Buffalo chicken dip is a creamy, cheesy, and addictively delicious appetizer that is ideal for any party or game day event. With its spicy buffalo wing flavor combined with gooey melted cheese and cool ranch or blue cheese dressing, this dip is always a crowd-pleaser. But knowing exactly how long to bake buffalo chicken dip is key to getting that perfect melted, bubbly texture.
What Is Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Buffalo chicken dip is made with just a handful of ingredients – cooked chicken, hot buffalo wing sauce cream cheese ranch or blue cheese dressing, and shredded cheese like cheddar or Colby-jack. The flavors are inspired by buffalo chicken wings, with the spicy buffalo sauce providing a kick of heat.
The chicken and hot sauce get swirled into softened cream cheese and dressing to create a creamy base. Then the whole thing is topped with shredded cheese and baked until hot and bubbly. The end result is a rich, indulgent dip that tastes just like buffalo wings but in dip form. It’s ideal for dipping tortilla chips, crackers, celery, or strips of bread into.
How Long To Bake Buffalo Chicken Dip
Most buffalo chicken dip recipes call for baking the dip uncovered in a 350°F oven for around 20-25 minutes. However, the exact bake time can vary slightly depending on a few factors:
1. Size of Baking Dish
If you bake the buffalo chicken dip in a smaller more shallow baking dish it will bake faster than if using a larger, deeper dish. Aim for a 1-2 quart shallow baking dish for best results.
2. Quantity of Dip
The more dip you make, the longer it will need to bake. Buffalo chicken dip baked in a full 2-quart dish will take closer to 25 minutes, while a half batch made in a smaller dish may only need 20 minutes.
3. Browning on Top
Some recipes call for browning or crisping the top layer of cheese before removing the dip from the oven. If you prefer a browned top, you may need to bake it closer to 25-30 minutes. For a melted but not browned top, start checking it around 20 minutes.
4. Add-Ins
Adding extra ingredients like bacon or different cheeses can impact the bake time. The more add-ins, the longer the bake time needed for the middle to heat through.
5. Oven Accuracy
Every oven runs slightly differently, so bake times are always a guide. Get to know your oven’s hot and cool spots for the most accurate timing.
How To Tell When It’s Done
The best way to test doneness is to insert a knife into the center of the buffalo chicken dip. When it comes out warm, and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly throughout, it is ready to remove from the oven.
Here are a few visual cues that your buffalo chicken dip is fully baked:
- Cheese is melted throughout
- Top layer of cheese is melted and slightly browned
- Dip is bubbly around the edges
- Internal temperature registers 160°F
If the center still seems too thick or not fully heated through, place it back in the oven for a few more minutes until set.
Tips for Baking Buffalo Chicken Dip
Follow these tips for foolproof buffalo chicken dip every time:
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Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing the dip so it blends smoothly.
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Chop the chicken into small pieces for even distribution throughout the dip.
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If baking in a smaller dish, reduce temperature to 325°F to prevent over-browning.
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Cover dip with foil if top is browning too quickly while center is still cold.
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Let dip rest 5-10 minutes before serving so flavors can set.
Alternate Cooking Methods
While baking is the standard method, you can also prepare buffalo chicken dip in a slow cooker or instant pot. For the slow cooker, combine ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours. For the instant pot, bake on high pressure for 10 minutes then let release pressure naturally for 5 minutes before quick releasing.
More Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip
- For milder heat, use less hot sauce
- Blue cheese dressing adds tanginess
- Mix in crispy cooked bacon crumbles
- Garnish with green onion and celery
- Serve with sturdy chips, crackers, or veggies
By following the recommended bake time of 20-25 minutes and using visual cues to test for doneness, you can feel confident your buffalo chicken dip will turn out hot, melty, and delicious each time. Adjust bake time as needed based on quantity, dish size, and your oven’s tendencies for the best results.
WHAT HOT SAUCE AND CHICKEN SHOULD I USE?
Obviously two of the main ingredients in this dip are going to be hot sauce and chicken. But there are a few options for both of these, so which should you use?
One of my friends has a literal collection of hot sauce. We’re talking 50+ types of hot sauce. So when I wanted to know which was the right hot sauce to use in this Buffalo Chicken Dip, I turned to the expert.
For a classic buffalo sauce flavor, you’ll want to grab your favorite classic cayenne pepper sauce. My friend recommended Sweet Baby Ray’s Hot Sauce or Frank’s RedHot.
