Creamy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip – Best Easy Appetizer
This creamy slow cooker buffalo chicken dip with ranch is the ultimate hands-off appetizer. Toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a perfectly melty, bubbly dip that’s perfect for game days, holiday parties, or any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ounce packet ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- If using raw chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), place them in the slow cooker with 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until cooked through and shreds easily. If using pre-cooked chicken, shred it now with two forks or a hand mixer.
- Let the cream cheese sit out at room temperature to soften for 20-30 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning packet, and 1/2 cup of hot sauce. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the top and stir gently to coat the chicken evenly. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir again. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar for later.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-1.5 hours, until the dip is hot all the way through, bubbly at the edges, and the cheese is completely melted. Stir halfway through.
- Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Cover and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted. If using blue cheese crumbles and green onions, add them right before serving.
- Switch the slow cooker to the ‘warm’ setting and serve immediately. Stir occasionally to keep the top from drying out.
Notes
Don’t overcook the dip, as the cream cheese can break and become grainy. Shred the chicken finely for even distribution. Let cream cheese come to room temperature for smooth melting. Taste and adjust hot sauce to your preferred heat level. Keep the lid on between servings to prevent drying out; if it thickens, stir in a tablespoon of milk or chicken broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, slow cooker dip, creamy dip, game day appetizer, buffalo dip with ranch, easy appetizer