Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleaser that combines the spicy goodness of buffalo chicken with creamy cheese and ranch flavors. Perfect for game nights, parties, or just a cozy night in, this dip is incredibly easy to prepare in your slow cooker, allowing you to focus on enjoying time with friends and family.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Dip stands out not only for its bold flavors but also for its convenience. You toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and you can forget about it until it’s time to serve. You get the flavors of a classic buffalo chicken wing without the mess of traditional wings. Plus, it’s versatile enough to cater to a variety of taste preferences, making it a go-to dish for any occasion.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
To make this delicious dip, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (orange)
- 2 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken (using rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- Crumbled blue cheese (for serving)
- Green onions (for serving)
These ingredients combine to create a rich and spicy dip that’s sure to impress your guests.
How to Make Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Directions
Creating your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is as easy as following these simple steps:
- Prepare the slow cooker: Start by spraying the insert of a 3-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. This step will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later.
- Add the ingredients: Next, place the shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing into the slow cooker. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. Mixing these ingredients early ensures that the flavors meld together as they cook.
- Cook the dip: Set your slow cooker to high for 1-2 hours or low for 3-4 hours. Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally. Stirring helps to prevent sticking and ensures an even heat distribution, which is crucial for a smooth, creamy dip.
- Add cheese: About 15 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Allow it to melt completely before serving. This step gives your dip that creamy, cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
- Serve: Once everything is melted and bubbly, it’s time to serve! Garnish with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese for an added burst of flavor. Serve it warm with your choice of dippers, and watch it disappear in no time.
How to Serve Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Serving your Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is just as important as making it. Prepare a platter with various dippers to accommodate everyone’s tastes. Popular options include:
- Tortilla chips: They add a crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy dip.
- Celery sticks: A classic choice to balance the rich flavors with a refreshing crunch.
- Carrot sticks: They bring sweetness and brightness to each bite, making them a great addition.
- Pita chips: They offer a hearty alternative for scooping up the dip.
- Crackers: Use your favorite type to add variety to the serving options.
Make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand, as this delicious dip tends to get a little messy! You want your guests to enjoy every bite without worrying about cleanup.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
To make your Buffalo Chicken Dip even better, consider these expert tips:
- Use rotisserie chicken: This time-saver provides excellent flavor and texture without the need for cooking chicken from scratch. Just shred it and mix it in!
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dip, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or choose a milder brand. You can always add more heat later if desired.
- Mix it up: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a new flavor dimension to your dip.
- Prep ahead: If you’re planning for a party, prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When it’s time to cook, just dump everything into the slow cooker.
- Stir often: Don’t forget to stir occasionally during cooking. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy texture and ensuring even heating.
How to Store Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you happen to have leftovers, storing your Buffalo Chicken Dip is quite simple.
- Cooling: Allow the dip to cool down to room temperature. This step prevents condensation from forming in your storage container.
- Container: Transfer the cooled dip to an airtight container. Make sure it’s properly sealed to maintain freshness.
- Refrigeration: Store your dip in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days when stored correctly.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the dip back in the slow cooker on low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but make sure to stir regularly to avoid hot spots.
Variation of Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
There are plenty of variations to consider that can customize the traditional Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe to fit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to keep things exciting:
- Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cream Cheese: For an even creamier texture, you can add extra cream cheese or incorporate other types such as mascarpone.
- Spicy Garlic Variation: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the dip for a new level of flavor. This addition pairs well with the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Cheddar and Blue Cheese Blend: If you love blue cheese, why not ramp it up? Use a blend of blue cheese and cheddar for a richer flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Appeal: Consider substituting the chicken with shredded tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version of the dip. The buffalo sauce adds enough flavor to make this variation delicious.
Experimenting with these variations can keep your dip fresh and exciting. Feel free to adapt it to your own unique style!
FAQs
What is the best way to serve Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip?
The best way to serve it is warm, alongside various dippers such as tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks, to cater to everyone’s preferences.
How spicy is this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip?
The spice level varies depending on the type and amount of buffalo wing sauce you use. You can control the heat by varying the sauce quantity or opting for a milder brand.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just dump them into the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
Can I freeze Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Freezing is possible, but consider that the texture may change upon thawing. If you do, store it in an airtight container, and it should last for a month or two.
How can I customize my Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add garlic for an additional flavor, or make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with shredded tofu or chickpeas.
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
For the dip
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce Adjust according to spice preference.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Use orange cheddar cheese.
- 2.5 cups shredded cooked chicken Rotisserie chicken works great.
- 8 oz cream cheese For a creamier texture.
- 1 cup ranch dressing For added creaminess.
- to taste crumbled blue cheese For serving.
- to taste green onions For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray the insert of a 3-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Place the shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing into the slow cooker and stir until well combined.
Cooking
- Set the slow cooker to high for 1-2 hours or low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- About 15 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt completely.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese before serving.
- Serve warm with dippers such as tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, pita chips, or crackers.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!