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Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip Perfect for Game Night

slow cooker buffalo chicken dip - featured image

This creamy, spicy buffalo chicken dip is made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Perfect for game night, it’s a hands-off, crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears before halftime.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 34 medium breasts)
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Add the chicken to the slow cooker. Place the frozen or thawed chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread them out so they cook evenly. (If using frozen, add 30 minutes to the cooking time.)
  2. Add the cream cheese. Cube the softened cream cheese and scatter it over the chicken. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover everything — it will melt and spread as it cooks.
  3. Pour in the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Drizzle them evenly over the top. No need to stir yet. Just let everything sit together.
  4. Add the butter. Dot the butter pieces over the top. This will melt into the sauce and add that silky richness.
  5. Sprinkle with garlic powder (if using). A light dusting is all you need.
  6. Cover and cook. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks. (Tip: If you’re short on time, HIGH works great — just check it at the 90-minute mark.)
  7. Shred the chicken. Carefully remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  8. Add the cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top and stir everything together until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is smooth and creamy.
  9. Taste and adjust. If you want more heat, add an extra splash of buffalo sauce. If you want it creamier, stir in another tablespoon of butter or a splash of milk.
  10. Keep warm on the LOW setting. Switch the slow cooker to the ‘Keep Warm’ setting and let guests serve themselves directly from the pot. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken; shred while warm. Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother melting. For a milder version, use mild buffalo sauce or mix with melted butter. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, slow cooker, game night, appetizer, party dip, buffalo dip, easy dip