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Cheesy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Everyone needs a tried-and-true party dip or game day snack, and cheesy buffalo chicken dip hits the spot! This hearty dip combines chicken, ranch seasoning, and, of course, lots of cheesy goodness. Enjoy with plenty of tortilla chips or raw veggies for dipping!

Cheesy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip garnished and in bowl next to dish of celery, carrots, and tortilla chops

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What’s To Love About This Recipe

  • I love this recipe because it starts with fresh, whole chicken breasts, and you can control every aspect of the ingredients. Many premade dips from the store contain preservatives and added oils, and with this recipe, you can use only the good stuff.
  • You’ll want to make plenty! And don’t worry about any dip going to waste – leftover buffalo chicken dip is delicious and reheats well.
  • The star ingredient in this dip is the buffalo sauce. If you love buffalo-sauce flavors on just about anything (me!), this recipe is for you. Choose mild or spicy to make it just how you like.
  • I love using the slow cooker for cheesy dip because it keeps an even temperature without having to stir too frequently. The slow cooker makes it so easy to keep appetizers hot and fresh!
  • It’s worth noting that this buffalo chicken dip recipe is the BEST because you can serve it hot or cold! It’s easy to make ahead and reheat or serve later as a cold dip with chips and veggies. I’ve tried the leftovers with many different meals (and I won’t judge if you want to try some for breakfast).

Ingredients Needed  

  • Thin sliced chicken breasts – Thin sliced chicken breasts work well for this recipe since they will cook evenly and will be easy to shred. The meat will have just the right amount of tenderness and can also cook quickly if you use the high setting.
  • Chicken broth – Add some flavor to the base of the dip with chicken broth. Feel free to use regular or reduced sodium if you prefer. 
  • Buffalo wing sauce – The buffalo wing sauce is the standout ingredient here! Choose your favorite buffalo wings sauce – from mild to spicy, etc. Primal Kitchen has a healthier buffalo sauce option that is so tasty!
  • Homemade ranch seasoning blend – I’m a big fan of mixing up your own seasoning blends from scratch. Use this simple recipe to create a ranch blend that seasons the chicken and compliments the buffalo sauce.
  • Cream cheese – Soften a block of cream cheese to easily stir into the dip near the end.
  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The most ideal option is to use fresh-grated cheese for the best taste, texture, and easy melting. However,  any shredded cheese is fine. Use a mild to sharp cheddar, depending on your preference for boldness, or try a totally different cheese.
  • Unsalted tortilla chips – Unsalted chips are a nice option since this dip is already so rich and flavorful. Whatever you do, be sure you have plenty of chips to dip since this recipe will be devoured!
Chicken, cheese, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and seasonings on a counter, tortilla chips

How To Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

  1. Place chicken, broth, sauce, and ranch seasoning in the slow cooker.
Raw chicken, seasonings, buffalo sauce in slow cooker bowl
  1. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-7 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
  2. Using two forks, shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker.
Shredded chicken with two forks in clear bowl
  1. Add softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken.
Chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheese mixture in slow cooker bowl
  1. Cover again and let the dip continue to heat until the cheese is fully melted (about 30 minutes).
Cheesy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip mixture in slow cooker in process of cooking
  1. Stir until smooth and serve with chips or as desired.

Pro Tips:

  • If you have the time, you will get the best results by shredding your own cheese from the block. Pre-shredded cheeses have additives that prevent sticking together in the bag, which is wonderful for convenience but can affect how it melts and dulls the taste.
  • The buffalo wing sauce will be the predictor of your spice level! Most wing sauces will come prepared in an original or spicy-hot version, so be sure to check the label for what you prefer. 

Buffalo sauce is not the same as a general hot sauce. Both have similar seasonings, but buffalo sauce will be creamier since it contains either real butter or a butter substitute.

How To Serve Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a thick, hearty dip that will really stick to your chips or veggies! You will want to have plenty of options to scoop up the tasty, cheesy dip.

