Buffalo chicken dip is a fan favorite that can turn any casual dinner or get-together into a party. This creamy, spicy appetizer combines shredded chicken, hot sauce, and ooey-gooey cheese to make a dip that’s irresistible on its own. But when it comes to making it a full meal, you may be wondering what to serve alongside it.
Luckily, buffalo chicken dip pairs well with a variety of dishes that can round out your dinner spread In this article, we’ll explore 50 delicious ideas for side dishes, appetizers, and more that complement buffalo chicken dip perfectly.
Starters and Snacks
Buffalo chicken dip makes a great starter or appetizer for dinners and parties. Keep the theme going with spicy, savory picks like these:
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Tortilla chips – The classic pairing, tortilla chips are sturdy enough for big creamy dips. Their saltiness balances the spice.
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Pita chips – For a healthier dipper, baked pita chips have a satisfying crunch Their neutral flavor lets the buffalo chicken shine
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Pretzels – Soft baked pretzels or crunchy sticks provide a delicious salty counterpoint
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Crackers – Hearty whole grain crackers can hold up to the thickness of the dip.
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Vegetables – Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and other fresh veggies give crunch and cooling contrast.
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Cheese sticks – Ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese sticks complement the melted cheese in the buffalo dip.
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Fried pickles – For an indulgent pairing, crispy fried pickles provide a tangy crunch.
Salads and Veggies
A fresh salad or vegetable side is a great way to balance out the rich dip. Consider these ideas:
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Garden salad – Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers make a classic pairing. Buttermilk ranch dressing fits the theme.
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Caesar salad – Romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and garlic croutons can stand up to the dip.
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Greek salad – Feta cheese, olives, onion, and pepperoncini provide Mediterranean flair.
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Coleslaw – Cool, crunchy cabbage tossed in a creamy dressing lightens up the meal.
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Sweet potato fries – Crispy, crunchy fries make a satisfying and hearty side.
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Roasted potatoes – Halved red potatoes caramelize beautifully and soak up spices.
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Roasted vegetables – Zucchini, squash, Brussels sprouts, and more get deliciously charred.
Breads and Grains
Carbs are a great vehicle for eating that dip! Round out your spread with breads, buns, pasta, grains, and more:
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Dinner rolls – Warm, soft rolls are perfect for pulling apart and dipping.
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Garlic bread – Sliced baguette turns into a crowd-pleasing side when topped with garlic butter.
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Pasta salad – Chilled pasta absorbs flavors easily for a make-ahead side.
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Mac and cheese – A classic comfort food, the creamy pasta complements the dip.
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Rice – White or brown rice gives the meal balance and heartiness.
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Quinoa – Fluffy quinoa provides whole grain goodness with a mild flavor.
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Couscous – Tiny couscous rounds soak up flavors and give a fun texture contrast.
Lean Proteins
Add more hearty satisfaction by accompanying your buffalo chicken dip with lean protein choices:
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Chicken – Grilled, baked, or pan-fried chicken breasts give a protein boost.
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Fish – Grilled salmon, tuna, or white fish work well with the dip flavors.
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Steak – Sliced sirloin or flank steak brings hearty flavors to the table.
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Shrimp – Quick-cooking shrimp sautéed in spices makes an easy pairing.
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Tofu – Marinated and baked tofu makes a satisfying vegetarian addition.
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Veggie burger – Grilled veggie patties match the casual vibe.
Putting It All Together
When planning your full buffalo chicken dip dinner menu, aim for balance. The rich dip pairs well with fresh vegetables, greens, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Here are some full meal ideas to give you inspiration:
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Buffalo chicken dip with caesar salad and garlic bread
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Buffalo chicken dip with rice pilaf and grilled chicken breasts
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Buffalo chicken dip with roasted potato wedges and fish fillets
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Buffalo chicken dip with greek salad and pita bread
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Buffalo chicken dip with quinoa tabbouleh and baked tofu
Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer. With the right sides and mains, it can easily turn into a full, satisfying dinner perfect for any occasion. Be creative with fresh flavors, vegetables, starches, and lean proteins to put together a balanced meal.
FAQs About Pairing Foods with Buffalo Chicken Dip
Can I serve buffalo chicken dip as an entree?
While traditionally served as an appetizer, buffalo chicken dip can work as the star of an entree with the right accompaniments. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or pasta, or stuff it into a pita or sandwich to make it a main meal.
What vegetables go well with buffalo chicken dip?
Crisp, fresh vegetables help balance the rich creaminess of the dip. Great choices include carrots, celery, cucumber, bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini.
What kind of bread is good with buffalo chicken dip?
Breads that can stand up to thick dips work best. Look for crusty artisan breads, soft dinner rolls, sliced baguettes, pita bread, and flatbreads. Warm or toast them to maximize deliciousness.
Can you pair buffalo chicken dip with spicy foods?
Sure! The existing spice of the buffalo chicken dip means it can hold its own against other spicy menu items like buffalo wings, chili, jalapeño poppers, and more.
What dessert goes well after buffalo chicken dip?
Cool, creamy desserts like ice cream, panna cotta, or fruit sorbet can soothe the palate after spicy buffalo chicken dip. A fruit and cheese plate also makes a nice dessert pairing.
With so many easy and delicious food pairing options, buffalo chicken dip can be the star of any meal. Use the ideas in this article to help round out your dinner menu and dip to your heart’s content!
Recipes to Make with Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip
Let’s get our recipe on! Here are my favorite ways to turn leftover dip into something absolutely crave-worthy!
Use your leftover buffalo chicken dip as a flavorful filling for roasted spaghetti squash! The pairing is a match made in heaven and one of the most popular recipes on my blog!
You can make it a meal by serving it alongside a fresh veggie side salad or some roasted broccoli. Delicious!
A riff on my famous Bell Pepper Tacos, these buffalo chicken stuffed peppers make a fantastic low-carb or keto main dish for dinner or an awesome protein packed lunch option!
Using buffalo chicken dip for the filing makes this recipe quick and easy and you can kick up the spice and the cheesiness by adding extra buffalo sauce or grated cheese on top. Yes please!
Take my feisty and fiery buffalo chicken taco salad recipe and use your leftover buffalo chicken dip in place of the shredded buffalo chicken. It’s kind of like adding a scoop of cold chicken salad to a fresh garden salad but with a tasty taco salad twist.
You can top it with crushed tortilla chips, tortilla strips, or even nacho cheese doritos. SO GOOD!
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Toast some bread and add cold or warmed buffalo dip and a mountain of fresh veggies for a fun lunch that rivals your local sandwich shop!