There’s nothing quite like the moment when you walk into a room and smell that irresistible combination of melted cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and tender chicken wafting from the kitchen. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with this incredible crockpot buffalo chicken dip recipe – a dish that has become synonymous with game day gatherings, potluck dinners, and family celebrations across America.
Buffalo chicken dip originated in the 1960s in Buffalo, New York, inspired by the famous buffalo wings created at the Anchor Bar. This creamy, indulgent version transforms those bold flavors into a dip that’s perfect for sharing. What makes this recipe special is how the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully over several hours.
This crockpot buffalo chicken dip recipe is perfect for busy hosts who want to serve something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, attending a potluck, or simply craving comfort food, this dip delivers every time. The best part? Your crockpot does most of the work while you focus on enjoying time with your guests.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Your Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or rotisserie chicken, shredded)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Substitution Tips:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option
- Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese if you want extra heat
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Prepare your chicken: If using raw chicken breasts, season them lightly with salt and pepper, then place them in your crockpot with 1/4 cup of water. Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork. Remove and shred using two forks, then set aside. If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and skip this step.
- Create the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and well combined. This creamy foundation is what makes your dip irresistibly rich and satisfying.
- Add the flavor builders: Stir in the buffalo wing sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste and adjust the buffalo sauce if you prefer more heat.
- Incorporate the cheese: Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese to your mixture. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar for topping later.
- Combine everything: Fold in your shredded chicken and chopped green onions, making sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer to crockpot: Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then transfer the entire mixture into your crockpot. Spread it evenly and top with the reserved cheddar cheese.
- Cook to perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 1-2 hours, stirring once halfway through. The dip is ready when it’s hot throughout and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Final touches: Give it one final stir and garnish with additional chopped green onions before serving.
Pro Tips & Variations for Your Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or use extra-hot buffalo sauce. You can also include a few drops of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Healthier Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for half the sour cream, use reduced-fat cheeses, and add diced celery for extra crunch and nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Vegetarian Twist: Replace the chicken with diced cauliflower or jackfruit for a plant-based version that still delivers on taste and texture.
Extra Creaminess: Add a block of cream cheese (in addition to the 8 oz called for) if you love ultra-creamy dips.
Texture Boost: Stir in diced celery or water chestnuts during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight!
Freezing: This dip can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F in a covered dish for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Crockpot: Return to slow cooker on LOW for 1-2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes
Always add a splash of milk or buffalo sauce if the dip seems too thick after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Can I make this crockpot buffalo chicken dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dip up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then transfer to your crockpot and cook as directed. You may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
What’s the best way to serve buffalo chicken dip?
Serve your dip with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, crackers, or toasted baguette slices. Keep it warm in the crockpot on the “warm” setting during parties.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Try pepper jack for heat, white cheddar for a milder flavor, or even blue cheese crumbles for an authentic buffalo wing taste. Just maintain the same total amount of cheese.
How do I prevent my dip from becoming oily?
Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before mixing, and avoid overcooking. If separation occurs, stir in a tablespoon of milk or sour cream to bring it back together.
Can I double this recipe for a large crowd?
Definitely! This recipe doubles perfectly for large gatherings. You’ll need a 6-quart or larger crockpot and may need to extend cooking time by 30-60 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately 1/2 cup):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Recipe Card
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours (including chicken cooking time)
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12-15 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Cook and shred chicken in crockpot if using raw chicken
- Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream in large bowl
- Add buffalo sauce, garlic, and seasonings
- Stir in most of the cheese, reserving some for topping
- Add shredded chicken and green onions
- Transfer to crockpot, top with reserved cheese
- Cook on LOW for 1-2 hours until hot and bubbly
- Garnish with green onions and serve
Notes:
- Can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time
- Adjust buffalo sauce to taste preference
- Keeps warm in crockpot on “warm” setting during parties
If you enjoyed this crockpot buffalo chicken dip recipe, please share it with friends and family, and let us know your thoughts in the comments — we love hearing your cooking stories and tips! This dip has become a staple at our gatherings, and we’re confident it’ll become a favorite in your home too.
