Buffalo chicken dip is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy appetizer that is a staple at parties and game day gatherings. This addictive dip features shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and lots of melty cheese. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. But a common question when making buffalo chicken dip is how long to bake it in the oven to achieve the perfect hot, bubbly, and gooey texture.
What is Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Buffalo chicken dip combines all the spicy, tangy flavors of traditional buffalo wings but in a rich and creamy dip form. The base of the dip is made by mixing shredded cooked chicken with hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot. Then a layer of cream cheese and ranch dressing is spread over the spicy chicken layer. Finally, the whole dish is topped with shredded cheddar and/or Monterey jack cheese before baking.
The result is a decadent, flavor-packed dip that is ideal for scooping up with chips, crackers bread or veggies. The creaminess from the cream cheese and ranch balances out the kick from the hot sauce. And the melted cheese on top adds delicious richness. Buffalo chicken dip has a similar addictive quality to spinach artichoke dip, but with the buffalo flavor profile.
How Is Buffalo Chicken Dip Made?
There are a few different ways to make buffalo chicken dip, but the basic method is
- Shred or chop cooked chicken and mix with hot sauce.
- In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese and ranch dressing.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over chicken layer in baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend).
- Bake in 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.
The cooked chicken provides the protein and bulk of the dip Using shredded rotisserie chicken or canned chicken helps cut down on prep time compared to boiling and shredding chicken breasts
The hot sauce infuses the chicken with that spicy, vinegar-based buffalo flavor. Frank’s RedHot is the most popular brand used, but you can experiment with other buffalo-style hot sauces too.
The cream cheese gives the dip its signature thick, rich, and creamy texture that is so addictive. The tangy ranch dressing adds another layer of flavor and helps thin and smooth out the cream cheese.
And finally, the cheese on top provides even more creaminess and also gives that melted, gooey topping when baked. A blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack is commonly used, but any melty cheese like Colby Jack or mozzarella works.
How Long to Bake Buffalo Chicken Dip
When it comes to baking time, most buffalo chicken dip recipes call for baking at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes. But the exact time can vary based on factors like:
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Pan size: The thickness of the dip affects baking time. Thinner layers bake faster than a thick dip in a small pan.
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Prep method: If you make the layering the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it, the cold temperatures mean it will take longer to bake through.
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Ingredients: Small variations in ingredient amounts can impact bake time. More cheese on top, for example, increases time.
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Oven accuracy: All ovens bake a little differently. Getting to know your oven’s hot and cool spots is helpful.
So while 30 to 40 minutes is the general recommended baking time, there are a few visual cues to look for to test doneness:
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Bubbling on top: The top layer of cheese will bubble and brown slightly when the dip is fully baked.
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Hot internal temperature: Check the center with a thermometer and it should register at least 160°F when done.
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Creamy but set texture: When ready, a toothpick or knife inserted in the center should come out clean with no uncooked egg-like cream cheese mixture sticking to it.
If the top is browning but the center is still cold and unset, tent foil over the dip and continue baking another 5 to 10 minutes until heated through. The dip will firm up slightly as it cools.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip
Here are some handy tips to help ensure your buffalo chicken dip comes out of the oven hot, creamy, and delicious:
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Stir vs. layering: Mixing all the ingredients together instead of layering produces a more uniform texture. But layering looks nice for serving.
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Pre-shred the cheese: Preshredded cheese melts more evenly than shredding right before baking. Avoid bags of preshredded cheese though as they have anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
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Don’t overbake: Check on the dip at the 30 minute mark to prevent the top from getting too browned or the texture from becoming dry.
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Let it rest: Let the baked dip sit for 5-10 minutes before serving so the heat equalizes and the cream cheese firms up.
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Reheat carefully: Leftover baked dip can be reheated in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave at 50% power, stirring frequently to prevent separating.
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Use a binding agent: For a thinner, dippable consistency, stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk or half-and-half before baking.
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Make it ahead: The unbaked dip can be assembled 1-2 days in advance, covered, and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Common Buffalo Chicken Dip FAQs
Here are answers to some other common questions about making and serving this fan favorite party dip:
What can I serve with buffalo chicken dip?
Good dippers include tortilla chips, pita chips, potato chips, crackers, pretzel crisps, fresh vegetables, and sliced baguette.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of canned or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can boil and shred chicken breasts. It just adds more hands-on time. Make sure they are fully cooked before shredding.
Is there a shortcut buffalo chicken dip recipe?
An easy shortcut version can be made by just mixing canned chicken, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese or Greek yogurt and baking until hot.
Can I make buffalo chicken dip in the crockpot?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low 3-4 hours until hot and bubbly, stirring occasionally.
Can I freeze leftover buffalo chicken dip?
Cooled buffalo chicken dip can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
What can I do with leftover buffalo chicken dip?
Leftover dip is great as a flavorful spread on sandwiches, in quesadillas or omelets, stuffed into baked potatoes, or mixed into mac and cheese.
The Perfect Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
With its addictive flavor, creamy texture, and cheesy topping, buffalo chicken dip is guaranteed to be a hit at your next party or game day gathering. Allow 30-40 minutes for baking time, but monitor it closely near the end to avoid overbaking. And be sure to let the dip rest before serving so the heat evenly distributes and the texture sets. Whip up this easy crowd-pleasing dip and get ready for it to disappear fast!
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Making this dip in the crock pot is a fantastic way for serving it at a party or for a big crowd.
Simply add all of the ingredients (cube the cream cheese) to a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker, stir to combine, and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring once or twice, then switch to the keep warm setting.
What to Serve With It
If you’re wondering what goes well with buffalo chicken dip or what to dip into it, the possibilities are endless! Here are some of our favorites:
- Tortilla chips
- Potato chips
- Fritos scoops
- Crackers
- Veggies (celery sticks and carrot sticks are a favorite)
- Toasted baguette slices
- Top with sliced green onion or chives for an extra pop of color
- The Layers: This dip was originally written as a layered dip, but you can stir everything together before baking if you’d prefer. Some reviewers have mentioned that the layer of cheese on top is too thick and while I haven’t had that issue, it would be just as delicious with everything mixed together!
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dip up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5 to 10 minutes of cooking time when ready to bake.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. You can also use leftover dip as a filling for some amazing quesadillas, sandwiches, and sliders!
- Freezing: You can freeze this dip for up to 3 months in an airtight container or in a baking dish covered tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then cook as desired in the oven (remove coverings) or transfer everything to the slow cooker.
If you’ve never made it before, and even if you don’t care for buffalo chicken wings, I beg you to give this a try! It deserves a spot in your party recipe repertoire. Everyone goes NUTS over it! It’s especially great for watching sports, a Super Bowl party, or any type of party or get-together.