There’s something so irresistible about a dip that’s both spicy and creamy at the same time. This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Crockpot Recipe hits all the right notes, with melty cheese, tangy buffalo sauce, and tender shredded chicken coming together in the coziest, easiest way possible. It’s my go-to for game days, potlucks, or just because.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Crockpot Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Crockpot Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Crockpot Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill buffalo dip. I’ve played around with it enough to get the balance just right so that each bite delivers creamy richness and a tangy kick, without being too hot or greasy. Plus, the crockpot means you basically set it and forget it, freeing you up to enjoy your guests (or TV time!) without standing over the stove.
- Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax or prep other dishes.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce with ranch seasoning and smoked paprika creates layers of bold, irresistible flavor.
- Perfect Texture: Creamy and cheesy without being overwhelming, thanks to a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and blue cheese crumbles.
- Always a Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it up at a party or a casual family dinner, everyone’s going to ask for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Crockpot Recipe really comes from how these ingredients come together. Each one plays an important role to create a dip that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness, so don’t skip or swap without a good reason!
- Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce: This is the secret sauce here—it has just the right heat and tangy flavor that makes buffalo wings legendary. Be sure to avoid the “original” mild sauce; the Wings Sauce has the true kick you want.
- Full fat sour cream: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang to balance the spicy sauce.
- Dry ranch dressing seasoning mix: Elevates the ranch flavor without watering down the texture—ranch powder is a game-changer in buffalo dips.
- Chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt: These spices deepen the flavor and add subtle smoky warmth.
- Cooked and shredded chicken: I usually use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor, but any cooked chicken works great.
- Blue cheese crumbles: For that sharp, tangy bite that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce—plus it adds a great pop of texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts wonderfully and adds richness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey, melty texture to the mix.
- Cream cheese: Full fat, cubed and softened; it’s the base that makes everything ultra creamy.
- Green onions, cilantro or parsley: Fresh herbs add a bright finish when sprinkled on top.
- Chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, veggies: Great dippables to serve alongside—variety keeps things fun!
Make It Your Way
I love how forgiving this dip is when it comes to tweaks—it’s a recipe that really encourages experimentation. Over time, I’ve tried a few different spins, and I’ll share a couple that I think you'll enjoy trying too!
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out blue cheese for extra cheddar or pepper jack if we want something milder and a bit smoky. It’s still yummy but easier for those who aren’t fans of blue cheese’s tang.
- Make it vegetarian: You can use shredded jackfruit or cooked mushrooms instead of chicken to keep the texture while cutting meat.
- Add some heat: Love spicy? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne powder along with the spices.
- Make it lighter: Greek yogurt can replace part of the sour cream, and reduced-fat cheeses work here, but keep in mind it won’t be as rich and melty.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Crockpot Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot and Mix the Base
Start by giving your crockpot insert a good spritz of nonstick cooking spray—trust me, this helps cleanup so much. Then, whisk together the buffalo sauce, full-fat sour cream, ranch dressing mix, and all your spices right in the crockpot. Once smooth and combined, stir in the shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, and ⅓ cup mozzarella. It’s already looking good!
Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese Cubes Without Stirring
Pop the cream cheese cubes on a plate and microwave for about 25 seconds to soften them slightly—that little step helps them melt evenly. Evenly distribute these softened cubes over the chicken mixture in the crockpot but don’t stir just yet. This layering trick means they melt slowly and mingle perfectly when you do stir.
Step 3: Cook and Stir
Cover and cook on low for 1 hour. Then stir everything together—by this time, the cream cheese will have started melting and blending in nicely. If you’re using an older or smaller crockpot, you might want to cook it for an extra hour or so, stirring occasionally until everything is gooey, cheesy, and steaming hot.
Step 4: Top with More Cheese and Finish Cooking
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top of your dip. Throw the lid back on and cook on low for about 20 more minutes, until that cheese melts into a bubbly blanket of goodness. Now it’s ready to serve!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn your crockpot to low or warm to keep the dip cozy while you set out dippers. Sprinkle with green onions, a few extra blue cheese crumbles, and fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Top Tip
Having made this dip dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really ensure you end up with the perfect creamy buffalo dip every time. These tips helped me avoid too-runny dips or ones without enough kick.
- Use the right hot sauce: Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce is key—it’s spicier and tangier than regular hot sauce, giving the dip its signature buffalo flavor.
- Don’t skip microwaving the cream cheese: Softening it first makes melting smooth and quick, so you get no lumps.
