticking and ensures even heating.
- For a thicker dip, use less ranch. Try adding a bit more cream cheese.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Making this Crockpot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a breeze with a few key items. You likely have most of these already!
- Slow Cooker (a 4-6 quart size works perfectly)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons (for accuracy)
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula (for stirring everything together)
- Serving Spoon (for dishing out that yummy dip)
- Optional: A small bowl makes a nice presentation for garnishes.
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip is wonderfully versatile. Here are some favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Classic tortilla chips or sturdy potato chips are a must.
- Fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers add a healthy crunch.
- Crackers or baguette slices are also great dippers.
- Serve as a delicious filling for sliders or wraps.
- Pair with a crisp, cold beer or a refreshing iced tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Crockpot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
You certainly can! Assemble the dip components up to 24 hours before cooking. Keep it covered in the fridge. Then, cook it following the recipe steps, but allow a little extra time to heat through.
What kind of chicken is best for this dip?
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this easy buffalo chicken dip. It offers pre-cooked, shredded chicken with wonderful flavor. You can also cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer.
How can I adjust the spice level of this dip?
Want it spicier? Just add more buffalo sauce or use a hotter variety. For a milder slow cooker buffalo chicken dip, use less sauce. You can also mix in a bit more ranch dressing to temper the heat.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment. Try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack. Pepper jack is great for an extra kick. Just make sure your chosen cheese melts well.
PrintCrockpot Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-4 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes – 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8-10 servings
- Category: Appetizer/Dip
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful buffalo chicken dip made easily in a slow cooker, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot Wing Sauce)
- 1 cup ranch dressing (or 1/2 cup ranch dressing and 1/2 cup sour cream)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (1 cup for mixing, 1/2 cup for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons green onions, diced (for garnish, optional)
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a 4-6 quart slow cooker, add the softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to combine.
- Stir in the shredded cooked chicken until fully coated with the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-4 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally (about halfway through) until the mixture is hot, cheese is melted, and cream cheese is fully incorporated.
- During the last 15-30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with diced green onions and blue cheese crumbles, if desired.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or celery and carrot sticks.
Notes
- For a spicier dip, use more buffalo sauce or a hotter variety.
- Adjust the amount of ranch dressing and sour cream to your preference for creaminess.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smoother consistency.