This Skillet Buffalo Chicken Dip combines the bold flavors of spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cheeses and tender chicken, all baked to perfection in a skillet. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying during a cozy night in.
The dip’s rich and tangy profile, enhanced by the optional blue cheese crumbles and green onions, offers a delightful contrast to the heat of the buffalo sauce. Serve it hot with tortilla chips or crisp celery sticks for a satisfying snack that will have everyone coming back for more.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed
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½ cup buffalo sauce
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8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
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3 teaspoons dry ranch seasoning mix
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½ cup sour cream
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1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
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¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
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Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
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Transfer the mixture into a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
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Stir the dip once out of the oven, then top with blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions if using.
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Serve hot with tortilla chips, celery, or your favorite dippers.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 251 kcal
Servings: 8 servings
When it comes to game day snacks, potluck favorites, or comfort food appetizers that never disappoint, few dishes can compete with the sizzling, cheesy allure of Skillet Buffalo Chicken Dip. This creamy, spicy, oven-baked delight is a modern classic that combines the bold punch of buffalo wing flavor with the rich texture of melted cheese and tender chicken, all baked into a dip that’s practically made for scooping.
In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into the origins of buffalo chicken dip, what makes this skillet version so unique, how to customize it, pairing and serving suggestions, storage advice, and why it deserves a permanent spot on your party menu.
The Origins of Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip was born from America’s obsession with the flavor of buffalo wings—those tangy, spicy, buttery bites of chicken typically served with celery and blue cheese or ranch dressing. It’s a flavor profile that originated in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s, when the now-famous Anchor Bar created the original buffalo wing.
Over time, food lovers and creative cooks began to translate that flavor into other forms. Enter the buffalo chicken dip—a deconstructed take on wings that blends shredded chicken with hot sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and plenty of cheese, all baked into a bubbly, crave-worthy dip. It’s become a staple at tailgates, Super Bowl parties, and family get-togethers across the country.
Why a Skillet Makes All the Difference
While buffalo chicken dip can be baked in a basic casserole dish or even warmed in a slow cooker, baking it in a cast iron skillet elevates the experience in several important ways:
1. Heat Retention and Even Cooking
Cast iron holds heat exceptionally well, ensuring your dip bakes evenly and stays warm long after it leaves the oven. This makes it ideal for serving straight to the table—no need to reheat midway through your event.
2. Enhanced Flavor and Texture
Baking in a skillet encourages the edges of the dip to crisp slightly, adding a delicious golden crust to the otherwise creamy texture. That balance between melty and slightly crispy is part of what makes this version irresistible.
3. Rustic Presentation
A skillet doesn’t just cook beautifully—it also looks great. Its rustic charm makes for an eye-catching presentation, whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or serving up snacks during a big game.
How to Customize Your Skillet Buffalo Chicken Dip
One of the great advantages of this recipe is its flexibility. While the base is a classic blend of cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and shredded chicken, there are countless ways to tweak it based on your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen.
Protein Options
Although rotisserie chicken is the most common choice (and for good reason—it’s convenient and flavorful), you can swap in other options:
- Leftover roasted chicken
- Grilled chicken breast
- Canned chicken in a pinch
- Shredded turkey for a post-holiday twist
Cheese Combinations
Cheddar is standard for its sharp flavor and gooey texture, but feel free to mix in:
- Monterey Jack for extra meltiness
- Mozzarella for stretch
- Pepper Jack for added spice
- A sprinkle of blue cheese on top for bold tang
Sauce Variations
If you like it hotter, use extra hot buffalo sauce. Prefer a milder heat? Cut the buffalo sauce with a little more ranch or sour cream.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
No matter how tasty the dip is, it’s all about the dippers—and there are so many perfect companions to this dish.
Traditional Dippers:
- Tortilla chips – a classic, sturdy option that holds up well to thick dips
- Celery sticks – the traditional buffalo wing side, offering a fresh crunch and mild flavor
- Carrot sticks – add a touch of sweetness to balance the spice
- Crackers or crostini – for a slightly more upscale appetizer spread
Unexpected But Delicious:
- Mini bell pepper halves – crunchy and sweet, they add color and a healthy twist
- Soft pretzels or pretzel bites – for that salty, chewy contrast
- Baked potato wedges – turning this dip into a hearty side dish or shared main
To drink? Pair this dip with something crisp and cold. Beer is a natural fit (especially something hoppy or citrusy), but a chilled glass of white wine, iced tea, or even lemonade can balance the heat nicely.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers? You’re in luck. This dip reheats well and tastes just as good the next day—maybe even better after the flavors meld.
How to Store:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freeze? Technically yes, but dips with cream cheese can sometimes separate when thawed. For best results, consume within a few days.
Make-Ahead Option:
Want to prep it ahead for an event? Assemble the dip up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate, covered. When ready to serve, bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cook time.
Perfect for Every Occasion
This skillet dip isn’t just for game days (though it’s a staple there). It’s also great for:
- Birthday parties
- Holiday potlucks
- Casual family dinners
- BBQs and cookouts
- Movie or game nights
Its spicy, tangy, cheesy goodness is a universal crowd-pleaser—and it can be made in under 40 minutes with minimal prep. It checks all the boxes for the perfect appetizer.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Appetizer for Any Food Lover
The Skillet Buffalo Chicken Dip is more than just a trend—it’s a flavor-packed dish with staying power. With its creamy texture, bold spice, and endless customization potential, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself turning to again and again.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for an easy snack, or just want to recreate the buffalo wing experience in a new way, this dip delivers. The skillet method adds not just flavor, but visual appeal and practicality, making it a standout on any table.
So grab your skillet, your favorite buffalo sauce, and some shredded chicken—it’s time to whip up a dip that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe thirds).