My Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip is the set-it-and-forget-it party hero. Creamy, tangy, and just the right kick, it stays warm and scoopable while you relax. It always disappears fast.
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker (Crockpot) 3 to 4 quart or larger
- 1 Mixing Spoon
Ingredients
Dip
- shredded chicken
- cream cheese cubed
- buffalo wing sauce
- ranch dressing
- shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend
- butter
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- green onions sliced
Optional Toppings
- blue cheese crumbled
- green onions extra, for topping
- smoked paprika
- turkey bacon bits crispy
Instructions
- Cube the cream cheese so it melts evenly. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Add chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, shredded cheese, butter, garlic powder, and onion powder to the crock. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on Low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once halfway, until melty and hot in the center.
- Stir until smooth and fully combined. Fold in green onions and any optional add-ins like a handful of extra cheese or turkey bacon bits.
- Switch to Warm and set out with dippers. Keep the lid slightly ajar to prevent excess condensation.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Hands-off cooking that keeps the dip warm for hours.
- Ultra creamy with the perfect balance of heat and tang.
- Great make-ahead option for game day, potlucks, and family nights.
- Easy to scale up for a crowd.
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients & Substitutions
- Shredded chicken: Use rotisserie, leftover roasted chicken, or poached chicken breast. Canned chicken works in a pinch, well drained.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat for extra creaminess. Neufchâtel or a plant-based cream cheese can be used, but texture may be slightly lighter.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Your favorite brand. For milder heat, mix half buffalo sauce with mild hot sauce or a splash of chicken broth.
- Ranch dressing: Bottled or homemade. For a lighter option, use plain Greek yogurt plus ranch seasoning.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend. Pepper Jack adds a little extra heat.
- Butter: Helps round out the heat and adds richness. Olive oil can substitute.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Simple pantry flavor boosters.
- Green onions: Stir in for freshness. Chives work too.
- Optional toppings: Crumbled blue cheese, extra green onions, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or crispy turkey bacon bits.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
1. Prep the base
Cube the cream cheese so it melts evenly. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces.
2. Load the slow cooker
Add chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, shredded cheese, butter, garlic powder, and onion powder to the crock. Stir to combine.
3. Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on Low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once halfway, until melty and hot in the center. The dip should be steamy and creamy.
4. Stir and finish
Stir until smooth and fully combined. Fold in green onions and any optional add-ins like a handful of extra cheese or turkey bacon bits.
5. Serve warm
Switch to Warm and set out with dippers. Keep the lid slightly ajar to prevent excess condensation.
Tips for Success
- Soften cream cheese so it blends without lumps.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
- Start with less buffalo sauce, then add to taste at the end.
- Keep it on Warm during parties and stir occasionally for even texture.
- For raw chicken: cook on Low 3 to 4 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F, then shred and stir smooth.
Variations of Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Extra cheesy: Add 1 additional cup of shredded cheese in the last 15 minutes.
- Turkey bacon ranch: Fold in 1/2 cup finely chopped crispy turkey bacon and a drizzle of ranch.
- Mild and kid-friendly: Use half buffalo sauce and half chicken broth with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Spicy kick: Stir in minced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- Blue cheese style: Top with crumbled blue cheese before serving.
- Veggie boost: Fold in finely diced celery or bell pepper during the last 30 minutes for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Crunchy dippers: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, and radishes.
- Carbs for scooping: Tortilla chips, pita chips, warmed naan wedges, crusty bread, or crackers.
- Something hearty: Baked potato rounds or sweet potato wedges.
- Sliders: Pile dip onto soft slider buns with a little lettuce for a fun hand-held bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat: Return to the slow cooker on Low, stir occasionally until hot. Or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until creamy. Stovetop on low with a splash of milk works too.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently. Dairy may separate slightly, so stir well and add a bit of cream or milk to smooth.
Memories Made Around the Table
I first served this for a chilly-weekend game night, and the crock stayed parked in the center of the table while everyone circled with chips and veggies. By halftime, there was nothing but crumbs and smiles.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes. Drain it very well and shred with a fork for better texture before adding to the crock.
Can I cook the chicken from raw in the slow cooker?
Yes. Add boneless skinless breasts or thighs with the sauce and seasonings and cook on Low 3 to 4 hours, then shred. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F before shredding and serving.
How do I keep the dip from getting too thick?
If it tightens up, stir in a splash of milk or a spoonful of ranch to loosen. Keep the slow cooker on Warm and stir occasionally.
Is it very spicy?
It has a gentle kick. For milder flavor, use less buffalo sauce and more ranch or a splash of chicken broth. For extra heat, add cayenne or use a hotter wing sauce.
Final Thoughts
This cozy, crowd-pleasing Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip brings big flavor with almost no effort. Set it out warm with plenty of dippers and watch it vanish.