Hey there, my friend. You are about to make the easiest buffalo chicken dip ever. No need to cook raw chicken or spend extra time shredding it. We are using canned chicken, and guess what? It still comes out creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
You only need a few ingredients, and I will show you the best way to mix them so you get that perfect scoopable texture. Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or fork
- Baking dish (8×8 or similar size)
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
Important Info
- Servings: 6 cups of dip
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $10-$12, depending on ingredient prices
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 250 calories per ½ cup
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Great for any season
- Courses: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, LowCarbDiet
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this dip and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 2 (12.5 oz) cans of chicken, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative Option |
|---|---|
| Canned chicken | Rotisserie or cooked shredded chicken |
| Ranch dressing | Blue cheese dressing |
| Buffalo sauce | Hot sauce mixed with melted butter |
| Cheddar cheese | Colby jack or Monterey jack |
| Mozzarella cheese | Provolone or pepper jack |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the canned chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Use a fork or hand mixer to blend everything until smooth.
- Add in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Helpful Tips
- For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Want a spicier dip? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of extra buffalo sauce.
- Make it in the microwave: Heat everything in a microwave-safe bowl for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Slow cooker option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- If the dip is too thick, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip
This dip is best served with:
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Crackers
- Pita chips
- Toasted baguette slices
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Serve this dip warm in a bowl or straight from the baking dish. A small crockpot or warming tray helps keep it hot for longer, especially at parties.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This dip is perfect for:
- Game nights – A crowd favorite for football season.
- Potlucks – Easy to transport and reheat.
- Parties – Works for birthdays, BBQs, or casual get-togethers.
- Holiday gatherings – Ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas appetizers.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep the dip at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, refrigerate it to keep it safe to eat.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Freezing
- You can freeze the dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast. Just make sure to shred it finely so the dip stays smooth.
How do I make this dip less spicy?
Use mild buffalo sauce or mix half buffalo sauce with regular barbecue sauce to cut down the heat.
Can I make buffalo chicken dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you are ready to serve.
What if I don’t have an oven?
You can make this dip in a slow cooker or heat it in the microwave until everything is melted and combined.
Can I add extra toppings?
Yes, you can top the dip with extra cheese, green onions, or crumbled blue cheese before baking for more flavor.
