If you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip is always a winner. It has everything people love about game day food. It has tender, delicious chicken, creamy melted cheese, and that bold buffalo flavor! The bonus is that it is all made effortlessly in the crock pot!
I love this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip because it is unbelievably easy, always delicious, and guaranteed to disappear fast. This is an appetizer that my kids request at every family get-together! Whether hosting a game day, a holiday, or a casual party, this dip is the kind of no-fail recipe you'll make again and again.
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Ingredients
To make Frank's Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Crock Pot, you'll need these easy-to-find items
- Shredded Chicken: The hearty base of the dip. Use our Shredded Crock-Pot Chicken for an amazing start.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to that rich, velvety, can't stop scooping goodness!
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, gooey, and totally irresistible!
- Ranch Dressing: Cool, tangy, and perfectly seasoned. For an extra burst of flavor, try it with our Homemade Buttermilk Ranch for some really good ranch!
- Frank's Red Hot Sauce: The star of the show! This iconic buffalo sauce brings just the right kick!
- Chicken Base: To add a salty chicken enhancement flavor to the chicken breasts.
Pro Tip: For the best melt, I always like to use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of packaged. Fresh makes a big difference in this dip!
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Buffalo Dip
Everything you need to know is laid out in these easy-to-follow steps. This is the easiest Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken dip you can make! After cooking the chicken, add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
- To Cook Chicken: Mix ¼ cup of water with 1 tablespoon of chicken base. Add the chicken base mixture and chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours. Then shred chicken.
- Place shredded cooked chicken, cubed cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese into the crockpot and cook on high for 1-1.5 hours. Stir every 20 minutes. You are looking for everything to be melted.
- Turn to warm while serving. Serve with carrots, celery, or chips. See below for more fun serving ideas!
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Equipment and Supplies
This recipe is easy to make with just the right tools! Here are some items I use and trust.
- Crock Pot - This will do all the work for this recipe!
- Cheese Grater - I promise freshly grated cheese melts like a dream!
- Wooden Spoons - gentle on your crockpot and my personal favorites to mix with.
- Frank's RedHot Sauce - because, is it even Buffalo Dip without that tangy kick?
- Grill Pitmaster Gloves - these make grilling a breeze
Need Shredded Chicken?
Try this Easy Crock-Pot Version
This is the easiest, no-fuss chicken you can make ahead for this recipe.
- You can cook the chicken and shred it right in the crockpot, and then continue straight into making the Buffalo Chicken Dip with little mess.
- You can make this chicken ahead and freeze it in individual serving sizes for easy pull-out amounts when you need them.
Tim's Expert Tips
- Adjust the heat level to your taste - If you want it milder, use less hot sauce, or add more if you like extra spice.
- Shred your own cheese - Freshly shredded cheese melts so much better than the bagged cheese.
- Use a rotisserie chicken if you are in a hurry and don't feel like making your own.
- For reheating - If the dip thickens after chilling, stir in a bit more ranch to help bring it back to scoopable creaminess.
- For Serving - Keep the slow cooker set to warm. This will make sure your dip stays perfectly creamy.
Serving Ideas
- Classic Dippers
- These are tried and true options that work perfectly with buffalo chicken dip.
- Tortilla chips
- Celery Sticks
- Carrot Sticks
- Crackers
- These are tried and true options that work perfectly with buffalo chicken dip.
- Fun and Creative Serving Ideas
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders - you can scoop the dip onto mini buns topped with a little extra cheese....and voila, an amazing appetizer.
- Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla - spread dip between tortillas and crisp them in a skillet. Dip in some extra ranch!
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Swaps:
- Leftover turkey or chicken thighs - this is a great way to use up leftovers.
- Canned chicken - it will work in a pinch. Make sure to drain well before using.
- Rotisserie Chicken - a quick shortcut - shred and add to the slow cooker.
- Add in some bacon to make Bacon Buffalo Chicken Dip!
- Cheese Options:
- Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack (in place of cheddar)- for extra creaminess or more heat
- Blue Cheese Dressing - Replace some or all of the ranch if you are a blue cheese fan.
- Lower Carb or Lighter Options:
- Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese - this will work well and still keep things creamy.
- Greek Yogurt - Swap some ranch for added tang, extra protein, and lighter calories.
Pro Tip: If you swap in Greek Yogurt, mix in a little ranch seasoning powder first to boost the flavor. This will keep your dip perfectly balanced.
Storing Leftovers
How to Refrigerate Leftover Dip
Store any leftover buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. It thickens as it cools, but it does reheat beautifully.
How to Freeze Dip
You can freeze it! Place cooled dip in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to two months. For the best texture, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Reheat Dip
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until hot and creamy
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring often so the cheese melts evenly.
More Appetizers
- Roast Beef Sliders
- Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- Corned Beef Sliders
- Classic Pork Egg Rolls
- Homemade Beef Jerky
Video of Recipe
Recipe
Slow Cooker Franks Buffalo Chicken Dip
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs Chicken Breasts cooked and shredded
- 8 oz Cream Cheese cut in cubes
- 1 Cup Ranch Dressing
- 1 Cup Frank's Red Hot Wing Sauce or buffalo sauce of choice
- 1½ Cups Cheddar Cheese freshly shredded
- 1 tablespoon Chicken Base if needing to cook chicken
Instructions
- To Cook Chicken: Mix ¼ cup of water with 1 tablespoon of chicken base. Add the chicken base mixture and chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours. Then shred chicken. 1½ lbs Chicken Breasts 1 tablespoon Chicken Base
- Place shredded chicken, cubed cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese into the crock pot and cook on high for 1 - 1.5 hours. Stir every 20 minutes. You are looking for everything to be melted. 8 oz Cream Cheese 1 Cup Ranch Dressing 1 Cup Frank's Red Hot Wing Sauce 1½ Cups Cheddar Cheese
- Turn to warm while serving. Serve with carrots, celery or chips. See below for more fun serving ideas!
Video
Notes
- Adjust the heat level to your taste - If you want it milder, use less hot sauce, or add more if you like extra spice.
- Shred your own cheese - Freshly shredded cheese melts so much better than the bagged cheese.
- Use a rotisserie chicken if you are in a hurry and don't feel like making your own.
- For reheating - If the dip thickens after chilling, stir in a bit more ranch to help bring it back to scoopable creaminess.
- For Serving - Keep the slow cooker set to warm. This will make sure your dip stays perfectly creamy.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
You can leave the dip set on warm for up to three hours. Make sure to stir occasionally!
Yes, Absolutely! That is what makes this slow cooker dip so easy to make.
I do believe that Frank's is the best, but any vinegar-based hot sauce can work.
Chef Tim Clowers says
Definitely one of our family favorites