Buffalo Chicken Dip

Name: Buffalo Chicken Dip (Slow Cooker)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 packet restaurant-style ranch seasoning mix; 3/4 cup milk; 1 cup light mayonnaise; 1 tbsp freeze-dried chives; 4 (10 oz) cans chicken breast, drained; 2 (8 oz) blocks low-fat cream cheese, softened; 1 (12 oz) bottle buffalo sauce; 4 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese; Crackers, for serving; Tortilla chips, for serving; Mini bell peppers, for serving; Carrot sticks, for serving

Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, tangy appetizer made in a slow cooker with canned chicken, cream cheese, and buffalo sauce. It's an effortless game-day staple that comes together with pantry staples and requires minimal prep.

🌍American 🏷️Buffalo chicken dip 🏷️Dip 🏷️Appetizer 🏷️Game-day Football food

🏷️

🏷️Cheesy

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Total

1h 40m

Servings

8

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by jackiehartlaub

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Ingredients

1 packet restaurant-style ranch seasoning mix
3/4 cup milk
1 cup light mayonnaise
1 tbsp freeze-dried chives
4 (10 oz) cans chicken breast, drained
2 (8 oz) blocks low-fat cream cheese, softened
1 (12 oz) bottle buffalo sauce
4 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese
Crackers, for servingoptional
Tortilla chips, for servingoptional
Mini bell peppers, for servingoptional
Carrot sticks, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
First, prepare the ranch dressing. In a container, combine the milk, light mayonnaise, ranch seasoning packet, and freeze-dried chives. Whisk until smooth.
2
Let the ranch dressing sit in the refrigerator to thicken while you prepare the other ingredients.
3
To a slow cooker, add the buffalo sauce and the softened cream cheese.
4
Add the drained canned chicken. Using your hands, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
5
Add the shredded Colby Jack cheese and 1/2 cup of the prepared ranch dressing.
6
Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
7
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the 'Low' setting until the dip is hot and the cheese is completely melted, stirring occasionally.
8
Serve warm with crackers, tortilla chips, mini bell peppers, or carrot sticks.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before adding to the slow cooker to ensure it blends smoothly without lumps.
Drain canned chicken thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dip watery; use paper towels to blot if needed.
Stir the dip halfway through cooking and again 15 minutes before serving to prevent the edges from drying and ensure even heat distribution.
Make homemade ranch by whisking the seasoning packet with milk and mayonnaise 10 minutes before adding to slow cooker for fresher flavor than pre-made dip.

Substitutions

Light mayonnaise → full-fat mayonnaise (dip will be richer but slightly heavier)
Colby Jack cheese → cheddar or pepper jack (maintains melt quality; pepper jack adds heat)
Freeze-dried chives → fresh chives added at end of cooking (less intense flavor; add 2 tbsp fresh chopped)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring, until warmed through.

Equipment

slow cooker

Common Questions

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker insert up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then cook on low when ready. Or prepare fully and reheat on low for 30–45 minutes before serving.

What can I use instead of canned chicken?

Shredded rotisserie chicken (about 3 cups) works well as a fresh alternative. Drain excess liquid before adding.

Can I use full-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt?

Full-fat cream cheese will work but make the dip richer. Greek yogurt will lighten it but may add tanginess; use 1 cup to replace the cream cheese blocks.