Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

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The Crockpot makes this dip even easier.

Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 40 mins
Servings:
10

Now, this is something to cheer about: Everyone's favorite game-time dip got a Crockpot makeover! All you need to do for slow-cooker buffalo chicken dip is drop the first 10 ingredients in the slow cooker, then let it do all the work while you handle the rest of your last-minute, watch-party prep.

This recipe calls for a cup of hot sauce. We opted for Frank's RedHot, but feel free to sub in your favorite. A combination of cream cheese, shredded cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and sour cream makes this one creamy appetizer.

The dip will cook for an hour and a half to two hours, but only takes 10 minutes of hands-on time. Just before serving, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped scallions for an extra punch of flavor. Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite tortilla chips. Buy pre-chopped celery and baby carrots to cut down on prep time.

With ten half-cup servings, this recipe was made for a crowd. Serve it straight out of the slow-cooker for a no-fuss presentation. If you're looking to really get crazy, serve with a bowl of your favorite ranch dressing for drizzling over the top. After all, we're supposed to indulge on game day, right?

slow cooker buffalo chicken dip with carrots and chips

Skyler Burt; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

To make this dip, you'll need:

  • Cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie, roasted, baked, or poached chicken will all work nicely.
  • Cream cheese: Go full-fat for the creamiest texture.
  • Mozzarella cheese: For a smooth, melty dip.
  • Colby Jack cheese: Adds a mild, buttery flavor.
  • Sour cream: A tangy bite that balances the richness of the dip.
  • Hot sauce: Brings a touch of heat. We recommend Frank's RedHot, but your favorite type is welcome.
  • Blue cheese: For a pungent, classic buffalo chicken flavor.
  • Black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder: Add great flavor and spice.
  • Scallions: Added after cooking to freshen the mix.
  • Celery sticks, carrot sticks, and tortilla chips: For serving.

How To Make Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

This dip comes together in under 10 minutes of hands-on time. Let the slow cooker do the work and you'll be ready to feed a crowd. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

  • Step 1. Add ingredients to slow cooker: Combine all ingredients except scallions, celery, carrots, and tortilla chips in a 4-quart slow cooker.
  • Step 2. Cook dip: Cover and cook on LOW until cheeses melt, 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring after 1 hour. Stir in scallions.
  • Step 3. Finish and serve: Serve warm with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and tortilla chips.

Storing and Repurposing Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat leftovers in the slow-cooker, microwave, or on the stovetop until heated through.

Have leftover dip on hand? Get creative! Spread it onto a sandwich, stuff a quesadilla, wrap, or slider, toss into cooked pasta, top nachos, a pizza, or turn into an amazing pull-apart loaf.

Making Buffalo Chicken Dip in Advance

Need to get ahead of your party prep? Toss the ingredients into the slow-cooker pot, then cover and refrigerate up to one day in advance. Heat as directed before serving.

Other Buffalo Chicken-Inspired Recipes

Can't get enough buffalo chicken? Here are some other buffalo chicken recipes you'll love.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. chopped, cooked chicken (about 3 cups)

  • 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, cut into cubes

  • 4 oz. pre-shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)

  • 4 oz. colby Jack cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot)

  • 2 oz. blue cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)

  • 3/4 tsp. black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder

  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions

  • Celery sticks

  • Carrot sticks

  • Tortilla chips

Directions

  1. Add ingredients to slow cooker:

    Combine chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, colby Jack, sour cream, hot sauce, blue cheese, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a 4-quart slow cooker.

  2. Cook dip:

    Cover and cook on LOW until cheeses melt, 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring after 1 hour. Stir in scallions.

  3. Finish and serve:

    Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and tortilla chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is my buffalo chicken dip grainy?

    Shredded cheese can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that may keep them from melting properly. Try grating your own blocks of cheese for a consistently smooth result.

  • How long can buffalo chicken dip be left out?

    Serve warm and leave out for up to two hours; after that point, the dip should be refrigerated.

  • Can you freeze buffalo chicken dip?

    Freezing this dip is not recommended—the cream cheese base will separate a bit after freezing, creating a chalky texture.

  • What is the best hot sauce for buffalo chicken dip?

    We recommend Frank's RedHot sauce—it's easy to find and always delicious.

Additional reporting by
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer.

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