When it comes to party appetizers, few dishes can match the crowd-pleasing power of a good Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip. With just 10 minutes to prep, this crock pot version makes it easier than ever to serve up that beloved spicy, creamy goodness with minimal effort. We mean it when we say, this will be everyone's favorite appetizer recipe.
Like my easy oven baked easy buffalo chicken dip, this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip is low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and addictively delicious! Using pre-cooked chicken makes it quick and easy to make, just 10 minutes of prep time. It can be accompanied by lots of dipping options and is excellent to bring to any potluck, tailgate, or barbecue.
Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or just craving something comforting and flavorful, this buffalo chicken dip in the slow cooker will be a hit and will get rave reviews! No leftovers guaranteed!
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Need more delicious game time appetizer inspiration the entire party will love? Check out my Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip, BBQ Chicken Sliders, and Crockpot White Queso!
Table of Contents
Why You'll Like this Recipe
- Effortless Preparation. Using simple ingredients, the slow cooker does most of the work for you, freeing up your time to focus on other tasks or simply entertain and socialize.
- Crowd Favorite. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cheese is a classic that’s always a hit, whether at a Super Bowl party, Sunday game day, or a family gathering.
- Versatile. You can customize the heat level and tweak ingredients in slow-cooker buffalo chicken dip to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Perfect Party Appetizer. Slow cooker chicken buffalo dip is easy to make ahead and store, making it a convenient option for busy days. It'll be one of your go-to appetizers!
Ingredients for Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below
- Cream Cheese: Acts as the creamy base, giving the dip its rich texture while balancing out the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a mild heat and a smooth, melty texture. Half of it melts into the dip, and the other half is sprinkled on top for an extra cheesy finish.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the creaminess of the other cheeses. Like the pepper jack, it's used both inside the dip and on top.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star of the show, giving the dip its signature spicy kick. You can adjust the amount to control the heat level. The great Frank's Redhot is my personal recommendation. Nashville hot wings sauce varieties can work as well.
- Ranch Dressing: Adds a tangy, herby flavor while also helping to smooth out the buffalo sauce's heat.
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: The hearty, protein-packed component that makes this dip satisfying and substantial. The shredded chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce and cheese, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Optional Dippers and Toppings: Tortilla Chips, Toasted Baguette Slices, Green Onions, Potato Chips, Blue Cheese Crumbles, Sour Cream, and Fresh Veggies like Cucumber, Carrots, and Celery Sticks
Tools You'll Need
- 6 Quart or Larger Crockpot
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Hand Mixer
- Hand Held Rotary Grater or Counter-Top Rotary Grater
How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
- To a crockpot, add cream cheese, ¾ cup of each cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch. Blend with a hand mixer until well combined.
- Fold in cooked chicken. Once combined, clean the sides of the crockpot with a spatula, and spread in an even layer.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours or on high heat for 1-2 hours.
- Stir until well-mixed. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top. Cover and cook an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve garnished as desired with dippers on the side.
EXPERT TIPS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Prep the Cheese Correctly. The cream cheese needs to be at room temperature for ideal blending. Regular or light cream cheese both work great as well.
- Packaged pre-shredded or freshly shredded cheeses both work in this dish. However, pre-shredded cheese has additives that help keep it from clumping. This does impact its ability to melt and meld with the other ingredients as well.
- Adjusting the Spice. If you prefer a milder dip, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a milder version. You can also increase the ranch dressing to mellow out the heat.
- Add hot sauce, spicy buffalo sauce, spicy ranch, cayenne pepper, chopped fresh jalapeños or diced canned jalapeños if you want a spicier dip.
- Make it Healthier. Use light cream cheese, light ranch dressing, and reduced-fat cheeses to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
- Add Some Extra Flavor. Stir in some minced garlic or onion powder for added depth. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the umami flavors.
- Substitute the Chicken. Use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or drained, canned chicken for easy prep. You can also substitute cooked turkey or even shredded pork for a different twist.
- Make it Vegetarian. Swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like shredded jackfruit or chickpeas.
- Garnish Options. This dip is beautiful with sliced green onions, fresh or canned jalapeños, or crumbled blue cheese on top. Warning: blue cheese is loved or hated, so you might want to check with guests for preferences. Crumbled, cooked bacon on top adds a great smoky flavor and textural addition!
- Bake it Instead: You can also follow my Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip oven-baked version.
Storage and Freezing
Allow the crockpot buffalo chicken dip to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation. Transfer to an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Place the container in the refrigerator.
Consume the leftover buffalo chicken dip within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Leftover dip is great as a spread on sandwiches or wraps. You can also mix it into cooked pasta for a quick buffalo chicken pasta bake.
You can freeze the leftover dip as well in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter for a couple of hours then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and cook in the slow cooker when you’re ready to serve.
If you prefer a thicker dip, reduce the amount of ranch dressing or add an extra 4 oz of cream cheese.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, mozzarella cheese, or even a spicy habanero cheese for an extra kick.
Buffalo sauce is known for its tangy, moderately spicy flavor. There are different levels of heat depending on the brand of the sauce and temperament for heat is different from person to person.
Pooling grease or oil usually happens for 1 of 2 reasons: the initial blend wasn't sufficient or it was overcooked. It is important that the buffalo sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and ranch are mixed well together first. There will naturally be a little grease from the cheese that is incorporated within the dish and on top.
Yes, you can follow my Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip oven-baked version.
More Party Appetizer Hits
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz ⅓ less-fat or regular cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese divided
- 1 cup shredded medium or sharp cheddar cheese divided
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup light or regular ranch dressing
- 2 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- Garnish Options: sliced green onions, bleu cheese crumbles, crispy fried onions
- Dippers: tortilla chips, corn chips, raw vegetables (celery, carrots)
Instructions
- To a crockpot, add cream cheese, ¾ cup of each cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch. Blend with a hand mixer until well combined.
- Fold in cooked chicken. Once combined, clean the sides of the crockpot with a spatula, and spread in an even layer.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours or on high heat for 1-2 hours.
- Stir until well-mixed. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top. Cover and cook an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve garnished as desired with dippers on the side.
Video
Notes
EXPERT TIPS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Cheese Tips: The cream cheese needs to be at room temperature for ideal blending. Regular or light cream cheese both work great as well. Packaged pre-shredded or freshly shredded cheeses both work in this dish. However, pre-shredded cheese has additives that help keep it from clumping. This does impact its ability to melt and meld with the other ingredients as well.
- Adjusting the Spice: If you prefer a milder dip, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a milder version. You can also increase the ranch dressing to mellow out the heat. Add hot sauce, spicy buffalo sauce, spicy ranch, cayenne pepper, chopped fresh jalapeños or diced canned jalapeños if you want a spicier dip.
- Make it Healthier: Use light cream cheese, light ranch dressing, and reduced-fat cheeses to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
- Add Some Extra Flavor: Stir in some minced garlic or onion powder for added depth. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the umami flavors.
- Substitute the Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or drained, canned chicken for easy prep. You can also substitute cooked turkey or even shredded pork for a different twist.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like shredded jackfruit or chickpeas.
- Garnish Options: This dip is beautiful with sliced green onions, fresh or canned jalapeños, or crumbled blue cheese on top. Warning: blue cheese is loved or hated, so you might want to check with guests for preferences. Crumbled, cooked bacon on top adds a great smoky flavor and textural addition!
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