Hot Buffalo Chicken Skillet Dip

The Hot Buffalo Chicken Skillet Dip is the ultimate appetizer for any gathering, packed with the bold tang of buffalo sauce, rich cream cheese, melty cheddar and mozzarella, and tender shredded chicken. All baked into one bubbling, golden skillet of savory goodness, it’s made for dipping and sharing.

Whether you’re throwing a party, prepping for game day, or simply want a snack that impresses, this cheesy skillet dip hits the spot. Best of all, it comes together quickly and easily in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and flavor a guarantee. Pair with tortilla chips, crunchy celery, or toasty bread for the full experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup ranch dressing

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions

• Tortilla chips, celery, or baguette slices for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

3. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Stir in shredded chicken and hot sauce, coating the chicken thoroughly.

5. Add cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing. Stir until smooth and well combined.

6. Mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, reserving a bit of each to sprinkle on top.

7. Season with pepper and smoked paprika.

8. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and transfer the skillet to the oven.

9. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

10. Garnish with chives or green onions. Serve hot with chips, celery, or toasted baguette slices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Hot Buffalo Chicken Skillet Dip

A Cheesy, Spicy Crowd-Pleaser Perfect for Any Occasion

If you’re a fan of spicy, creamy, and utterly addictive party food, this Hot Buffalo Chicken Skillet Dip is about to become your go-to appetizer. This dish combines all the bold flavors of classic buffalo wings, tender shredded chicken, fiery hot sauce, creamy ranch, and melty cheese, in a form that’s perfect for scooping up with crunchy chips or fresh-cut veggies. It’s a guaranteed hit whether you’re serving a party crowd, preparing for game day, or just indulging in a savory comfort dish.

Buffalo chicken has become a culinary icon in American cuisine. Originally created in Buffalo, New York, the flavor combination of hot sauce, butter, and chicken quickly spread nationwide. Its popularity grew beyond wings and made its way into everything from wraps to pizzas, and now into the realm of hot dips. This skillet dip is a perfect evolution of that flavor profile; it captures the essence of buffalo wings but removes the mess and fuss.

What makes this recipe so appealing, besides the mouthwatering flavors, is how easy it is to throw together. It’s a one-skillet wonder: just sauté, stir, bake, and serve. There’s no deep frying, breading, or complicated prep work. You can even make it ahead of time, then pop it into the oven right before your guests arrive.

The Flavor Profile

This dip delivers on all fronts, heat, tang, creaminess, and richness. Here’s a breakdown of what each component contributes to the final dish:

• Butter and Garlic: These form the savory base that adds depth and richness to the dish.

• Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover cooked chicken. It provides hearty texture and soaks up the sauce beautifully.

• Hot Sauce: The star of the show, classic buffalo flavor. Frank’s RedHot is the traditional choice, offering just the right balance of heat and vinegar tang.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, and Ranch: These create a smooth, luscious foundation that balances the heat and gives the dip its crave-worthy consistency.

• Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: These melt into golden, gooey perfection. Cheddar adds sharpness, while mozzarella brings stretch and creaminess.

• Spices and Herbs: Smoked paprika and black pepper add subtle depth, while fresh green onions or chives on top bring a bright, fresh finish.

You can easily customize the spice level to suit your taste. Prefer a milder version? Add less hot sauce and more sour cream or ranch. Want it fiery? Toss in some cayenne or diced jalapeños.

Why It Works for Every Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a casual hangout or an elaborate party, this dip is always a good idea. It comes together in about 30 minutes, uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and bakes right in the skillet you use to cook it. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

It’s also versatile enough to suit a range of dietary preferences. Want it lower in carbs? Serve with celery sticks or cucumber slices. Need it gluten-free? Make sure your ranch and hot sauce are gluten-free certified, and pair with gluten-free crackers or chips. Looking to make it more indulgent? Add crumbled blue cheese on top before baking.

Serving Ideas

Here are a few creative ways to serve your buffalo chicken skillet dip:

• Classic Scoop Style: Set it out with tortilla chips, pretzel crisps, or baguette slices.

• Veggie Platter: Pair with celery, bell pepper strips, carrots, or cucumbers.

• Baked Potato Topper: Spoon leftovers over a baked potato for a hearty meal.

• Mini Sandwiches: Serve it warm on slider buns or inside pita pockets for a delicious buffalo chicken sandwich.

• Stuffed Mushrooms or Peppers: Fill halved mushrooms or mini bell peppers with the dip mixture and bake for bite-sized delights.

You can also double the recipe for a larger crowd or halve it for a smaller gathering. Either way, expect the dish to disappear fast.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This dip is ideal for making ahead. Prepare the mixture in the skillet, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to serve, uncover and bake until hot and bubbly.

Leftovers (if any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. It also freezes well, just freeze in a tightly sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can personalize this dip depending on what you have on hand:

• Chicken: Try canned chicken in a pinch or cooked ground turkey for a different texture.

• Cheese: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra kick.

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese shreds to make it dairy-free.

• Spice Additions: Add crushed red pepper flakes, a splash of Tabasco, or diced jalapeños to intensify the heat.

What to Pair With Buffalo Chicken Skillet Dip

This dip is bold, savory, and indulgent, so pair it with drinks and sides that complement the heat and richness:

• Drinks: Cold beer, sparkling water, or a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

• Side Dishes: Keep it light and crunchy, crudité platters, simple salads, or coleslaw work beautifully.

• Desserts: After all that heat and creaminess, a sweet, refreshing dessert like fruit salad, brownies, or lemon bars is a great choice.

Crowd Feedback

One of the best parts of this dish is how it brings people together. It’s the kind of appetizer that gets devoured before the main course even hits the table. Guests will be asking for the recipe, scraping the skillet for the last bite, and looking forward to the next time you make it.

Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, Super Bowl party, holiday potluck, or movie night, this dip always earns rave reviews. It’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor that lingers, just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Skillet Dip is one of those iconic dishes that brings the joy of comfort food to any table. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and packed with bold flavor that satisfies every time. The creamy, spicy, cheesy combo delivers everything you love about buffalo wings, without the mess and presents it in a format that’s meant for sharing.

Whether you’re hosting a party, making a casual snack, or looking for a simple but sensational appetizer, this dip checks every box. With just a few ingredients and a single skillet, you’ll create something that’s much more than the sum of its parts. It’s guaranteed to become a staple in your entertaining repertoire.