Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe – Easy Party Appetizer

Get ready to wow your guests with this easy and irresistible Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip! Packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a spicy kick from hot sauce, this oven-baked dip is a game-day favorite that disappears fast. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a bold and flavorful snack, this cheesy buffalo dip is the perfect appetizer to serve warm and bubbly straight from the oven.

Why You’ll Love Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip

• It’s ultra creamy and cheesy. With cream cheese, shredded cheese, and blue cheese all melted together, every bite is rich, smooth, and loaded with flavor. The creamy texture perfectly balances the spicy buffalo sauce. It’s comfort food in dip form! Your guests will be scraping the bowl clean.

• So easy to make. Just mix everything in one bowl, bake it, and you’re done—no complicated steps or fancy tools needed. It comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Great for last-minute entertaining! Even beginner cooks can make this with confidence.

• Perfect for parties and game day. This dip is always the first thing gone at gatherings. It’s warm, hearty, and filling—exactly what people want when watching the big game or hanging out. Serve it with chips, crackers, or celery sticks for an easy crowd-pleaser.

• Uses simple ingredients. Rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and dressing are pantry-friendly and easy to find. You don’t need anything fancy or expensive. Plus, you can customize it with what you already have at home. It’s budget-friendly and delicious!

• Can be made ahead. Mix it all up and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes party prep super easy and stress-free. Just pop it in the oven when your guests arrive. Hot, bubbly, and ready to go!

Ingredients For Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip

• Rotisserie Chicken – Already cooked and shredded, this makes the recipe quick and easy while adding plenty of flavor.

• Cream Cheese – Softened to blend smoothly into the dip, making it creamy and rich.

• Hot Sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) – Brings that classic buffalo wing flavor with just the right amount of heat.

• Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a mild spicy kick.

• Blue Cheese Dressing – Creamy and tangy, this blends into the dip for extra flavor and richness.

• Crumbled Blue Cheese – Adds texture and that signature bold blue cheese flavor.

• Seafood Seasoning (like Old Bay) – A small amount adds depth and a savory boost.

• Cayenne Pepper – A little extra heat that you can adjust to taste.

• Green Onions (optional) – A fresh garnish for a pop of color and flavor.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip

• Large Mixing Bowl – To combine all the ingredients evenly before baking.

• Spatula or Spoon – For mixing and spreading the dip into the baking dish.

• Measuring Cups – To measure out the cream cheese, dressing, and chicken.

• Measuring Spoons – Helpful for measuring the seasoning and cayenne pepper.

• 9-Inch Round Baking Dish – The perfect size to hold the dip and bake it evenly.

• Oven Mitts – For safely handling the hot baking dish when it comes out of the oven.

How To Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip

• Set your oven to 400°F so it’s hot and ready when you need it.

• In a big bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the softened cream cheese until smooth.

• Add the hot sauce, shredded pepper jack cheese, blue cheese dressing, crumbled blue cheese, seafood seasoning, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until well blended.

• Spoon the mixture into a 9-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

• Sprinkle the remaining pepper jack cheese on top.

• Bake in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the dip is hot and lightly golden on top.

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• Take it out of the oven and sprinkle a little more cayenne pepper and green onions if you like.

• Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the dip warm, straight from the oven, for the best flavor and texture.

• Pair it with crispy tortilla chips for easy and satisfying scooping.

• Add veggie like cucumber spears, baby carrots, and roasted bell peppers for a crunchy contrast.

• Include crackers or baked pita chips for a hearty, sturdy dipping option.

• Create a party platter by placing the dip in the center and surrounding it with a colorful mix of dippers.

Tips For Success

• Use good-quality rotisserie chicken for the best flavor and shred it finely so the dip stays creamy.

• If cooking your own chicken, let it cool completely before mixing to avoid melting the cream cheese too early.

• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.

• Don’t skip the seafood seasoning—Old Bay adds a savory depth that really enhances the flavor.

• Shred your own cheese for the best melt, as pre-shredded varieties may not melt as well due to anti-caking agents.

• Taste the mixture before baking so you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

• For a milder dip, use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese and add extra cream cheese if needed.

• You can make the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

• If baking from cold, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to make sure it’s heated through.

