Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip Appetizer

Name: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip Appetizer
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup ranch dressing; 1/2 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional); Tortilla chips; Carrot sticks; Celery sticks

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip for gatherings! It’s creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive, making it the perfect starter. Whenever I serve this dip, I can hardly keep up with the requests for the recipe. The combination of shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and cheese creates a flavor explosion that pairs beautifully with crispy tortilla chips and fresh veggies. Every time I whip it up, I always ensure to double the batch because it disappears faster than I can say ‘buffalo’!

Created by

Morgan Reeves

Last updated on 2026-01-20T01:31:20.372Z

Making Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip is one of my favorite ways to spice up any gathering! I find that using shredded rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time, and the flavors blend beautifully when baked. The shape of the dip, with its creamy surface bubbling up in the oven, is always a welcoming sight. I’ve learned to adjust the spiciness by controlling the amount of hot sauce, allowing me to cater to all my guests’ preferences.

One of my secret tricks is to add a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles on top right before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives a gorgeous finish that makes the dip look appetizing. Be prepared for compliments when you serve it, and don't forget the crunchy veggies for dipping!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy, flavorful warmth that’s perfect for dipping
Easily customizable for your spice tolerance
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion

      

Perfecting the Dip

Achieving the perfect creamy texture is essential for your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened, allowing it to blend smoothly with the other ingredients. I usually take it out of the fridge about an hour before I start mixing. This ensures that your dip is velvety and free from lumps, which is crucial for a pleasant eating experience. If you forget to soften it, you can microwave it for about 15-20 seconds, but watch it closely to prevent it from melting too much.

When it comes to shredded chicken, using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but enhances flavor with its seasoned skin. If you prefer to cook chicken from scratch, poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts for about 20-25 minutes in seasoned water or broth until fully cooked. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment for an effortless process. This adds a fresh note to your dip while allowing you to control the seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

While tortilla chips are the classic choice for serving this dip, you can explore various accompaniments to elevate your appetizer spread! Fresh veggie sticks like cucumber, bell peppers, or snap peas add a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the rich dip. You could even toast some bread or soft pita for an alternative dipping experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider using pretzel chips for an extra salty bite that complements the dip's creaminess.

For a fun twist, try adding additional toppings right before serving. Chopped green onions or freshly chopped herbs add vibrancy and a burst of freshness; I often sprinkle a handful of each for color and flavor. If you're a fan of crunch, add fried onions or crushed corn chips on top right before serving. This will create a delightful textural contrast that keeps guests reaching for more!

Ingredients for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Main Ingredients

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)

For Serving

Tortilla chips
Carrot sticks
Celery sticks

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl before transferring to a baking dish.

Instructions to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Prepare the Dip

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. Mix until well combined. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and blue cheese crumbles, if using.

Bake

Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and heated through.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with tortilla chips, carrot sticks, and celery sticks.

Enjoy your homemade Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add extra spices to make it your own!

Make-Ahead Tips

This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip can easily be prepared in advance, making it an ideal recipe for busy gatherings. Assemble the dip up to a day ahead, but don’t bake it until you're ready to serve. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap and adjust the baking time to about 30-35 minutes to ensure it's heated through thoroughly and bubbly on top.

If you have leftovers, don't worry! You can store the dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat it, place it in an oven-safe dish, covering it with foil for the first 15 minutes to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed.

Ingredient Substitutions

Catering to various dietary preferences is easy with this dip! If you're aiming for a lighter version, swap the regular ranch dressing for a lower-fat alternative or a Greek yogurt-based ranch. For those who are dairy-free, try using a plant-based cream cheese and omit blue cheese. You can also substitute the shredded cheddar with dairy-free cheese to ensure everyone can enjoy this savory snack.

If you want to adjust the spice level, the hot sauce can be swapped for a milder variety like Frank's RedHot or even BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor. This tweak will provide a different taste profile that still leaves you with a delicious dip. Don't hesitate to add extra ingredients such as diced jalapeños or a dash of smoked paprika to augment the flavor according to your preference!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dip in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ How can I make it less spicy?

Reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder sauce for a gentler taste.

→ What can I substitute for ranch dressing?

You can use blue cheese dressing or any preferred creamy dressing.

→ Can I freeze the dip?

Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just ensure to thaw completely and bake as directed.