Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
This is my go-to slow cooker buffalo chicken dip recipe! It’s cheesy, spicy, full of flavors, and super easy to make in your trusty crock pot. So easy, in fact, it only needs 3 ingredients. Great for parties or that casual weekend binge-watching, I serve this buffalo chicken dip with celery sticks, multigrain crackers, and some ranch dressing. Did I mention it also tastes just like buffalo hot wings? Yep, you’re in for a real treat!
Who doesn’t go wild for buffalo hot wings? They’re meaty, juicy, and packed with spiciness – yum! But let’s be real, they’re a bit of a hassle to prep and a sticky situation to eat. Now, imagine all that finger-licking goodness neatly packed into a dip… Enter this creamy slow cooker buffalo chicken dip! It’s like the cooler, less messy sibling of the classic wings, loaded with shredded chicken, ooey-gooey cream cheese, and that signature buffalo sauce. You won’t resist the urge to double-dip!
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip Overview
Cuisine Inspiration: American
Number of Ingredients: 3 (excluding salt)
Total Cook Time: 8 hours, 20 minutes
Primary Cooking Method: Slow Cooking
Dietary Info: Gluten-Free (check your buffalo sauce and ranch dressing)
Key Flavor: Cheesy, spicy and creamy
Skill Level: Beginner
Notable mentions
- Set It and Forget It: Just start your slow cooker and let it do its thing. You can kick back and relax or tackle other tasks while your buffalo chicken dip gets all melty and yummy.
- Fridge to Fork: Leftovers aren’t an issue for this crock pot buffalo chicken dip! It reheats beautifully, making it a convenient, meaty snack or meal addition anytime you want.
- Perfect Party Pleaser: This dip is a guaranteed hit at gatherings. Every time I make it, I watch it disappear as soon as I set it down alongside my corn salsa and Jarlsberg Cheese dip. Especially during game nights – that’s where this buffalo chicken dip’s the real MVP!
- Crack Chicken’s Cousin: For all my fellow Crack Chicken lovers out there, this recipe is like crack chicken’s bold, spicy cousin. It packs the same creamy, cheesy bliss but with a buffalo twist that’ll have you coming back for more.
- Customizable Heat: Love it hot? Go heavy on the buffalo sauce. Prefer it milder? Ease up a bit. You’re the chef, you call the shots.
Ingredients to make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless. I’m using thighs because they’re perfect for slow cooking – they stay wonderfully juicy and tender. However, you can also use chicken breasts.
- Buffalo Sauce: For that essential spicy kick. This is where all that classic Buffalo flavor comes from!
- Cream Cheese: Cut into cubes. It’s the creamy heart of this dip, melting into deliciousness in the slow cooker. Use full-fat cream cheese instead of low-fat to avoid a runny dip.
- Ranch Dressing: 1/2 cup to serve alongside. It’s cool, creamy, and the perfect counterbalance to the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Celery Sticks: Grab a bunch for serving. They’re the quintessential pairing for this dip.
- Salt: To season the chicken. A little goes a long way!
How to make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Season the chicken thighs with salt. Place them in your slow cooker.
- Add in the cream cheese cubes and pour the buffalo sauce all over the top.
- Set your slow cooker on low and let it cook for about 6-7 hours, or switch it to high and cook for 4 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked and tender, grab two forks and shred it right in the crock pot. Stir so that the chicken gets coated with the cream cheese and buffalo sauce.
- Serve it with a side of ranch dressing and celery sticks for dipping, and enjoy!
Popular substitutions & additions
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: In a pinch or want to save time? Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the thighs; you’ll cut the cooking time down to 2-3 hours. It’s a real time-saver and just as tasty.
- Bring More Spice: If you’re a fan of extra heat, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the buffalo sauce. It’ll bring an extra fiery kick for those spice enthusiasts!
- Sprinkle Bacon Bits: Top your dip with crispy bacon bits before serving. They add a delightful crunch and a smoky flavor that’s just irresistible with the spicy, creamy dip.
- Add More Cheese: Go all out with the cheese by adding a mix of goat cheese for tanginess and shredded Colby Jack for melty goodness. It’s a cheesy delight that takes this slow cooker buffalo chicken dip recipe to the next level!
