Pin it My cousin brought this dip to a playoff party years ago, and I watched it vanish in under twenty minutes. People stood around the slow cooker with chips in hand, dipping straight from the pot. I asked for the recipe on the spot, scribbled it on a napkin, and have made it at least a dozen times since. It has never once failed to disappear.
I started making this every time my brother came over to watch football. He would walk in, smell the buffalo sauce mingling with melted cheese, and head straight to the kitchen. We would sit on the couch, dipping celery and chips, barely talking, just focused on the game and the dip. It became our ritual.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Softening it first makes all the difference, it melts evenly and blends without clumps.
- Sour cream: Balances the heat and adds a cool tang that keeps people coming back.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings depth, mild cheddar keeps it mellow, your call.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and creates that stringy, gooey texture everyone loves.
- Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here, already seasoned and ready to shred.
- Buffalo wing sauce: This is the soul of the dip, use your favorite brand or make your own.
- Ranch dressing: Creamy ranch cools the fire and ties everything together.
- Chopped scallions: A fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor on top.
- Extra shredded cheese: Because more cheese is always the right answer.
Instructions
- Load the slow cooker:
- Add the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, mozzarella, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing into the crock pot. Cube the cream cheese so it melts faster and more evenly.
- Stir it up:
- Mix everything together until roughly combined, it doesnt need to be perfect yet. The heat will do most of the work.
- Set and stir:
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring once at the halfway mark. This keeps the cheese from settling at the bottom and ensures everything melts smoothly.
- Finish strong:
- Give it a final stir when its bubbling and creamy. Top with extra cheese and scallions if you like.
- Serve warm:
- Set out tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or crackers and let people dig in. Keep the slow cooker on warm if you want it to stay gooey.
Pin it The first time I brought this to a potluck, someone asked if I catered it. I laughed and told them it was six ingredients and a slow cooker. They didnt believe me until I walked them through it. Now they make it too, and I love that this dip has spread beyond my kitchen.
Making It Your Own
If you want more heat, add a few shakes of hot sauce or double the buffalo sauce. For a blue cheese twist, swap ranch for blue cheese dressing and crumble some on top. I have also stirred in diced jalapeños and a handful of crispy bacon bits when I felt like going rogue.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or back in the slow cooker on low, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if it has thickened up overnight.
Serving Suggestions
This dip is a crowd pleaser no matter what you serve it with. I have seen people get creative with their dippers, and it always works.
- Tortilla chips are classic and sturdy enough to handle heavy scoops.
- Celery and carrot sticks lighten things up and add a satisfying crunch.
- Toasted baguette slices or pita chips make it feel a little fancier.
Pin it This dip has become my go to whenever I need to feed a crowd without stress. It does all the work while you enjoy the company.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use frozen chicken for this dip?
It's best to use cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. If using frozen chicken, thaw and cook it completely before adding to the slow cooker.
- → How do I make this dip spicier?
Add extra buffalo wing sauce, a few dashes of hot sauce, or mix in some cayenne pepper. You can also use spicy buffalo sauce instead of mild varieties.
- → Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, combine all ingredients in a large pot over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the cheese melts and everything is heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- → What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
Blue cheese dressing is an excellent alternative that pairs wonderfully with buffalo flavors. You can also use Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning for a lighter option.
- → How do I reheat leftover dip?
Reheat gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or warm in a pot on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, mix all ingredients together and refrigerate in the slow cooker insert overnight. When ready to serve, cook as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time since it's starting cold.