If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that practically makes itself, Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip absolutely checks every box. This creamy, spicy, supremely cheesy dip brings together all the iconic flavors of Buffalo chicken wings in a warm, irresistible party favorite. Whether you’re gearing up for game day or just want a comfort food treat, this dip is the kind of no-fuss, maximum-deliciousness recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This flavor-packed Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. Each element brings its own unique role—melty cheese for richness, ranch for a cool tang, and that signature Buffalo kick that keeps everyone coming back for another scoop!
- Cooked chicken: Shred or dice leftover chicken for convenience, or use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and ease.
- Cream cheese: Softens to create a creamy, smooth base that binds all the flavors together.
- Ranch dressing: Adds a cool, herby tang that balances out the heat from the Buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Frank’s Wing sauce: The classic Buffalo flavor with just the right amount of zing and spice.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for that rich, gooey finish that makes every bite so satisfying.
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken isn’t already cooked, go ahead and cook it first—poaching, roasting, or even using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken all work great. Once cooked, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy scooping later.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Add the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, Frank’s Wing sauce, and one and a half cups of cheddar cheese to your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to start blending the flavors—you don’t have to mix it perfectly at this stage, as it will meld beautifully as it heats.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low and let the dip gently cook for about 2-3 hours, stirring once or twice as it warms up. The cheese will melt, the flavors will mingle, and you’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling hot and perfectly creamy throughout.
Step 4: Add the Final Cheesy Touch
Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt for the last 15-20 minutes so you get a gorgeous layer of gooey, golden cheese as soon as you lift the lid.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s hot and bubbly, give the dip a gentle stir, then get ready to serve with your favorite sides. Leave the slow cooker on “warm” to keep everything perfectly dippable throughout your gathering.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Garnishes
If you want to jazz up your Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip, try topping it with a shower of sliced green onions, a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese, or even a drizzle of extra ranch or Buffalo sauce for a punch of color and flavor. Finishing touches like this always have guests reaching for just “one more” scoop.
Side Dishes
This dip is outrageously good served with a pile of celery sticks, carrot slices, crunchy tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices. They all hold up to the rich, cheesy goodness and give that perfect blend of fresh and savory with every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, spoon the dip into hollowed-out mini bread bowls or serve it inside a rustic sourdough round for a dramatic centerpiece. It also makes an amazing filling for stuffed peppers or atop baked potatoes as a decadent main dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip to an airtight container once it’s cooled to room temperature. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a phenomenal snack for the next few days—or a secret treat just for yourself!
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, this dip freezes surprisingly well. Ladle cooled dip into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and give it a good stir to restore its creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply return the dip to your slow cooker on low until it’s hot and gooey, or microwave in intervals, stirring every minute until heated through. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen it up and bring back its glorious, scoopable creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken in Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Absolutely! Drained canned chicken is a great shortcut and works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to break it up well so the texture is tender and not too chunky.
Is it okay to make this dip spicier?
If you like extra heat, increase the amount of Frank’s Wing sauce or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the slow cooker. For a milder touch, you can reduce the Buffalo sauce slightly and add more ranch to help cool things down.
What can I use if I don’t have ranch dressing?
No ranch on hand? No worries! You can substitute with blue cheese dressing for a tangy twist, or even sour cream with a sprinkle of ranch seasoning in a pinch.
Can I make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble all the ingredients in your slow cooker insert up to a day in advance, store it covered in the fridge, and just pop it on to cook when you’re ready to party.
How do I keep my dip from getting too thick?
If your dip thickens more than you’d like after sitting, stir in a splash or two of milk or chicken broth until you reach your desired texture. Keeping the slow cooker on the warm setting also helps it stay perfectly creamy for hours.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip enough—it’s one of those rare recipes that delivers big flavor for very little effort, and it always disappears fast! I hope you whip up a batch soon and watch just how quickly it becomes everyone’s new favorite at your table.
Print
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Cooked Chicken:
1 lb cooked chicken,
Cream Cheese:
8 oz cream cheese,
Ranch Dressing:
1 cup ranch dressing,
Frank’s Wing Sauce:
¾ cup Frank’s Wing sauce,
Cheddar Cheese:
2 cups cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Shred the Chicken: Begin by shredding the cooked chicken into small pieces.
- Mix Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, Frank’s Wing sauce, and cheddar cheese.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until the dip is hot and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Once the dip is heated through, serve it hot with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or your favorite dippers.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Frank’s Wing sauce to suit your spice preference.
- For a milder version, you can use less wing sauce or mix in some additional ranch dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
