Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

My sister called me one Saturday morning in a panic because she'd volunteered to bring an appetizer to a last-minute watch party and had no idea what to make. I told her about this buffalo chicken dip, and she was skeptical that something so simple could impress anyone. Two hours later, she texted me a photo of an empty crock pot and the message, "They're demanding I make this every week." That's the magic of this dip: it tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, but you barely lifted a finger.

I started making this for football Sundays because I got tired of ordering wings that arrived cold and soggy. The first time I set the crock pot on the counter, my friends hovered around it like moths to a flame, dipping chip after chip until someone finally asked if I'd made enough for actual dinner. Now it's become a tradition, and I've learned to double the batch because this dip disappears faster than any touchdown celebration.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese (225 g or 8 oz), softened and cubed: This is the creamy base that holds everything together, and cubing it helps it melt faster and more evenly without clumping.
• Sour cream (120 g or 1/2 cup): It adds tang and keeps the dip smooth and luscious, balancing out the heat from the buffalo sauce.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (170 g or 1 1/2 cups): Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor and that classic melty, gooey texture everyone loves.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (60 g or 1/2 cup): Mozzarella adds stretch and creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
• Cooked chicken breast (450 g or 3 cups), shredded: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here because it's already seasoned, tender, and saves you from cooking and shredding raw chicken.
• Buffalo wing sauce (120 ml or 1/2 cup): This is where the signature tangy heat comes from, so use a brand you genuinely enjoy eating.
• Ranch dressing (60 ml or 1/4 cup): It cools down the heat just enough and adds a creamy, herby richness that ties everything together.
• Chopped scallions (2 tbsp, optional): A sprinkle of fresh green onion on top adds a pop of color and a mild, crisp bite.
• Extra shredded cheese (optional, for topping): Because there's no such thing as too much cheese, especially when it gets all melty and golden on top.

Instructions

Load the Crock Pot:

Place the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, mozzarella, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing into the slow cooker. Don't worry if it looks like a chaotic pile at first, it all comes together beautifully.

Stir It Up:

Mix everything together until it's well combined, making sure the chicken and cheeses are evenly distributed throughout. This helps everything melt at the same rate.

Slow Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 2 hours, stirring halfway through to keep the cheese from sticking to the sides. The halfway stir also ensures everything melts evenly and stays creamy.

Final Stir and Garnish:

Once the dip is hot, melted, and bubbling, give it one last good stir to make it silky smooth. Sprinkle extra cheese and scallions on top if you want to make it look as good as it tastes.

Serve Warm:

Set out tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or crackers and let everyone dig in while it's still warm and gooey. The dip will stay warm in the crock pot on the low or warm setting for hours.

Pin It

One evening, I brought this dip to a potluck where I didn't know many people, and by the end of the night, at least five guests had asked for the recipe. A woman named Carol told me she'd been making buffalo chicken dip in the oven for years and never thought to use a slow cooker, and she looked at me like I'd just handed her the secret to life. It's funny how a simple swap in cooking method can turn a recipe into something people remember you by.

Making It Your Own

If you love blue cheese, swap the ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing and stir in some crumbled blue cheese at the end for an extra funky, tangy punch. I've also made this with pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella when I wanted more heat, and it gave the dip a smoky, spicy edge that my heat-loving friends couldn't get enough of. You can even add a handful of cooked, crumbled bacon on top for a salty, crispy contrast that makes every bite feel indulgent.

Serving and Storing

This dip is best served warm straight from the crock pot, and you can keep it on the warm setting for hours without it drying out or breaking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or ranch if it needs loosening up. I've also spread cold leftovers on a tortilla, rolled it up, and heated it in a skillet for a quick buffalo chicken wrap that's just as addictive as the dip itself.

What to Serve It With

Tortilla chips are the classic choice, but I love serving this with sturdy vegetables like celery and carrot sticks because they add crunch and a little freshness that balances the richness. Pita chips, bagel chips, and even toasted baguette slices work beautifully if you want something a little more substantial to scoop with.

• Try it with pretzel crisps for a salty, crunchy twist that holds up to the thick, creamy dip.
• Bell pepper strips are a colorful, low-carb option that add a sweet, crisp contrast.
• For a fun presentation, hollow out a bread bowl and serve the dip inside, then tear up the bread for dipping.

Pin It

There's something deeply satisfying about setting out a warm crock pot and watching it become the center of the room without any effort on your part. This dip has saved me on busy game days, last-minute gatherings, and lazy weekends when I just wanted something delicious without the fuss.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dip?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and add it to your slow cooker with the other ingredients.

→ How long can I keep the dip warm in the slow cooker?

You can keep it on the warm setting for up to 2-3 hours during your party. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain consistency.

→ Can I make this dip spicier?

Absolutely. Add extra buffalo sauce, a few dashes of hot sauce, or incorporate diced jalapeños for increased heat levels.

→ What can I substitute for ranch dressing?

Blue cheese dressing is an excellent alternative that complements the buffalo flavor beautifully. You can also use additional sour cream for a milder version.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess.

→ Can I prepare this on the stovetop instead?

Yes, combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until melted and smooth, about 15-20 minutes.