Introduction
Craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both simple and bursting with flavor? Look no further than buffalo chicken dip. This creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy dip is a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Best of all, this version is a cinch to make in your crock pot. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a buffalo chicken dip crock pot masterpiece ready to devour!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip Crock Pot Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy with hands-off cooking, letting you focus on other things.
- This dip is always a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for parties, game days, and potlucks.
- You can easily customize the spice level to suit your preference.
- The combination of creamy, cheesy, and zesty flavors creates an irresistible appetizer.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing buffalo chicken dip.
- 2 (12.5 ounce) cans chicken, drained well
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Chicken: Canned chicken is a super convenient option for this buffalo chicken dip crock pot recipe. You can also use pre-cooked chicken breasts. Just shred them before adding to the crock pot.
Cream Cheese: For a slightly lighter option, try using Neufchatel cheese instead of regular cream cheese. The texture will be very similar!
Buffalo Sauce: Control the heat! Some buffalo sauces are milder than others. Start with a smaller amount and add more to reach your desired spice level.
Ranch Dressing: If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can substitute blue cheese dressing for the ranch.
Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses would work well in this dip.
Equipment
- Crock Pot (6-quart or larger recommended)
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Crock Pot
This buffalo chicken dip recipe couldn’t be easier! Here’s how to make it:
- Step 1: Add the drained chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese to your crock pot.
- Step 2: Cook on low for 2 hours or on high for 1 hour. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on it.
- Step 3: Stir the ingredients together several times during cooking as they melt and combine into a smooth, cheesy dip.
- Step 4: Once everything is melted and well combined, reduce the heat to low or the warm setting to keep the buffalo chicken dip warm until serving. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- To prevent a runny dip, make sure the chicken is thoroughly drained before adding it to the crock pot.
- Soften the cream cheese quickly by unwrapping it and microwaving it for 15-20 seconds.
- Mix the ingredients well, ensuring the cream cheese is evenly distributed.
- Adjust the consistency by adding a little more cheese for a thicker dip, or a splash of milk for a thinner dip.
- Be careful not to overcook the buffalo chicken dip, as the chicken can become dry and tough.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
- Serve your buffalo chicken dip crock pot with a variety of dippers, such as tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, and crackers.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or blue cheese crumbles for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the dip in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Add blue cheese crumbles or cooked bacon pieces for extra flavor.
- Use it as a topping for buffalo chicken pizza.
Nutrition Information
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 3 g |
| Protein Content | 8 g |
| Fat Content | 24 g |
Buffalo Chicken Dip Crock Pot: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the buffalo chicken dip a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the crock pot or microwave before serving.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for the best texture and even cooking. Ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained before adding it to the crock pot.
How long will it stay warm in the crock pot?
The dip can stay warm for 2-3 hours on the low or warm setting. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent burning.
Is it possible to make it spicier/milder?
Absolutely! Add more buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat. Use less buffalo sauce or add a touch of sour cream to make it milder.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe for a larger crowd. Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate all of the ingredients.
Conclusion
This buffalo chicken dip crock pot recipe is the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, fire up your crock pot, and get ready to enjoy a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dip that will have everyone coming back for more. Don’t forget to rate and comment below after you try this fantastic recipe!
Buffalo Chicken Dip Crock Pot
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 12.5 ounce canned chicken drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 3/4 cup Franks buffalo sauce
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine the drained canned chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, Franks Buffalo Sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese directly in your crockpot.
- Cook the dip on high for one hour or low for two hours, stirring occasionally as the ingredients melt and combine.
- Once cooked, reduce the heat to a low or warm setting to keep the dip hot for serving.
- Serve the warm buffalo chicken dip with your choice of celery sticks, tortilla chips, or peppers.