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This gooey slow cooker buffalo chicken dip is the ultimate party snack and a total game changer for casual gatherings. I love how you simply drop everything into the crockpot and let it do all the work while you prep for guests or just unwind. Whether it is a big football night or a family movie evening, this dip keeps everyone dipping in for seconds.
Just last weekend I ended up devouring almost the whole batch myself as we kept snacking from the slow cooker the entire afternoon My original plan was to share with neighbors but the dip was too irresistible to part with
Ingredients
- Buffalo sauce: brings the signature zip and heat pick a high quality buffalo sauce for real flavor
- Ranch dressing: creates a smooth creamy body and balances the spice look for a thick type with herbs
- Chicken: boneless skinless chicken breasts work or shredded rotisserie for a shortcut fresher adds more flavor
- Cream cheese: use two full blocks softened before adding this guarantees a silky smooth base
- Shredded cheese: colby jack cheddar mozzarella or pepper jack use a fresh block and grate it yourself for better melting
- Toppings: green onions add fresh zest blue cheese crumbles for an extra punch of tang and richness
- Serving items: crisp celery sticks and tortilla chips provide perfect scooping options choose thick chips to hold the cheesy dip
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Layer:
- Add the chicken breasts straight to your slow cooker. Scatter chunks of softened cream cheese all over the chicken making sure the chicken is nestled in between. Pour ranch dressing over top then drizzle the buffalo sauce evenly. Set your slow cooker to low and cover. Let cook for five to six hours for tender chicken and perfect melding of flavors.
- Shred and Mix:
- Once cooking is done remove the chicken breasts onto a board. Shred with two forks until fine then return shredded chicken into the slow cooker. Give everything a really good stir so the chicken gets coated with the creamy cheesy mixture. Sprinkle most of your shredded cheese right into the crockpot and stir until the cheese begins to melt in.
- Melt and Finish:
- Add the remaining shredded cheese on top of the dip. Place the lid back on and continue to cook for about thirty to forty five minutes. The cheese on top should become gooey and fully melted.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Right before serving sprinkle lots of sliced green onions and plenty of blue cheese crumbles over everything. Serve straight from the slow cooker with tortilla chips and celery on the side. Switch your slow cooker to the keep warm setting for guest grazing
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My absolute favorite part has to be the combo of cream cheese and buffalo sauce The two together melt into such a rich base with just enough sharpness that I nearly always sneak a spoonful straight from the pot The first time we made this for family game night there was not a drop left before halftime
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool before transferring to an airtight container. The dip will keep in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage freeze portions for up to three months and gently reheat to prevent the cheese sauce from breaking
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need a lighter option swap in reduced fat cream cheese or low fat ranch Choose cooked shredded rotisserie chicken to cut out hours of cooking time For more heat use extra hot buffalo sauce or toss in diced jalapeños
Serving Suggestions
Pile this dip into a bread bowl for a show stopping centerpiece Serve alongside carrot sticks bell pepper strips or even crisp pretzel rods Try stuffing leftovers into baked potatoes for a next day lunch
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Cultural and Historical Context
Buffalo chicken flavors were inspired by the original Buffalo wing invented in Buffalo New York in the 1960s Turning the wings into a dip was a natural party trend in the Midwest bringing all the spicy creamy goodness with a scoop instead of a bone
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it during the last hour of cooking. This cuts down on overall slow cooker time.
- → What cheeses work best for this dip?
Colby jack, cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack all melt well and complement the buffalo sauce flavor. Feel free to mix your favorites.
- → How spicy is this dip?
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Use mild or hot according to your preference; ranch and cream cheese mellow it out.
- → How long can I keep the dip warm in the slow cooker?
You can keep it on a 'Keep Warm' setting for up to 2 hours during parties without sacrificing texture or taste.
- → What should I serve alongside this dip?
Classic options include celery sticks and tortilla chips, but sliced baguette, carrots, or crackers also work well for dipping.
- → Can the dip be made ahead?
Absolutely. Prepare everything the day before, refrigerate, then reheat gently in your slow cooker before your event begins.