Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip (One-Pan, 17 Minutes)

Quick Facts

Time: 17 minutes • Yield: Serves 8 • Skill: Easy • Method: One-bowl, oven (slow cooker option) • Diet: Low-carb, GF-friendly

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Dip shows up when you want big, wing-night flavor in a fast, low-carb format that’s guaranteed to clear the bowl. This recipe balances creamy dairy with tender shredded chicken and a bright, tangy heat that keeps every scoop interesting. The texture is thick and velvety with gooey cheese pulls and a lightly golden, bubbly top. It’s tailor-made for family game nights, potlucks, last-minute invites, or a snacky dinner with fresh veggies. With simple timing and pantry staples, you’ll have a dependable crowd-pleaser in minutes—no fuss required.

Why You’ll Love It

• Weeknight-easy: One bowl, one dish, and clear 17-minute timing.
• Flexible: Mild-to-spicy heat control; oven or slow cooker friendly.
• Balanced flavor: Savory chicken, creamy base, and bright hot-sauce tang.
• Great leftovers: Perfect for snack boxes or baked-potato-style bowls.

Craving more creamy-meets-spicy options? Start with our Buffalo Chicken Dip recipes for quick riffs.

This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip brings bold, wing-night flavor in a creamy, low-carb format. Ready in 17 minutes using just one bowl and one baking dish, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for game nights, potlucks, or quick weeknight snacks.

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Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup sugar-free buffalo hot sauce
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tbsp blue cheese crumbles (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced

Equipment

• 1-quart baking dish
• mixing bowl
• whisk
• oven
• slow cooker (optional for serving)

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a 1-quart baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and sour cream until smooth.
3. Fold in the shredded chicken, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1 cup cheddar cheese until evenly mixed.
4. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and optional blue cheese.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a lightly browned top.
6. Let rest briefly, then top with sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 22gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 190mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 280mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Make-ahead friendly and adaptable for slow cookers, this dip reheats well and can be frozen for later. Use rotisserie chicken and pre-shredded cheese for speed. To lighten, sub in Greek yogurt or add diced celery. For extra heat, top with jalapeños or hot sauce drizzle. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup sugar-free buffalo hot sauce
• 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella, divided
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided
• 2 tbsp blue cheese crumbles (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced

What each ingredient does

• Chicken: Meaty texture; soaks up the sauce.
• Cream cheese: Silky body and scoopable thickness.
• Buffalo sauce: Signature heat and tang without added sugar.
• Sour cream/Greek yogurt: Smooths, lightens, and balances heat.
• Mozzarella/Cheddar: Melt + flavor backbone.
• Blue cheese: Punchy counterpoint to the hot sauce.
• Green onions: Fresh pop on top.

Pro tip: Bring dairy fully to room temperature so everything combines quickly and bakes evenly.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Aromatics: Add garlic powder or smoked paprika for warmth.
• Protein: Swap in shredded turkey; canned chicken works in a pinch.
• Cheese: Monterey Jack for extra melt; Colby for mild flavor.
• Heat: Use mild wing sauce for kids; add diced jalapeños for extra kick.
• Time savers: Rotisserie chicken and pre-shredded cheese = fastest route.
• Diet swaps: Dairy-free cream cheese and a meltable DF cheese blend work; verify your sauce for hidden sugars and gluten.

For different bases and flavor profiles, check our Dip Recipes collection—everything from mild to extra-bold.

Equipment Notes

• Must-have: 1-quart baking dish, whisk, mixing bowl.
• Nice-to-have: Cast-iron for heat retention; small slow cooker for serving warm.
• Size note: A shallow dish browns faster; deeper dish stays gooier longer.
• Lining tips: Light oil spray helps melted cheese release.

Step-by-Step

1. Heat the oven: 350°F (180°C) and grease a 1-quart dish; this prevents sticking and encourages even browning.
2. Make the base: Whisk softened cream cheese with buffalo sauce and sour cream until smooth; smooth base = even flavor.
3. Fold & layer: Fold in chicken plus 1 cup each of mozzarella and cheddar. Spread into dish; top with remaining cheese and optional blue cheese crumbles.
4. Bake to bubbly: 12–15 minutes until hot throughout, edges bubbling, and top lightly browned.
5. Finish: Rest briefly and scatter sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

• Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance; bake just before serving.
• Store: Refrigerate 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze: Up to 2 months; thaw overnight, stir, and warm gently.
• Reheat: Low oven until hot or microwave in short bursts; if too thick, stir in a spoon of sour cream.

Batch-cook this and round out the menu with a couple of options from Appetizer Recipes.

How to Lighten / Make It Creamy

• Lighten: Replace part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt; fold in finely diced celery for crunch and volume.
• Creamier: Add an extra 2 tbsp sour cream off-heat after baking; avoid boiling once dairy is added to prevent separation.

Toppings, Garnishes & Finishes

• Crunch: Toasted almond-crumb crisps, crispy shallots, or parmesan crisps.
• Fresh: Parsley, chives, or green onions.
• Tang/Heat: Extra hot sauce drizzle or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
  A sprinkle, a swirl, a squeeze—your three-second upgrade.

Sides & Pairings

Set out celery sticks, cucumber coins, bell pepper strips, or sturdy crackers. For a heartier option, spoon the dip into lettuce cups or over roasted vegetables. Pair with citrusy sparkling water or iced tea.

Scaling the Recipe

Double in a 2-quart baking dish; add a few minutes to the bake time and watch for bubbling edges. Halve for a small gathering; use a smaller dish and check early. If batch cooking, portion into shallow containers to cool quickly.

Nutrition & Dietary Notes

High-protein, low-carb, and naturally gluten-free with the right sauce and cheese selections. Avoid sauces with added sugar. Allergens: dairy; use dairy-free alternatives if needed.

Troubleshooting

• Too salty: Stir in extra sour cream or a squeeze of lemon.
• Flat flavor: Add a pinch of salt and a dash more sauce; finish with herbs.
• Greasy top: Use part-skim mozzarella and avoid extra oil-heavy add-ins.
• Loose texture: Bake a bit longer or fold in more shredded cheese.
• Dry: You likely overbaked—stir in sour cream to restore moisture.

FAQs

Can I make it in a crock pot? Yes—mix, transfer to a small slow cooker, and heat on high until hot, then keep on warm.
Can I use canned chicken? Yes; drain well and shred finely for better texture.
Best way to keep warm at parties? Serve straight from a small slow cooker on warm, stirring occasionally.
Is it freezer-friendly? Yes; thaw overnight and reheat gently.
What dippers work best? Celery, cucumber, bell pepper strips, and sturdy crackers.

Variations

• Lemony Herb: Stir in lemon zest and chopped parsley; finish with a squeeze of lemon.
• Spicy Chipotle: Add chipotle in adobo and a touch of sweetener-alternative to balance.
• Creamy Parmesan: Mix in grated Parmesan and finish with a splash of cream.

Chef Notes / Test Kitchen Tips

Softened dairy is non-negotiable—cold cream cheese resists blending and can leave streaks. Keep the topping layer balanced: too thick and it can pool; too thin and you’ll miss that golden, bubbly finish. Expect a “done” window around 12–15 minutes depending on your dish and oven.

Conclusion

When the craving hits for something hot, creamy, and just spicy enough, Buffalo Chicken Dip has your back. It whips together quickly, scales easily, and holds on warm without breaking. Bookmark this one for parties and weeknights, then leave a note about your favorite dippers—your future self will thank you.