There are some recipes that just feel like a celebration, and this Buffalo Chicken Dip is one of them. It’s the perfect creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible appetizer that brings everyone together around the table. Simple to make and impossible to forget, it’s a staple for any gathering.
My dad, James, cherished his football Sundays. The tangy scent of this dip baking was his signal to settle in. He’d call it his “game-day fuel,” and seeing his smile as he took that first cheesy bite was the true warmth of our tradition.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A perfect appetizer for game days, parties, or family get-togethers.
- Perfectly Creamy & Spicy: The combination of cream cheese, yogurt, and hot sauce creates a balanced, flavorful base.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Versatile Serving: Delicious with chips, crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.
The Heart of the Recipe: Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (use your favorite brand!)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
My Trusted Kitchen Tools
9-inch Cast Iron Skillet
I love using my dad’s old cast iron skillet for this; it holds the heat so wonderfully and goes straight from the oven to the table.
Glass Mixing Bowl
A simple, sturdy glass mixing bowl is all you need to bring these ingredients together without any fuss.
Making Dad’s Famous Dip, Step by Step
First, Getting the Oven Ready
First, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or an ovenproof skillet. I find a 1.5-quart dish is just the right size to ensure it bakes evenly without being too thin.
Whipping Up the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. It’s so important that your cream cheese is truly at room temperature; it’s the secret to getting a perfectly smooth, lump-free base. Mix until it’s all beautifully combined.
Folding in the Good Stuff
Now, gently stir in the shredded chicken, the cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Keep folding until every piece of chicken is coated in that wonderful, creamy sauce.
Spreading the Love in the Dish
Carefully transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the rest of that lovely mozzarella cheese all over the top. This is what will give you that beautiful, golden-brown crust.
Baking Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and turning a lovely golden brown. The aroma that fills the kitchen at this stage is just heavenly!
The Finishing Touch
Let the dip rest for just a few minutes after you take it out of the oven, it will be incredibly hot! Garnish with a little fresh, chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve it warm with your favorite tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.
A Quick Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The values are calculated per serving for your general reference.
Ways to Make It a Little Lighter
- Lighter Cheese: For a less dense dip, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has about one-third less fat than regular cream cheese. You can also opt for reduced-fat shredded cheeses.
- Leaner Protein: While the recipe uses chicken, you could try substituting it with shredded turkey breast for an even leaner option.
- Serve with Veggies: Instead of just chips and crackers, serve this dip with a big platter of fresh, crunchy vegetables like carrot sticks, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices.
How We Love to Serve It
- The Classic Platter: You can never go wrong serving this dip hot from the oven surrounded by a variety of tortilla chips, sturdy crackers, and crisp celery and carrot sticks.
- Stuffed Mini Peppers: For a lovely, low-carb appetizer, halve mini sweet peppers, remove the seeds, and fill them with the dip before baking.
- Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas: Spread a thin layer of leftover dip between two flour tortillas with a little extra cheese and toast in a skillet for a quick and delicious lunch.
My Little Secrets for Perfect Dip Every Time
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: If your cream cheese is too cold, it will be impossible to mix into a smooth base, leaving you with little lumps. Be sure to let it sit out on the counter for at least 30 minutes before you start.
- Overbaking the Dip: If baked for too long, the oils from the cheese can separate, making the dip greasy. Keep an eye on it and pull it from the oven as soon as it’s hot, bubbly, and golden.
- Forgetting to Shred the Chicken Well: If the chicken pieces are too large, it makes the dip difficult to scoop. Shredding the chicken finely ensures you get a perfect bite every single time.
How to Store Your Leftover Dip
Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, or place it back in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also assemble the dip a day ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it has to mine. It’s more than just an appetizer; it’s a bowl full of comfort meant for sharing with the people you love. I hope you’ll take this recipe and start a few traditions of your own.
Answering Your Questions
Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Dip in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker, stir well, and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until everything is melted and heated through. It’s a wonderful way to keep the dip warm throughout a party.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut! It saves time and the chicken is always moist and flavorful. Just be sure to remove the skin before shredding the meat.
How can I adjust the spice level?
The spice level is very easy to control. For a milder dip, simply use less hot sauce or choose a milder brand. For those who love extra heat, feel free to add a bit more hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Dip is creamy, spicy, cheesy, and an absolute crowd-pleaser for any gathering or game day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 1.5-quart baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and half the mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Transfer mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with chips, crackers, or vegetables.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest dip. Watch closely to avoid overbaking which can make the dip greasy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, game day, appetizer, spicy, creamy dip