Get ready to impress at your next party with this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe. This easy buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together, a baby shower, the Super Bowl, or a New Year’s Eve bash. As the ideal party food, this dip will quickly become your go-to recipe, ensuring your event has the perfect party appetizer everyone will rave about.
Everyone has that go-to dish they’re famous for bringing to parties, and for my wife, this is it. She loves making this recipe, and it’s easy to see why—it’s delicious. This tangy appetizer is perfect for football season or your Super Bowl party. We whip it up for finger food gatherings and more. It’s incredibly quick to make and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. The best part is it cooks in your slow cooker while you get ready for game day!
History of Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Buffalo chicken dip, has its roots in the iconic Buffalo wing, which originated in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. According to Farm Flavor, The very first plate of Buffalo wings was served at Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. According to the story, the secret recipe originated on a Friday night in 1964, when bartender Dominic Bellissimo asked his mother, Teressa, to whip something up for a few regulars who arrived at the bar around midnight.
Buffalo chicken dip is a more recent innovation that captures the flavors of Buffalo wings in a creamy, spreadable form. It became popular in the early 2000s as a convenient and crowd-pleasing party dish, particularly during football season. The dip typically combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and shredded cheese, then it’s baked or cooked in a slow cooker until hot and bubbly.
Over time, it has become a staple at gatherings, especially those centered around sports events like the Super Bowl. Its versatility and ease of preparation have solidified its place as a beloved party food across the United States.
If you appreciate the convenience of a slow cooker, you’ll love this Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken. It’s perfect for busy parents looking for an easy weekend dinner. It’s also great for party gatherings or finger food parties.
Why You’ll this Cheesy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Incredible Flavor: The rich, creamy blend of spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and tangy cheese creates a flavor combination that’s both satisfying and addictive. It brings all the classic taste of Buffalo chicken wings into a convenient, shareable dip.
- Easy Recipe: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dip is incredibly easy to throw together. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it a stress-free option for entertaining.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a game day, a potluck, or a casual get-together, this dip is versatile and universally loved. It’s the kind of dish that fits in perfectly at any party or event.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dip is always a hit, guaranteed to impress guests and leave them coming back for more. Its familiar flavors and comforting texture make it a go-to favorite for any crowd.
Browse our Appetizer category to find all of our appetizer recipes.
What Does This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip Taste Like
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip delivers a bold, spicy kick from buffalo sauce balanced by the rich creaminess of cheese, cool ranch dressing, and savory shredded chicken. The result is a comforting, tangy dip that’s irresistibly flavorful and perfect for any occasion.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
You’ll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post, but let’s go over the basics:
- Chicken– This recipe is all about convenience. For a quick option, we use canned chicken breast, but for a more flavorful dish, cook and shred raw chicken breast in a stock pot. You can also opt for cooked rotisserie chicken to add an extra layer of taste.
- Buffalo Sauce-We like to use Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce or Texas Pete Buffalo Sauce, but you can also make your own Buffalo wing sauce if you prefer.
- Cream Cheese– Make sure the cream cheese is soft
- Ranch Dressing-Ranch dressing gives the dip a cool, creamy texture, making it a deliciously creamy dip that balances out the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Tortilla Chips
- Celery Sticks
Garnish
- Sharp Shredded Cheese– Sharp cheddar cheese adds a robust, tangy flavor to the recipe, enhancing the dip’s rich, savory taste. Shred block cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese has a coating that can give this dish a gritty texture.
- Green Onions
See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow Cooker- 3 to 6-quart crock pot
- Can opener- if using canned chicken
- Stock Pot-if using raw chicken
- Cheese grater
- Measuring Cup
- Mixing spoon
- Serving Utensils- For serving the dip, such as a ladle or spoon.
For a complete list of all the kitchen tools and the brands we recommend, check out this Kitchen Essentials List for everyday use!
How To Make Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Step-by-step Instructions
- Turn the slow cooker on to low heat.
- Open and drain the cans of chicken.
- Use a mixing spoon or fork to break up the chicken. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. After the crock pot has heated up, mix everything until well incorporated.
- Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Garnish with shredded cheese and green onions.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip
The best way to enjoy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip is with a variety of dippable sides. Here are some popular options:
- Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping up the creamy dip and adding a crunchy texture.
- Celery Sticks: Offers a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich and spicy dip.
- Carrot Sticks: Another crunchy, slightly sweet option that complements the dip’s heat.
- Crackers: Provides a sturdy base for dipping and adds a savory crunch.
- Bread: Sliced baguette or toasted bread can be used for a heartier dipper.
- Pretzel Chips: Adds a salty crunch that pairs well with the creamy and spicy flavors.
These options allow you to enjoy the dip in various ways and find your favorite combination.
How To Store Leftovers and Reheat
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container. Place container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, use a microwave-safe dish or baking dish. You can reheat it in the microwave or the oven.
FAQ’s
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Cook it in a stock pot until fully cooked, then shred it before adding it to the slow cooker.
You can keep the dip in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for several hours without it overcooking. However, it’s best enjoyed within 2 hours of cooking.
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the slow cooker on low until warmed through.
If you prefer, you can use blue cheese dressing for a more traditional Buffalo wing flavor, or opt for a homemade version of either dressing.
The Best Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (Crock Pot)
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the creamy richness of cheese and tender shredded chicken. Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to game-day parties, this easy dip is sure to impress your guests. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, it's a go-to recipe that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 2- 12.5 ounce cans of chicken (drained)
- 2-8 ounce packages of softened cream cheese
- 1 cup of Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce (or comparable brand)
- 1 cup of Ranch Dressing
Garnish
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Chopped Green onion
Instructions
- Turn the slow cooker on to low heat.
- Open and drain the cans of chicken.
- Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker (Crock Pot). Use a mixing spoon or fork to break up the chicken. After the crock pot has heated up, mix everything until well incorporated.
- Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Garnish with shredded cheese and green onions.