Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken

The first time I brought this buffalo chicken dip to a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah literally hovered over the slow cooker with a chip the entire afternoon. She kept asking what time I was planning to officially serve it, not realizing the whole point was that guests could dig in the moment they walked through the door.

Last winter, my neighbor texted me at 7 PM on a random Tuesday, panicked because her book club decided to meet at her house in 20 minutes. I walked over with my slow cooker already bubbling with this dip, and she still brings it up every time we chat in the hallway.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Cubing it before adding helps it melt evenly into the sauce without leaving those stubborn white clumps
• Sour cream: This tempers the heat just enough so the spice level stays friendly rather than overwhelming
• Cheddar and mozzarella: The cheddar brings sharpness while mozzarella creates those gorgeous Instagram worthy strings when you pull up a chip
• Cooked chicken breast: Using a rotisserie chicken saves so much time and the seasoned meat adds extra depth
• Buffalo wing sauce: Frank is the classic choice but experiment with your favorite brand to find your perfect heat level
• Ranch dressing: This balances the vinegar forward tang of the buffalo sauce beautifully

Instructions

Load up the slow cooker:

Toss in the cream cheese, sour cream, both cheeses, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing

Give it a good mix:

Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly distributed and the sauces coat every shred

Let the magic happen:

Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, making sure to stir halfway through so everything melts together perfectly

Make it pretty:

Once bubbling and golden, give it one final stir and sprinkle extra cheese and scallions on top

Set up the dipping station:

Keep the slow cooker on warm and surround it with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, and crackers

Save

My teenage son, who usually claims he is too busy to eat, somehow appears in the kitchen like magic whenever this dip starts bubbling. He grabs a fork and stands right over the slow cooker, pretending he is just taste testing for quality control.

Make Ahead Magic

You can absolutely assemble everything the night before and store the slow cooker insert in the fridge. Just let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes before turning it on so the cold ceramic does not crack from the sudden temperature change.

The Heat Factor

Not everyone handles spice the same way. I have learned to keep a small bowl of extra ranch on the side for guests who need a quick rescue from the heat, and honestly, the double dunk technique has become part of the fun.

Serving Strategy

Set up your dipping station with variety in mind. Some people want the crunch of a sturdy tortilla chip while others appreciate how cool celery balances the warm, spicy dip.

• Keep chips in a separate bowl so they do not get soggy from the steam
• Celery and carrot sticks should be cut thick enough to hold up when dipping
• Small spoons work great for guests who want to put a little directly on their plate

Save

Every time I make this dip, someone asks for the recipe, and that is probably the best compliment any party food could receive.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long does this dish take to prepare and cook?

This dish takes only 10 minutes to prepare and cooks on low in a slow cooker for 2 hours, resulting in a total time of 2 hours and 10 minutes.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! For an extra kick, you can increase the amount of buffalo wing sauce or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture before cooking.

→ What kind of chicken should I use?

You can easily use freshly cooked chicken breast, shredded, or for convenience, a store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. Just shred it before adding to the slow cooker.

→ What are good serving suggestions for this creation?

It pairs perfectly with sturdy dippers like tortilla chips, fresh celery sticks, crisp carrot sticks, or a variety of crackers, providing a satisfying crunch.

→ How should I store and reheat any remaining portions?

Any remaining portions can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warm throughout.

→ Can I substitute the ranch dressing?

Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute blue cheese dressing for the ranch to achieve a different but equally delicious flavor profile in the creamy mixture.