Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Get ready for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that disappears faster than you can say “touchdown!”
This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip combines the addictive tang of buffalo wings with creamy, cheesy goodness—without the mess of actual wings. It’s the MVP of game day spreads for a reason.
The beauty of this dip is how the slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy the party.
The cream cheese melts into velvety perfection, the buffalo sauce brings that signature kick, and the blend of cheeses creates those Instagram-worthy cheese pulls that nobody can resist. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 16 oz cream cheese (full fat is best), softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full fat is best)
- 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles, divided
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is great for this)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, minced
- Additional blue cheese crumbles
Steps
- Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 16 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup ranch dressing, and 1/2 cup sour cream. Mix until smooth and no lumps remain—cold cream cheese will create lumps, so ensure it’s properly softened. Add 1/4 cup of the blue cheese crumbles, 2 cups shredded chicken, 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should have a consistent orange-pink color throughout.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly spray a 3-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the cheesy mixture from sticking to the sides as it cooks and makes cleanup much easier. Transfer the buffalo chicken mixture to the prepared slow cooker, using a silicone spatula to get every bit of goodness out of the bowl. Spread the mixture evenly, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top in an even layer.
- Cook the dip: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, until the dip is hot and bubbly throughout. You’ll know it’s ready when you see bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is completely melted. Avoid cooking on HIGH as this can cause the dairy to separate and become grainy.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining blue cheese crumbles, sliced green onions, and minced parsley over the top. The heat from the dip will slightly soften the fresh garnishes, releasing their flavors. Serve immediately while hot with tortilla chips for scooping or celery sticks for a lower-carb option. Keep the slow cooker on WARM setting during serving to maintain the perfect dippable consistency.
Smart Swaps
- Use Neufchâtel cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese to reduce calories by about 30% without sacrificing creaminess
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream (1:1 ratio) to boost protein content while maintaining tanginess
- Try mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a milder, stretchier dip experience
- Replace chicken with 2 cups of rinsed, drained canned white beans for a vegetarian version with added fiber
Make It Diabetes-Friendly
- Use 1/3-less-fat cream cheese to reduce fat content while maintaining texture (saves approximately 7g fat per serving)
- Substitute 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream to lower carbs by about 2g per serving
- Serve with cucumber rounds or bell pepper slices instead of tortilla chips to reduce the meal’s glycemic impact by approximately 15 points
- Limit portion size to 1/4 cup per serving (approximately 8g net carbs) and pair with non-starchy vegetables
Pro Tips
- For the smoothest texture, let cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing
- Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting
- If the dip seems too thick after cooking, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach desired consistency
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then reheat in slow cooker on LOW for 1 hour before serving