This is the best buffalo chicken dip to serve as a game day appetizer or at a summer potluck.

Hot and bubbling from the oven, this baked buffalo chicken dip is creamy, spicy, cheesy, and topped with crispy bacon.

A tortilla chip dipped into the best buffalo chicken dip in a cast iron pan

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Bonkers for Buffalo Dip

This dip has everything we crave all in one bite. It’s creamy, spicy, salty and savory.
Red hot buffalo chicken dip is made with pantry staples like canned chicken, ranch mix, cream cheese, and Franks Hot Sauce.
It’s easy to customize this recipe to how spicy you like it, what ingredients you have on hand, and what you serve with it.

shredded cheese, hot sauce, chicken, ranch mix, cream cheese, bacon, and sour cream assembled to make the best buffalo chicken dip

Ingredients For Buffalo Chicken Dip

For the dairy base – Use softened cream cheese, sour cream (or a mix of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt), and your favorite shredded cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, marble, or whatever blend you prefer. A touch of crumbled bleu cheese is optional and will add that classic buffalo flavor.
For the protein – Use canned chicken or cooked, shredded chicken. A rotisserie chicken works great or leftover grilled chicken. Cooked and crumbled bacon bits are perfect to add that crispy, smoky finish.
To season – Your fave hot sauce will work, while I love Frank’s Original Hot Sauce for this. The packet of ranch seasoning ties the flavors together with a zesty, tangy punch.
For a pop of freshness – Sprinkle sliced green onions and chopped parsley over the top before serving. Add diced jalapeños for extra heat, or fold in chopped celery or bell peppers for crunch and color.

ingredients to make the best buffalo chicken dip, with cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch mix, and sour cream are in a clear bowl

process to make the best buffalo chicken dip before chicken, shredded cheese, and bacon were added

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Dip

Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream (or mayo/yogurt), ranch seasoning, and hot sauce.
Stir in chicken and half the shredded cheese and bacon. Fold into dish and top with remaining cheese and bacon.
Bake as directed in the recipe below.

The best buffalo chicken dip in a cast iron pan with a celery stick dipped into it, and more celery and tortilla chips on the side

Tasty Tips From My Nook To Yours…

Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture. Or microwave for 10 second intervals until it is softened.
Assemble this canned chicken buffalo dip ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to heat and serve. If you do this add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
You can heat this in a slow cooker instead of the oven. You may not get that crispy topping, but it will still have all that delicious flavor. Plus this is an easy way to keep warm while the party is going on.
For a summer appetizer, bake this dip on the BBQ. Use a heat safe pan like the cast iron pan I have used, or any tin foil container would work. Use a medium heat and place on top rack and cook until heated through and bubbly.
Serve with tortilla chips, celery and carrot sticks, or pretzels.

Leftovers You’ll Love

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave at 30-second intervals or pop in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Can you freeze buffalo chicken dip? Yes, however because it has a high dairy content the texture may not be as creamy

A tortilla chip with the best buffalo chicken dip on it with the cast iron pan in the background

Reinvent The Bite

Spread on toasted baguette slices for buffalo bruschetta. I also love to use this mixture in buffalo chicken rolls, for chicken quesadillas, or to stuff into mini slider buns. Delicious used to top a baked potato, or mix into cooked pasta for a spicy chicken mac and cheese.

More Tasty Appetizer Recipes

I hope you enjoy this recipe for buffalo chicken dip. Happy snacking! Leave a comment and rating below.

5 from 1 vote

Best Buffalo Chicken Dip

Donnalea

Servings

Prep 10

Cook 20

Total 30

Print Pin

This baked buffalo chicken dip is creamy, spicy, and has just the right kick for the perfect party appetizer.

Equipment

cast iron pan
mixing bowl
hand mixer optional

Ingredients

2 cans chicken or 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
8 ounces cream cheese softened
½ cup Franks Original Hot Sauce or Franks Buffalo Wing Sauce
1 packet ranch seasoning mix 28 g
½ cup sour cream or ¼ cup mayonnaise and ¼ cup greek yogurt
1 cup shredded cheese divided (mozzarella, cheddar, marble, or your favorite blend)
1 cup cooked bacon pieces divided
1 Tablespoon crumbled bleu cheese optional
finely sliced green onion optional
parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375˚F.
In a bowl, add softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, mayonnaise and sour cream. Mix well by hand or beat with a hand blender.
Fold in cooked chicken, ½ cup shredded cheese and ½ cup cooked bacon. Turn into a 2 quart dish and top with remaining ½ cup cheese and bacon bits.
Bake for 20 minutes or bubbly and golden. Serve warm.