- Stir at the right time: Waiting an hour before stirring helps the ingredients combine better without the cream cheese breaking down too fast.
- Layer cheese on top at the end: This creates a beautiful, melty topping that everyone loves grabbing scoops through.
How to Serve Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Crockpot Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of topping this dip with sliced green onions because that fresh crunch cuts right through the richness. I also love throwing on a few crumbled blue cheese pieces for an extra punch—plus, chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. These little touches turn a good dip into a fancy crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
Serve it up with an assortment of dippers: sturdy kettle-cooked chips, buttery crostini, crunchy pretzels, and fresh veggie sticks like celery, carrots, or bell peppers. For party nights, I sometimes put out some soft pita wedges—everyone loves a little variety to keep things fun.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive spread, I’ve tried serving the dip inside a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl—makes a stunning centerpiece and is perfect for soaking up every last bit. Another favorite is layering it in a small cast iron skillet for a rustic vibe. Your guests will be impressed before they even take a bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After we’ve had our fill, I pack leftover dip into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days, though rarely it lasts that long in my house! Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating because some of the cheese might settle.
Freezing
Freezing this dip is totally doable, and I’ve done it a few times when meal prepping for busy weeks. Let it cool completely, then spoon into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for around 2 months. When thawed, the texture is still creamy, though a quick stirring helps before reheating.
Reheating
I usually reheat in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to make sure it heats evenly without scorching. You can also warm it in a small saucepan on low heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of milk or sour cream can freshen it up if it feels a bit thick after chilling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Definitely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and then cook it in the crockpot when you’re ready. This lets flavors meld even more for a tastier dip.
I find that rotisserie chicken works perfectly because it’s already cooked and shredded, adding great flavor and saving time. But you can use leftover baked or boiled chicken, shredded finely.
Yes! The recipe’s heat mostly comes from Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce and the chili powder. For milder dip, use less buffalo sauce or swap half with plain hot sauce. Add jalapeños or cayenne if you'd like it spicier.
Serve it warm, straight from the crockpot, with an array of dippers like chips, veggies, pretzels, or crostini. Garnishing with green onions and extra blue cheese adds freshness and visual appeal.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Crockpot Recipe is truly one of those recipes I can’t stop making (and eating). It’s simple, fuss-free, and that perfect combination of spicy and creamy that makes everyone smile. Whether you’re cooking for family or feeding a party crowd, I hope you’ll give it a try—and enjoy every melty, flavorful bite as much as I do!
Print
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip in Crockpot Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip made in a crockpot is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors from Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, ranch seasoning, and melty cheeses. Perfect for parties or game days, it combines shredded chicken, blue cheese, and a blend of spices for an irresistible appetizer that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ⅔ cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce (NOT original/traditional)
- ¾ cup full fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound (4 packed cups) cooked and shredded chicken (about 1 large rotisserie chicken)
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 ⅓ packed cups finely shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ⅔ packed cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, cubed into 12 pieces
For Garnish and Serving
- Green onions
- Additional crumbled blue cheese
- Cilantro or parsley
- Chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, veggies (carrots, celery sticks, bell peppers)
Instructions
- Prep Crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, whisk together Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir in the shredded chicken, blue cheese crumbles, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, and ⅓ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Add Cream Cheese: Microwave the cubed cream cheese on a plate for 25 seconds until slightly softened. Evenly distribute the cream cheese cubes over the top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot without stirring them in.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour. Afterward, stir the mixture thoroughly to combine the cream cheese with the rest of the dip.
- Cook Until Melted: Continue cooking on low for an additional 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally, until all the cheeses are melted and the dip is hot and creamy throughout. Newer or larger crockpots may require less time.
- Top with Remaining Cheeses: Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese and ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook on low for 20 more minutes until the cheese melts on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn the crockpot heat to low or warm setting to keep the dip ready to serve. Garnish with sliced green onions, extra blue cheese crumbles, and chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve with an assortment of chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, or fresh vegetables like carrots, celery sticks, and bell peppers.
Notes
- Use Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce (not original/traditional) for the best authentic buffalo flavor.
- Microwaving the cream cheese helps it melt evenly and incorporate smoothly into the dip.
- This dip can be made ahead and reheated gently in the crockpot before serving.
- For a milder dip, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and chili powder.
- Feel free to add extra blue cheese for stronger flavor or omit for a less tangy version.
- Serve with a variety of dippers to satisfy different tastes including pretzels, veggies, and breads.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/14th of recipe
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Leave a Reply