• Bake until the top is lightly golden and bubbly around the edges for the perfect texture and presentation.

Variations And Substitutions

• One of the best things about this Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust the spice level, switch out cheeses, or even make it more diet-friendly depending on your needs. Whether you’re avoiding blue cheese, going low-carb, or just trying to use what’s already in your fridge, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe work for you.
• If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can easily substitute ranch dressing for the blue cheese dressing. You can also skip the crumbled blue cheese entirely and replace it with more shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella. These swaps make the dip milder and more kid-friendly while still keeping it creamy and delicious.
• To make the dip spicier, add more cayenne pepper or use extra hot buffalo sauce. You can even stir in a few chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot chili flakes if you really like the heat. On the flip side, if you want a milder version, use a mild buffalo wing sauce or reduce the amount of hot sauce.
• For a low-carb version, make sure your buffalo sauce and dressings are sugar-free. Most versions of this dip are naturally low in carbs, but double-check your ingredients if you’re following a strict keto or low-carb diet. Serve with celery sticks, cucumber rounds, or bell pepper strips instead of chips for a low-carb dipping option.
• Need a dairy-free version? Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded vegan cheese. There are also plant-based ranch dressings available, or you can use a dairy-free sour cream instead. The texture will still be creamy and rich, and the flavor can be just as satisfying.
• You can also switch up the protein! Instead of chicken, try cooked shredded turkey, canned tuna, or even chopped cooked shrimp for a fun twist. Each option brings its own flavor but still pairs well with the creamy buffalo mixture.
• This dip is super versatile, so feel free to experiment with your favorite add-ins like chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or even crumbled bacon on top. No matter how you customize it, the result is always delicious and perfect for dipping.

Storage and Reheating

• Store any leftover Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also cover the original baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil if you prefer to keep it in the same dish.
• To reheat, scoop the portion you want into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. If you’re reheating the whole dish, cover it with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
• If the dip thickens too much after storing, you can stir in a tablespoon of milk, cream, or dressing to loosen it up before reheating. The texture will smooth out again once it’s warmed.
• This dip doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make buffalo chicken dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dip mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover it tightly in the baking dish. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going into the oven cold. This makes it perfect for parties or game day prep.

What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?

If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use any cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh meat. Leftover grilled or baked chicken works great, too. Just make sure the chicken is cooled and finely shredded so it mixes evenly into the dip. You could also use canned chicken in a pinch, though the texture will be a bit softer.

Is this dip very spicy?

The dip has a noticeable kick, thanks to the hot sauce and cayenne pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy for most people. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or skip the cayenne entirely. For those who love spice, feel free to add more cayenne, jalapeños, or a splash of extra-hot buffalo sauce. It’s very easy to customize to your heat level.

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?

Yes! After mixing all the ingredients, place them into a slow cooker and cook on low for about 2 to 3 hours or until hot and bubbly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s hot, you can switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting and serve it right from there. This is a great option for keeping the dip warm at parties.

What should I serve with buffalo chicken dip?

Tortilla chips, crackers, celery sticks, carrot sticks, and bell pepper slices are all great options. You can also serve it with toasted baguette slices or pita chips. For a low-carb option, stick with fresh veggie dippers. This dip pairs well with a cold drink and other finger foods like wings or sliders.

Can I freeze buffalo chicken dip?

Freezing is not recommended due to the high dairy content, which can cause the texture to separate when thawed. While it’s safe to freeze, the dip may become grainy or watery after reheating. It’s best to make and eat this dip fresh or store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to prep ahead, refrigerating is a much better option.

How do I make the dip less rich or heavy?

You can lighten it up by using reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat dressing. Swapping half of the cream cheese for plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can also help cut down on richness. Just keep in mind the texture might change slightly. These adjustments still give you great flavor with a little less heaviness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it can be! Just make sure all your ingredients—especially the hot sauce, dressing, and seasoning—are labeled gluten-free. Many versions of buffalo sauce and dressings are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always best to check. Serve with gluten-free crackers or veggies for dipping.

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Jerk Chicken Street Tacos – These bold and flavorful street tacos are filled with spicy jerk chicken and topped with your favorite fresh toppings.

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