For the chicken, I like to grab a rotisserie chicken and shred it up. It’s quick and easy and the cooking has already been done for me.
You could also cook chicken breasts, shred them, and store them in the freezer for whenever you need them.
I’m going to be honest, though, sometimes I take the ultimate shortcut. Are you ready?
Sometimes I use canned chicken in this dip.
It’s not an ingredient I reach for a lot, but it works great in this kind of recipe! It is also really finely shredded, which can be nice.
If you want bigger pieces of shredded chicken, go for the rotisserie. If you want it super fine? Canned is the way to go. (I promise no one will know!)
HOW TO MAKE BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP
This dip is so simple to make, you’ll find yourself making it for everything from your annual Super Bowl party to a casual weekend movie night!
All of the ingredients for this dip are easy to find, and may even be things you already have on hand in your fridge and pantry:
- 1 cup hot sauce, such as Sweet Baby Ray’s or Frank’s RedHot
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ cup shredded cheese of choice – cheddar, monterey jack, pepperjack, etc.
If you want, you can use homemade ranch dressing in this recipe, but the bottled stuff will do just fine.
To make this baked Buffalo Chicken Dip, grab a saucepan and whisk together the butter and hot sauce over medium heat until the butter is melted.
Did you know that you just made buffalo sauce? Yep, buffalo sauce is just a combo of hot sauce and butter.
Some buffalo sauce recipes will add other ingredients, such as vinegar or spices. But at its simplest, it’s just hot sauce and butter. (The butter is why it tastes so good!)
Next, whisk in the seasonings and cream cheese, adding in the ranch dressing once the cream cheese is melted.
Give it a taste – now is a good time to add salt and pepper to taste and adjust the heat level if necessary.
Stir in the chicken and spread the dip into a 2-quart baking dish. Top with the shredded cheese of your choice; I like to use cheddar, but you could use monterey jack or pepper jack if you prefer.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. If you like, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until the top is nice and browned.
Garnish with a little sliced green onions or cilantro and you’re ready to serve!
How To Make Buffalo Chicken Dip – Quick & Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
FAQ
What temperature should I cook Buffalo chicken dip at?
For a typical baked buffalo chicken dip, the oven temperature should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) or 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How long should buffalo chicken be in the oven?
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Spray skillet with cooking spray. Add chicken and cook 4 minutes each side until browned.
- Place chicken in an 11 x 7 baking dish coated with cooking spray.
- Combine hot sauce and next 4 ingredients. Pour over chicken and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Serve with dressing.
How long to reheat Buffalo chicken dip in the oven?
You can reheat baked buffalo chicken dip in the oven at 350 degrees F for approximately 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. You can also microwave smaller portions at 30 second intervals until heated through.
How long is cooked Buffalo chicken dip good for?
How to make spicy buffalo chicken dip in the oven?
Here’s how to make spicy buffalo chicken dip in the oven. 1. Soften cream cheese. Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature (at least 30 minutes). 2. Mix it all together. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, shredded cheese, dressing, and cream cheese until it all comes together. 3. Bake.
How long does Buffalo Chicken dip last?
Buffalo chicken dip lasts for up to four days—if you’re lucky enough to end up with leftovers, that is! Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm leftover dip in the microwave or oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°. Can you freeze Buffalo chicken dip?
How long do you cook chicken dip?
Cover it and cook on low for two to three hours, or until the dip is heated through. Skip the layers: We love this as a layered dip, but it tastes just as good if you mix everything together. Mix the cream cheese, chicken, wing sauce and salad dressing in a bowl. Then, transfer the dip to the baking dish.
How do you make Buffalo Chicken dip on the stovetop?
Here’s a quick and easy way to make buffalo chicken dip recipe on the stovetop. 1. Heat the chicken. In a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the hot sauce until it just starts to bubble. 2. Add the rest and stir. That’s the cream cheese, dressing, and shredded cheese. Lower the heat and stir until everything is melted. 3. Serve and enjoy.
What is Buffalo Chicken dip?
This Buffalo Chicken Dip is loaded with creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness. This chicken dip is perfect for parties served with chips or veggie sticks. It’s also really easy – just mix and bake. We love that it reheats really well so it’s a perfect make-ahead appetizer. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Can you make Buffalo Chicken dip in advance?
To make Buffalo chicken dip in advance, layer the ingredients in the baking dish up to one day ahead. Cover the dish, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dish sit on the counter while the oven preheats. Bake as directed. How long does Buffalo chicken dip last?