Buffalo Chicken Dip
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with spicy buffalo flavor, this crowd-pleasing dip is loaded with shredded chicken, tangy hot sauce, and three kinds of cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it's the ultimate game-day or party snack that comes together in about 30 minutes.
For 8 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prep ingredients.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
- boil · ~12 min
Cook and shred the chicken.
1.Place chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with cold water by an inch.2.Add 1 pinch salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.3.Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until cooked through (10-12 minutes).4.Check internal temp reaches 165°F, drain, and let cool slightly.5.Use two forks to shred the chicken into fine strands.TIPFor extra flavor, poach the chicken in water with a bay leaf and a few peppercorns. - mix · ~3 min
Combine the creamy base.
1.In a large mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing, and hot sauce.2.Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and well blended (1-2 minutes).3.Mix in garlic powder and onion powder.4.Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the mozzarella cheese with a spatula.TIPSoften cream cheese properly — cold cream cheese will leave lumps. Microwave for 20-30 seconds if needed. - assemble · ~1 min
Layer the dip in the baking dish.
1.Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.2.Top with the remaining mozzarella and all the cheddar cheese, spreading to the edges. - bake · ~20 min
Bake until golden and bubbly.
Bake for 18-22 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbling. The top should be lightly golden.
TIPFor a darker, crispier cheese top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes — watch closely so it doesn't burn. - rest · ~5 min
Cool slightly before serving.
Let the dip rest for 5 minutes — it will set up slightly and be safer to scoop.
- garnish
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
TIPServe with celery sticks, carrot sticks, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a smoother dip, ensure cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing.
- 2Use Frank's RedHot for authentic buffalo flavor; other hot sauces may alter the taste.
- 3Shred the chicken while still warm — it shreds more easily and evenly.
- 4Let the dip rest for 5 minutes after baking so it thickens slightly for easy scooping.
- 5For a crispy top, broil the dip for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- 6Make ahead: assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
- 7Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days — reheat in the oven or microwave.
Adapt it for your goals.
Lower-fat
Replace full-fat cream cheese with Neufchâtel, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and swap cheddar for reduced-fat cheese — cuts calories without sacrificing texture.
extra spicyExtra-spicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or a diced habanero to the creamy base for a fiery version that heat-seekers will love.
smokySmoky
Replace half the hot sauce with chipotle peppers in adobo (finely minced) and use smoked cheddar — gives a deep, smoky-sweet twist.
blue cheeseBlue cheese
Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing and crumble ¼ cup blue cheese over the top before baking for a classic buffalo pairing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Chicken breast provides lean protein that supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
Contains Calcium
Mozzarella, cheddar, and sour cream contribute calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Probiotic Potential
Sour cream contains live cultures that can aid digestion and gut health.
Moderate in Carbohydrates
This dip is naturally low in carbs, making it suitable for low-carb or keto-friendly diets when paired with vegetable dippers.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — use about 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed) to save time; skip the poaching step entirely.
