It all started one Super Bowl Sunday… the year my youngest, Leo, decided that face-painting was more important than football. I was hustling, trying to juggle cheering on my team, keeping the kids entertained, and, of course, making sure the food was on point. I needed something quick, easy, and something that would disappear faster than you can say “touchdown!” That’s when I stumbled upon a version of what would become my family’s favorite Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip.
The first time I made it, honestly? It was a disaster. I added way too much hot sauce (my eyes were watering just from the fumes!), and the chicken was drier than the Sahara. But, being the resourceful home cook that I am (and fueled by the desperation of hungry football fans), I salvaged it with extra cream cheese and a dollop of sour cream. And guess what? It was a hit! That’s when I knew I was onto something.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected my Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe. It’s become a staple for parties, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in. I love how versatile it is – you can make it as mild or as wild as you like. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to throw together, which is a major win in my book, especially when life gets crazy busy (and let’s be honest, when isn’t it crazy busy?). This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip has become my go to recipe when I’m looking for a spicy appetizer.
Now, I’m sharing my version with you. I want you to experience the joy of a crowd-pleasing dip that’s ready in minutes and requires minimal effort. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip is all about maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started! Trust me, you’re going to love this. I just know it!
What You’ll Need for This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. For this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip, you’ll need a few simple things, and I promise, you probably have most of them in your fridge already.
Here’s what you need, and trust me, I’ve tried every variation under the sun to get this just right:

- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: I often use leftover rotisserie chicken for this. It’s a lifesaver when I’m short on time. But you could easily poach or bake chicken breasts if you prefer. Make sure it is shredded well!
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is key! Make sure it’s nice and soft, otherwise, you’ll end up with lumpy dip. Trust me, I’ve been there.
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce: I love Frank’s RedHot Wing Sauce. It has the perfect balance of heat and flavor. But feel free to experiment with your favorite brand!
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: This adds a creamy coolness that balances the spice perfectly. I usually use store-bought, but homemade is always a great option too!
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I use sharp cheddar for that extra zing, but you can use whatever cheese you like. Monterey Jack or even a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would be delicious!
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor that really brightens up the dip.
- Optional: Blue cheese crumbles: If you’re a blue cheese lover, like my husband, Mark, then a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles is a must!
When shopping for these ingredients, remember to check the expiration dates, especially on the cream cheese and ranch dressing. I always use full-fat cream cheese for my Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip because it creates the richest, creamiest texture. It’s just not the same with low-fat! And here’s a little kitchen wisdom for you: If you forget to soften your cream cheese, you can microwave it for 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to melt it!
To save time when making Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip, I sometimes buy pre-shredded chicken from the grocery store. It’s a little more expensive, but it’s worth it when I’m in a hurry. Also, green onions can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge in a damp paper towel.
For cost-saving tips, consider buying a whole chicken and shredding it yourself. It’s usually cheaper than buying pre-cooked chicken. And don’t forget to check for sales on cream cheese and wing sauce!
Leftover cream cheese should be wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator. Leftover Buffalo wing sauce can be stored in the pantry. And any leftover cheddar cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Now that you have all your ingredients, are you ready to make this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip? Great, let’s head to the next section!
Let’s Make This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip Together
Okay, friend, let’s dive into making this amazing Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip together. Don’t worry, it’s so easy, you’ll be a pro in no time!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, you can get started on the next step. I always preheat my oven first so I don’t forget!
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Make sure the cream cheese is really soft, otherwise, you’ll have lumps. If you forgot to soften it (we’ve all been there!), microwave it for a few seconds, but watch it closely so it doesn’t melt. I like to use a hand mixer to get everything nice and smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix it, or the dip will become dense. My little Mia loves to help with this part, and I love this link to internal recipe even more!
- Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or just a little bit of butter to grease the dish. I once forgot to grease the dish, and the dip stuck to the bottom. Lesson learned!
