Buffalo chicken dip is a popular party appetizer that people love for its spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors But like any dairy and meat-based dish, it has a limited shelf life So how long does buffalo chicken dip last in the fridge after it’s been prepared? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the fridge life of this tasty snack and store it safely.
Overview of Buffalo Chicken Dip’s Fridge Life
In general, homemade buffalo chicken dip will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. The shelf life depends on several factors like ingredients used, storage temperature, and handling. Commercially prepared dips with preservatives may last 5 to 7 days past the printed expiration date.
It’s essential to store buffalo chicken dip at 40°F or below as bacteria multiply rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F Use the “sniff test” and look for signs of spoilage before eating it. Discard dip that smells bad, changes color/texture, or grows mold.
Pro Tips to Maximize Fridge Life
Follow these tips to extend the shelf life of your buffalo chicken dip:
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Start with fresh ingredients: Old ingredients like cream cheese or chicken shorten fridge life.
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Cool quickly: Transfer dip to shallow container to cool rapidly before refrigerating.
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Use airtight containers: Prevents contamination & moisture loss. Glass containers work best.
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Monitor fridge temperature: Ensure it’s at 40°F or below.
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Label and date container: Track freshness and use older dip first.
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Avoid “double-dipping”: Introduces bacteria. Use separate utensils for serving.
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Divide into portions: Smaller portions chill faster in fridge. Easy to thaw just what you need later.
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Freeze for longer storage: Keeps for 2-3 months in airtight container. Thaw overnight in fridge before using.
How to Tell If Buffalo Chicken Dip Has Gone Bad
Always inspect buffalo chicken dip and discard if you see any of these signs of spoilage:
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Change in color: Unusual darkening or grayish tint indicates spoilage.
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Weird texture: Increased sliminess or watery consistency is a red flag.
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Mold: Presence of fuzz or spots, regardless of color, means throw it out.
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Sour smell: Bad odors like sourness or rottenness screams toss it.
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Gas bubbles: Bulging container points to bacterial gasses – do not eat!
Trust your senses. When in doubt, throw it out! Consuming spoiled dip can cause food poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about how long buffalo chicken dip stays fresh? Here are answers to some common queries:
How long does buffalo chicken dip last past printed expiration date?
Commercially prepared dips last 5-7 days past printed date if refrigerated and unopened. Once opened, use within 4 days.
Can you freeze and thaw buffalo chicken dip?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Stir well before serving as texture may be uneven.
Is it safe to eat buffalo chicken dip left out overnight?
No. Discard dip left out over 2 hours at room temperature. Bacteria multiply quickly between 40°F and 140°F.
Does using canned chicken change the fridge life?
Not significantly. Handle canned chicken like freshly cooked chicken once opened. Use freshly cooked chicken if possible.
Can I reheat leftover buffalo chicken dip?
Yes, reheat thoroughly to 165°F. Texture and taste may change slightly. Discard if reheated dip smells or looks bad.
What if my dip separates in the fridge?
Separation happens due to ingredients and cooling method. Stir well before serving. Prevent it by using high-quality ingredients and proper cooling techniques.
How do I use up leftover buffalo chicken dip?
Use it as sandwich spread, quesadilla filling, pasta sauce, or stuff it into baked potatoes. Gets dried out when reheated repeatedly, so use in ways that don’t require reheating.
The Takeaway
With proper refrigeration and handling, homemade buffalo chicken dip keeps well for 3-4 days. Follow the storage guidelines in this article to maximize shelf life. If you see any signs of spoilage, err on the side of caution and discard the dip. When enjoying this tasty snack, remember – good food safety practices go hand-in-hand with good eating!
Step 3: Bake the Buffalo chicken dip
Taste of Home
Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted, 20 to 25 minutes.
Serve the dip with baguette slices, celery ribs or tortilla chips.
Test Kitchen Tip: If you want an ooey-gooey top with very little browning, cover the dish with foil when baking.
- Make it in a slow cooker: Slow-cooker dips make great party appetizers. They travel well, and you can use the slow cooker to keep the dip warm during the party. To make slow-cooker Buffalo chicken dip, layer the ingredients in a 3-quart slow cooker. 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. Sprinkle the cheese on top, and bake as directed.
- Adjust the spice level: If your guests like it spicy, add more wing sauce. You can also reduce the amount of sauce to temper the heat.
- Add bacon: The only thing better than Buffalo chicken dip is bacon Buffalo chicken dip! Folding in cooked, chopped bacon adds salty, smoky and savory vibes to this creamy dip.
- Use another cheese: Feel free to swap in your favorite cheese; cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack or pepper jack all work well here. Blue cheese crumbles are a great choice if you love blue cheese recipes.
Can you make Buffalo chicken dip ahead of time?
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.