Here are some dipper options:

  • unsalted tortilla chips or corn dipper-style chips 
  • carrot sticks
  • sliced bell peppers
  • celery sticks 
  • hearty crackers like a woven wheat or a thicker multigrain cracker.

Since buffalo chicken dip is so full of protein, it’s also a delicious meal topper for nachos or baked potatoes! It really is the perfect party food. You might want to set up a bar of toppings with the dip, including extra dressing such as blue cheese or Zesty Lime Jalapeno Ranch Dressing.

Cheesy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip garnished in bowl with celery sticks inside next to celery, carrots, and tortilla chips

Serve side-by-side appetizers such as Slow Cooker Jalapeno Corn Dip or Slow Cooker Pork Meatballs. Now, you’re set for gameday!

Storing and Reheating

Go ahead and make extra dip since the leftovers are simply delicious, too! Leftover dip also reheats well in the microwave or even back in the slow cooker on the warm setting. To store, let the dip cool, then add to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

It is possible to freeze leftovers, but I really don’t recommend doing so since it won’t yield great results. The dairy will separate, and it won’t be as smooth and creamy as the original.

Cheesy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip garnished and in bowl next to dish of celery, carrots, and tortilla chops

Cheesy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Jennifer Draper
Everyone needs a tried-and-true party dip or game day snack, and cheesy buffalo chicken dip hits the spot! This hearty dip combines chicken, ranch seasoning, and, of course, lots of cheesy goodness. Enjoy with plenty of tortilla chips or raw veggies for dipping!
4.59 from 17 votes
Save
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place chicken, broth, sauce, and ranch seasoning in slow cooker
  • Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-7 hours until chicken is fully cooked
  • Using two forks, shred chicken and return it to slow cooker
  • Add softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to chicken
  • Cover again and let dip continue to heat until cheese is fully melted (about 30 minutes)
  • Stir until smooth and serve with chips or as desired

Notes

  • Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave or the slow cooker on the warm setting.
  • Leftovers are delicious served either hot or cold.
  • I made this in my 2-quart slow cooker on low for 5 hours and then allowed another 30 minutes to melt the cheeses.
  • Nutrition is calculated without the addition of tortilla chips.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 16gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 542mgPotassium: 270mgFiber: 0.02gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 481IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @slowcookergourmet or tag #slowcookergourmet!
Important nutritional disclaimer

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip FAQs 

  • How can leftover buffalo chicken dip be used? Serve leftover buffalo chicken dip as a topping for other meals. Some options include a scoop over baked potatoes or nachos, or in a wrap or sandwich with lettuce and tomato.
  • Can this buffalo chicken dip recipe be made in the oven? One option for the oven is to warm up premade buffalo chicken dip 350 ℉ until bubbly. You could also combine pre-cooked shredded chicken with the seasoning and cheeses in an oven-safe dish. Stir to combine, add to the oven at 350 ℉, and bake until all cheese is melted.
  • Can canned chicken be used to make buffalo chicken dip? Yes, canned chicken will work for this recipe. Since it is pre-cooked, simply add chicken, broth, sauce, and seasoning to the slow cooker to heat until simmering. Use a fork to shred the chicken, then add the cheeses and continue to heat until they are thoroughly melted.

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30 Comments

  1. I like this recipe. I done it a few times, but I like spicy, so I add a little extra heat with Fresh diced jalapeños, a favorite jalapeño hot sauce if mine, crushed red pepper and some dry herbs. I also add a little extra cheese as I found it to be a little more of a “wet” dip then I’d prefer from the original recipe.

  2. Hello! I love all of your Recipes …however, I tried doing this buffalo chicken dip and it came out looking like Soup lol. I’m not sure if I put to much chicken broth. What do you think I could do different? Thank you

    1. oh no! Only 1/4 cup of broth shouldn’t have created that issue. I wonder if the chicken breasts had a lot of added water? You could always add more cream cheese, or drain off some of the water before adding cheese.

4.59 from 17 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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