This Buffalo Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken is the ultimate easy appetizer for game day, parties, or a quick snack. Using canned chicken cuts prep time without sacrificing flavor—just mix, bake, and enjoy a creamy, spicy, cheesy dip in minutes. Perfect with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers, this crowd-pleasing recipe requires no shredding or cooking chicken from scratch.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.
- Pantry-Friendly: Uses canned chicken, cream cheese, and hot sauce—no fresh meat needed.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at parties, tailgates, or potlucks.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap dressings (ranch or blue cheese), or add extra cheese.
Benefits of Making Buffalo Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken
Makes about 4-6 servings
- 2 (10 oz) cans chunk chicken, drained (or 2 cups shredded cooked chicken)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Optional toppings: Extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, crumbled bacon
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drain canned chicken and lightly shred with a fork.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in chicken and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish (or oven-safe skillet) and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Broil 1-2 minutes for a crispier top (optional).
Slow Cooker Method
- Mix all ingredients (except extra cheese for topping) in a slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW 2 hours or HIGH 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Top with extra cheese before serving.
Expert Techniques and Flavor Variations
Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Shred the Canned Chicken Well – Use a fork to break it into fine pieces for a smoother texture. Larger chunks can make the dip uneven.
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key – Leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to prevent lumps.
- Adjust Spice to Taste – Start with ½ cup hot sauce, then add more after mixing if you prefer extra heat.
- Bake Until Bubbly – The dip is ready when the edges are golden and the center is hot all the way through.
- Broil for a Crispy Top – If you love extra melted cheese, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch closely to prevent burning).
Easy Variations to Try
- Extra Cheesy – Mix in ½ cup mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for extra gooeyness.
- Blue Cheese Lover’s Version – Swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing and top with crumbled blue cheese.
- Healthier Twist – Use Greek yogurt instead of ranch and low-fat cream cheese.
- Smoky & Spicy – Add ½ tsp smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle hot sauce.
- No-Bake Option – Microwave the dip in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until fully heated.
Ingredient Substitutions
- No Cream Cheese? Use 1 cup Greek yogurt + ¼ cup mayo for a tangy alternative.
- Fresh Chicken Option – Replace canned chicken with 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breast.
- Different Heat Levels – For mild flavor, use ½ the hot sauce and add 1 tbsp honey to balance.
These tweaks let you customize the dip for any taste or dietary need while keeping it quick and delicious!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Buffalo Dip
easy buffalo chicken dip recipe is incredibly versatile—here are the best ways to serve it for any occasion:
Classic Game Day Spread
- Tortilla chips – The sturdy crunch holds up to the thick, cheesy dip.
- Celery sticks – A cool, crisp contrast to the spicy dip (just like wings and celery!).
- Pretzel chips or baguette slices – For a salty, hearty bite.
Healthy Dipping Options
- Carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, or bell pepper strips – Adds freshness and color.
- Whole-grain crackers – A fiber-rich alternative to chips.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Leftovers
- Stuffed baked potatoes – Top a baked potato with reheated dip and extra cheese.
- Buffalo chicken quesadillas – Spread between tortillas with extra cheese, then pan-fry.
- Loaded nachos – Drizzle over tortilla chips with jalapeños and diced tomatoes.
For a Heartier Meal
- Spread on burgers or sandwiches – Adds a spicy kick to chicken or turkey burgers.
- Toss with pasta – Thin with a little milk for a quick Buffalo mac and cheese.
- Top a baked sweet potato – A delicious twist on classic loaded potatoes.
Pro Tip: If serving at a party, keep the dip warm in a slow cooker on LOW for easy grazing. Pair with a variety of dippers so guests can mix and match flavors and textures!
How to Store & Reheat
Storing Leftover buffalo chicken dip recipe
Refrigerator Storage:
- Allow the dip to cool to room temperature before storing (about 30 minutes).
- Transfer to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Properly stored, the dip will maintain quality for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Considerations:
- Freezing is not recommended for cream cheese-based dips as they may separate and become grainy when thawed.
- If freezing is necessary, expect texture changes and plan to stir vigorously when reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Oven Method (Recommended for Best Results):
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Transfer dip to an oven-safe dish and stir in 1-2 tablespoons of milk, ranch dressing, or broth to restore creaminess.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes if a crispier top is desired.
Microwave Method (Quick Option):
- Place desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until uniformly warm.
- Add small amounts of liquid (milk or water) if the dip becomes too thick.
Stovetop Method (For Small Portions):
- Warm gently in a nonstick skillet over low heat, stirring frequently.
- Add 1 tablespoon of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking or drying out.
Important Food Safety Notes
- Always use clean utensils when handling leftovers to prevent contamination.
- Discard any dip left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- For best quality and safety, reheat only the amount needed and avoid multiple reheating cycles.
Pro Tip: If your stored dip has cheese toppings, remove them before reheating and add fresh toppings afterward to maintain optimal texture and appearance. For parties, consider dividing into smaller portions to minimize repeated reheating.
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Buffalo Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Dip
- 2 10 oz cans chunk chicken drained and shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- ½ cup hot sauce such as Frank’s RedHot
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Colby Jack, divided
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Optional Toppings
- chopped green onions optional topping
- crumbled bacon optional topping
- extra shredded cheese optional topping
Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drain canned chicken and shred with a fork.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in shredded chicken and half the cheese.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes for a crispier top (optional).
Slow Cooker Method
- Mix all ingredients (except topping cheese) in a slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 2 hours or HIGH for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Top with extra cheese before serving.
Notes
| Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Carbs | Sugar | Protein | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 kcal | 24g | 10g | 4g | 2g | 18g | 0g | 950mg |
Final Thoughts on Buffalo Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken
This Buffalo Chicken Dip with Canned Chicken is the easiest way to make a creamy, spicy, cheesy dip without hassle. Whether baked or slow-cooked, it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or a quick snack. Customize the heat level, try different cheeses, and serve with your favorite dippers for a guaranteed crowd favorite.
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FAQs
Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?
Yes! Canned chicken works perfectly—just drain and shred it before mixing.
How to prep chicken for Buffalo chicken dip?
Simply drain and shred canned chicken with a fork. No cooking needed.
Do you cook canned chicken?
No, canned chicken is pre-cooked and safe to eat straight from the can.
Are you supposed to rinse canned chicken?
Not necessary, but you can rinse it to reduce sodium if preferred.
Can I eat canned chicken without cooking it?
Yes, canned chicken is fully cooked and ready to eat.
Can I use frozen chicken instead of canned chicken in this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook and shred it first. For food safety, chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), as verified by FoodSafety.gov’s poultry guidelines (Safe Chicken Cooking Temperatures). Canned chicken saves time since it’s pre-cooked.