Dips are the life of any gathering, aren’t they? There’s just something magical about a creamy, spicy dip that brings people together. My absolute favorite is this slow cooker buffalo chicken dip. I remember the first time I made it for a game night with friends; the moment I set it on the table, it was gone in minutes! The combination of tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and rich cream cheese creates a flavor explosion that everyone loves. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—you just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing! Trust me, this dip will be the star of your next party!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own for a homemade touch!
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened – This makes the dip creamy and dreamy, so let it sit out a bit before mixing.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce – Adjust the amount for your desired spice level; I love it spicy!
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing – Adds a tangy flavor that balances the heat perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Who doesn’t love melted cheese? It’s the cherry on top!
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped – For that fresh crunch and a pop of color!
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Combine Ingredients
Let’s get started! First, grab your slow cooker and toss in the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Use a spatula or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. You want to make sure all those flavors are blended beautifully—trust me, this step is key to a delicious dip!
Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to let the magic happen! Set your slow cooker to low and cook the mixture for about 2 hours. Don’t forget to stir it occasionally—this helps everything heat evenly and prevents any sticking. You’ll start to smell that tantalizing buffalo aroma wafting through your kitchen, and believe me, it’s going to make your mouth water!
Adding Cheese and Onions
After those 2 hours, it’s time to amp up the flavor! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped green onions. Give it a good mix to combine everything, then let it cook for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. Wow, you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this dip ready in no time!
- Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and melted cheddar gives it that irresistible, rich creaminess that everyone craves.
- Spicy Kick: The buffalo sauce adds just the right amount of heat, making it a hit for spice lovers and a nice surprise for the uninitiated.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Seriously, this dip is a guaranteed favorite! It’s always the first to disappear at parties.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with tortilla chips, veggies, or even spread it on sandwiches for a tasty twist!
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make this dip even more amazing! First off, if you want to lighten it up a bit, try using Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing—trust me, it still tastes fantastic! If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can swap out the buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a milder flavor. And don’t worry if you don’t have green onions on hand; you can use diced bell peppers for that same crunch and color.
Also, keep an eye on the cooking time! Every slow cooker is a little different, so you might need to adjust the cooking time based on your model. If it looks too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. Lastly, serve it hot with plenty of chips or veggies for dipping—everyone’s going to want to dive in!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this slow cooker buffalo chicken dip is approximately 1/2 cup and packs a flavorful punch with around 250 calories. You’ll also get about 15g of fat, including 7g of saturated fat, and a hearty 20g of protein to keep you satisfied. It’s got about 6g of carbs, making it a great choice for those watching their intake. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portions used. But trust me, with all those delicious flavors, you’ll hardly notice the numbers!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your slow cooker buffalo chicken dip, let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s so good you might want to finish it sooner! When it’s time to reheat, just pop it in the microwave for a minute or two, stirring halfway through until it’s heated through. If you prefer the stovetop, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems thick—gotta keep that creaminess!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding. You can even toss in the frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, this slow cooker buffalo chicken dip is gluten-free! Just double-check your ranch dressing and buffalo sauce labels to ensure they don’t contain any gluten ingredients.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Sure thing! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Just let it come to room temperature before placing it in the slow cooker.
What can I serve with buffalo chicken dip?
This dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or even sliced bell peppers. You can also use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this dip! Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip: 5 Star Party Favorite
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy and spicy buffalo chicken dip made in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Combine chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing in the slow cooker.
- Mix until well combined.
- Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add cheddar cheese and green onions, stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes until cheese is melted.
Notes
- Serve with tortilla chips or celery sticks.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: slow cooker buffalo chicken dip, buffalo dip, chicken dip