Tips for making the best crock pot buffalo chicken dip
- Use Quality Buffalo Sauce: The buffalo sauce is the star here, so choose a high-quality one. A good sauce makes all the difference in nailing that perfect balance of spice and tang. I usually use Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings sauce, but you can use your favorite or a homemade one.
- Shred While Hot: Don’t wait for the chicken to cool down before shredding it. Shredding it while it’s still hot makes the process easier and helps it absorb more flavor from the sauce.
- Room Temp Cream Cheese: Start with cream cheese that’s at room temperature. This ensures it melts smoothly and evenly into the dip, avoiding any lumps.
- Keep It Warm for Serving: If you’re serving this at a party, keep the slow cooker on the ‘Warm’ setting. This keeps the dip deliciously warm and allows guests to help themselves whenever they want.
How to store & reheat Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Scoop any leftover buffalo chicken dip into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. Make sure it’s cooled down to room temperature first. This way, it stays fresh and avoids getting too soggy.
To reheat, simply spoon your desired amount into a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute. Stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until it’s nice and warm.
How long will Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip last in the fridge?
Your delicious dip will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight in that container.
Can i freeze buffalo chicken dip?
No, I wouldn’t. The cream cheese may break, and you could end up with a chunky-looking dip.
What to serve with Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Crunchy Veggies: Dive in with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips. They’re perfect for scooping and add a nice, fresh crunch that balances the creamy slow cooker buffalo chicken dip.
- Tortilla Chips & Pretzels: Bring on the chips and pretzels! Their salty goodness and crunch make them irresistible pairings to this saucy dip. Cheese crisps also add a punch here!
- Toasty Bread: Slice up some baguette or artisan bread, give it a quick toast, and you’ve got the ideal vessel for the spicy dip.
- Crackers Galore: Whether it’s wheat crackers, rice crackers, or your favorite multigrain variety, they’re all fantastic for scooping up this tasty dip.
Frequently asked questions
Can I Use This Dip for Something Else?
For sure! This easy slow cooker buffalo chicken dip isn’t just for scooping. Spread it on a sandwich, wrap, or even use it as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s especially delicious when used as a filling for quesadillas or omelets!
Can I Make This buffalo chicken dip with Canned Chicken?
Yes, you can use canned chicken in a pinch. Drain it well and break it apart before mixing it with the other ingredients. Keep in mind, though, that the texture and flavor will be different from using fresh or rotisserie chicken.
Can I prep this dip ahead of time?
Definitely. You can place all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to cook, place it back in the slow cooker, set the temperature, and let it work its magic.
This Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip has all the fiery, tangy goodness you crave from buffalo hot wings, packed into a scoopable, creamy dip that’s bound to disappear fast at any gathering. Spoiler alert: it’s so good, you might just find yourself sneaking a taste before your guests arrive!
More Slow Cooker recipes With 5 Ingredients Or Less:
- Slow Cooker Crack Chicken (5 Ingredients)
- Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken (5 Ingredients)
- Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken (5 Ingredients)
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Breasts (5 Ingredients)
I want to hear from you! If you try this easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe or any other of my other easy recipes on Dinner in 5, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs roughly 3 lbs
- 1 1/2 cups buffalo sauce
- 16 oz cream cheese cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Serving
- Ranch dressing
- Celery sticks
- Crackers
- Bell Peppers
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt. Place them in your slow cooker.
- Add in the cream cheese cubes and pour the buffalo sauce all over the top.
- Set your slow cooker on low and let it cook for about 6-7 hours, or switch it to high and cook for 4 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked and tender, grab two forks and shred it up right in the cooker. Stir so that the chicken gets coated with the cream cheese and buffalo sauce.
- Serve it with a side of ranch dressing and celery sticks for dipping, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Quality Buffalo Sauce: The buffalo sauce is the star here, so choose a high-quality one. A good sauce makes all the difference in nailing that perfect balance of spice and tang. I usually use Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings sauce, but you can use your favorite or a homemade one.
- Shred While Hot: Don’t wait for the chicken to cool down before shredding it. Shredding it while it’s still hot makes the process easier and helps it absorb more flavor from the sauce.
- Room Temp Cream Cheese: Start with cream cheese that’s at room temperature. This ensures it melts smoothly and evenly into the dip, avoiding any lumps.
- Keep It Warm for Serving: If you’re serving this at a party, keep the slow cooker on the ‘Warm’ setting. This keeps the dip deliciously warm and allows guests to help themselves whenever they want.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.