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Creamy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip – Easy Game Day Appetizer

creamy slow cooker buffalo chicken dip - featured image

This creamy slow cooker buffalo chicken dip for game day is the one I bring to every watch party now. It’s the kind of recipe that shows up in a slow cooker, gets parked next to the chips and celery sticks, and suddenly nobody’s talking about the halftime show anymore—they’re asking who made the dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (450g) cooked, shredded chicken
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240ml) ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buffalo hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (55g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, extra hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Shred the chicken: If using a rotisserie chicken, remove skin and bones, then shred with two forks. You should have about 3 cups. If poaching, cook 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts in water, bring to a boil, then simmer 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Let cool slightly, then shred while warm.
  2. Soften the cream cheese: Cut cream cheese into cubes and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in 10-second bursts until just softened (not melted).
  3. Combine the base ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
  4. Add the chicken and cheeses: Stir in shredded chicken, 1 cup of cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese until evenly coated.
  5. Transfer to slow cooker: Lightly grease a 3-4 quart slow cooker with non-stick spray or butter. Pour mixture in and spread evenly. Dot with butter pieces.
  6. Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 2 hours. After 1 hour, stir well. After 2 hours, dip should be hot, bubbly, and creamy.
  7. Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar on top. Cover and cook another 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
  8. Stir and serve: Give a final gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning. Switch slow cooker to ‘warm’ setting for serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook; use low heat only. Room temperature ingredients blend better. Stir once at 1-hour mark. Use Frank’s RedHot for best flavor. For a thinner dip, cook uncovered 15-20 minutes; for thicker, add a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, slow cooker, game day, appetizer, creamy, buffalo, chicken dip, party dip