Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip – The Most Popular Tailgate Dip Recipe

One of the most popular appetizers to make for Super Bowl parties is Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip. All the flavors of classic Buffalo chicken wings made into an irresistible dip that is served with crunchy tortilla chips, crackers, and/or celery sticks.

However this recipe isn’t just for football watch parties. Whether you are attending a potluck, family reunion or a backyard summertime picnic, you will most often find this delicious, mouth-watering dip on the food table.

But not for long! Because the tangy flavor of Buffalo sauce that coats the shredded chicken is balanced out perfectly with the coolness of the cream cheese and ranch dressing sauce, every one loves this dip! Even those who don’t like spicy food love to dip tortilla chips or vegetable slices in this cheesy appetizer.

What Type Of Chicken To Use In Buffalo Chicken Dip

Although you can easily purchase canned shredded chicken, it is best to use fresh shredded chicken in this recipe. Canned chicken often has liquid added to the container to help keep the chicken moist.

If you add the canned chicken directly in the slow cooker, your dip will be too thin. Therefore you must take the extra step to drain the chicken before adding it to the dip.

Therefore, instead I prefer to use fresh cooked chicken for this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken recipe. Although, instead of cooking chicken breasts, thighs or even a whole chicken for this recipe I take the easy way out and purchase a rotisserie chicken from our wholesale club.

Shredded Rotisserie Chicken

Not only is the price is much cheaper than purchasing canned chicken, the flavor is so much better. However, to keep things easy, be sure to remove the meat as soon as it is cool enough to handle.

The meat will pull off easily when warm. Once the meat gets cold or is chilled in the refrigerator it takes much more effort to shred the chicken.

However if you don’t have a wholesale club or you prefer not to purchase a rotisserie chicken there are other ways that you can make shredded chicken. In fact, whenever I purchase a large family pack of chicken breasts and I have some leftover, I will use my 6 quart Instant Pot to make my Easy Shredded Chicken recipe.

And if I am not ready to use the meat right away, I will measure out 2-3 cups and put the prepared chicken in a freezable container or use my Food Saver for long term storage.

Then anytime a recipe calls for shredded chicken, I can just open the freezer and it is ready to go! You don’t even need to thaw the chicken out before adding it to the crock pot.

Crock Pot, Stove Top, or Oven Buffalo Chicken Dip

Because I typically make this Buffalo Chicken Dip to serve at a party or gathering, I prefer to use my Crock Pot instead of making it on the stove. I love the fact that I can just throw everything in the slow cooker and there is only one pot to clean when it comes time to do the dishes.

Although, I have to admit, I try to use my crock pot any time I am making a dip or appetizer for a tailgate party or potluck gathering. It just makes it easy to keep the dip warm until ready to be served.

However, you could also make this on the stove or oven if you prefer.

Stove Top Instructions:

Place all of the ingredients into a medium size pot. Then place the pot over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Once the ingredients melt and have blended together transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve immediately.

Oven Buffalo Chicken Dip:

When making this dip for a smaller crowd, I will often make Oven Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip. The smaller amount cooks better in a baking dish than in a large crock pot.

It is also great option to make it in the oven when unexpected guest arrives. It doesn’t require constant stirring and it is ready to eat in only 20 minutes!

What To Serve With Buffalo Chicken Dip

1. Tortilla Chips: Classic tortilla chips are a popular choice for dipping. Choose plain or seasoned varieties (like Ranch flavored tortilla chips) to compliment the spicy flavors of the Buffalo chicken dip.
2. Celery Sticks: The crispness of celery provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy and spicy dip. That is why celery is most often served alongside traditional Buffalo chicken wings.
3. Carrot Sticks: Similar to celery, carrot sticks offer a crunchy and slightly sweet element that compliments the heat of the dip.
4. Pita Chips: Sturdy pita chips are great for scooping up the creamy dip. You can use store-bought or make your own by toasting pita bread and cutting it into triangles.
5. Crackers: Choose a sturdy variety of crackers such as whole wheat crackers so that they hold up to the weight of the dip.
6. Baguette Slices: Slice a baguette into thin rounds and toast them for a crunchy alternative to chips or crackers.

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 3-4 cups shredded chicken
• 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 3/4 cup prepared Ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 (8 oz.) packages of cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

To make this Buffalo chicken dip, place the shredded chicken, ranch dressing, hot sauce and celery in the crock pot and mix together.

Then roughly cut your cream cheese into large cubes and place them on top of the mixture. Turn the crock pot on High heat and cook for an hour.

Then stir to incorporate the melted cream cheese into the mixture. Keep stirring until the cream cheese chunks are no longer visible.

When the cream cheese has melted completely reduce the heat to low and continue to cook. Be sure to stir occasionally so that the dip doesn’t burn on the sides of the slow cooker.

Immediately before serving, add the shredded cheese to the mixture and stir. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted.

Serve with celery sticks, crackers, baguette slices and/or tortilla chips.

Other Delicious Crock Pot Appetizer Recipes

• Crock Pot Beer Cheese Dip
• Sausage Cream Cheese Dip
• Slow Cooker Spicy Queso Dip
• Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Dip
• Spinach Artichoke Dip

Enjoy! Mary

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