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary. In my kitchen, this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip usually takes about 22 minutes. It should smell like spicy, cheesy goodness! While the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip is baking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or prep any dippers.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This is important! The dip will be very hot when it comes out of the oven. Sprinkle with additional green onions or blue cheese crumbles, if desired. I learned the hard way with Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip that patience is a virtue! I burned my tongue so badly the first time because I just couldn’t wait.
And that’s it! Your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip is ready to be devoured. See? I told you it was easy!
A little Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip tip I learned over the years? Use a glass baking dish. It heats up evenly and makes for easy cleanup. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of wing sauce to your liking. If you prefer a milder dip, use less sauce. If you like it extra spicy, add more! You can check out this external link for more tips on perfecting your Buffalo dip.
How I Love to Serve This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Now that you’ve got this amazing Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip bubbling away, let’s talk about how to serve it! This dip is incredibly versatile, so you have plenty of options.
My family loves this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip when I serve it with tortilla chips. They’re sturdy enough to scoop up all that cheesy goodness, and the saltiness complements the spice perfectly. I also like to offer a variety of dippers, such as celery sticks, carrot sticks, and even crusty bread. My daughter, Sofia, loves dipping pretzel crisps in it. The possibilities are endless! This Spicy appetizer is perfect with just about anything.
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip is perfect for game days, potlucks, holiday parties, or even just a casual get-together with friends. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s guaranteed to disappear quickly. I often make it for Super Bowl parties, and it’s always the first thing to go. And the best part? It can be made ahead of time, so you can focus on enjoying the party! It’s also a great recipe to bring to a party when asked to bring a cream cheese dip.
When it comes to presentation, I like to keep it simple. I usually serve the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip straight from the baking dish, garnished with a sprinkle of green onions or blue cheese crumbles. You can also transfer it to a serving bowl if you prefer. Just make sure to keep it warm! I sometimes use a mini crockpot to keep it warm for a longer period of time. Check out this internal link for another easy Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe to keep on hand!
If you have extra Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip (which is rare in my house!), you can use it to make some delicious leftovers. Try spreading it on sandwiches or wraps, or use it as a topping for baked potatoes. You can even mix it with pasta for a quick and easy meal.
For seasonal variations, consider adding a sprinkle of pumpkin spice in the fall or a dash of lime juice in the summer. Get creative and have fun with it!
Friends always ask for this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe, and I’m always happy to share it. It’s become my signature dish, and I’m so glad that I can now share it with you!
Your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip Questions Answered
Okay, let’s get to some of those burning questions you might have about making this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip. I’ve heard it all over the years, so don’t be shy!
My Final Thoughts on This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip is more than just a recipe to me; it’s a reminder of family, friends, and those chaotic-but-wonderful moments we share together. It’s a dish that brings people together, and that’s what cooking is all about, right? This Chicken wing dip has become a staple in our home.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. It adds a whole new layer of flavor!
- Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for a bright, fresh twist.
- Serve with a variety of dippers to cater to everyone’s preferences.
Over the years, I’ve tried a few variations that have been a hit with my family. My son, Leo, loves it when I add a layer of crumbled bacon on top. Sofia prefers it with extra cheese (surprise!). And Mark, well, he just wants it extra spicy! You can also try adding a can of drained diced tomatoes for a little bit of freshness. Another popular variation is to add a layer of blue cheese dressing on top before baking.
I hope you make this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip your own. Add your personal touch, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, have fun with it! I promise, it’s a dish that will bring joy to your table and create lasting memories. If you’re looking for something a little simpler, check out this internal link that I know you’ll love.
So go ahead, give it a try! I know you’ll create something delicious. Happy cooking! I know that this Party dip will be a huge success at your next party.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect appetizer for game day or any party! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, blue cheese (if using), and green onions.
- Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
- Garnish with additional green onions and blue cheese, if desired.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. You can also make this dip in a slow cooker; cook on low for 2-3 hours.

