Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip (Slow Cooker, Hands-Off)

5 minutes prep, creamy and scoopable, with an easy raw-chicken option for true set-and-forget convenience.

All the Buffalo wing flavor in a hot, melty dip you can make while you do literally anything else.

Why You’ll Love It

• True set-and-forget: Slow cooker does the work; ideal for Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip and busy hosting.
• Party-proof texture: Holds on Warm for hours without separating.
• Choose your path: Toss in cooked chicken—or follow the raw chicken method (guided safely to 165°F/74°C).
• Wing-night flavor, lighter options: Classic Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip taste with optional Greek-yogurt swaps.
• Versatile uses: Serve as a dip or load into Buffalo Chicken Tacos (Crockpot) for an easy dinner.

Ingredients (notes)

Creamy base

• Cream cheese (block, room temp) for body.
• Sour cream + ranch or blue cheese dressing for tang and scoopability.
• Frank’s-style hot sauce (start moderate, adjust).
• Garlic powder, onion powder, pinch kosher salt.

Chicken & cheeses

• Cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie/leftover) or raw boneless skinless breasts (see Raw Method).
• Sharp cheddar (flavor) + Monterey Jack or mozzarella (melt). Shred from blocks.

Dippers
Chips, celery, carrots, pretzels, crostini. For your party spread: balance richness with a bright pitcher like Simple Apple Cider Sangria.

Step-by-Step (Slow Cooker, 2–3 hours hands-off)

1. Prep crock. Lightly grease a 3–4 qt slow cooker.
2. Load base. Add cream cheese, sour cream, dressing, hot sauce, spices and half of each cheese.
3. Add chicken (cooked). Fold in shredded chicken; cover.
4. Cook. Low 2–3 hours or High 1–1½ hours until steamy and melty; stir once halfway.
5. Finish. Stir smooth, top with remaining cheese, cover 10–15 min to melt.
6. Serve. Switch to Warm; garnish with chives/scallions.

Raw Chicken Method (Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip Raw)

• Add 2–2½ lb raw chicken breasts, ½ cup hot sauce, ½ cup broth, spices.
• Cook High 2–3 hrs or Low 4–5 hrs to 165°F.
• Shred chicken; drain excess liquid (prevents thin dip).
• Stir in dairy and cheeses; heat on Low 30–45 min, stirring, until smooth. Hold on Warm.

Pro Tips

• Add dairy last for raw batches to avoid curdling.
• Shred your own cheese to prevent oily separation.
• Heat control: Start with ⅓–½ cup hot sauce; add more after tasting. A spoon of honey = balanced sweet-heat.
• Thicker dip: Crack lid for 10–15 min on Low to evaporate moisture.

Variations (mapped to your interests)

• Buffalo Chicken Tacos Crockpot: Spoon dip into warm tortillas; top with lettuce, pickled onions, ranch drizzle, lime.
• How To Make Buffalo Chicken Dip (Baked Finish): Transfer to a broiler-safe dish, add cheese, broil 1–2 min for blistered top—see Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip (Oven).
• Chicken Wing Dip Crockpot: Fold in ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles; drizzle extra sauce.
• Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip: Swap in 1 cup Greek yogurt + ½ cup whipped cottage cheese for part/all cream cheese.
• Easy Dinner Recipes: Turn into sliders or stuff into baked potatoes alongside crisp veg like Crispy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans or fall snackables like Crispy Parm Acorn Squash Rings.

How to Serve

• Dip board: tortilla chips, celery, carrots, cucumbers, pretzels.
• Slider bar: pile into mini buns; finish with ranch or blue cheese.
• Taco night: tortillas, lettuce, pickled onions, lime.
• Add a pitcher of Simple Apple Cider Sangria for easy hosting.

Make Ahead & Storage

• Assemble ahead: Mix in crock insert, cover, refrigerate up to 48 hrs; add 10–15 min to cook time from cold.
• Fridge: 3–4 days; reheat on Low or microwave at 50% power.
• Freeze: Up to 2 months (best if frozen before the final cheese melt). Thaw overnight; heat on Low.

FAQs

Can I start with raw chicken?
Yes—follow the Raw Method and verify 165°F before shredding.

Why is my dip greasy/thin?
Pre-shredded cheese separates; shred your own. Drain excess liquid after cooking raw chicken.

How spicy is it?
Medium default. Reduce hot sauce and add more ranch for mild; add cayenne for extra heat.

Best way to keep it hot?
Hold on Warm, lid on between dips; stir every 30–45 minutes.

Simple Nutrition (estimate, per ~⅓ cup)

~220 kcal • 13g protein • 3g carbs • 17g fat • ~600mg sodium
Estimates vary by brand and portion.