Busy weeknights call for easy, satisfying meals that come together in a flash. Enter our Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Perfect for Last-Minute Gatherings — a microwave-friendly, one-bowl wonder that delivers big, bold flavor in just minutes. Whether you’re hosting impromptu friends or need a quick snack to curb those late-night cravings, this recipe has you covered. If you’ve got five minutes, you’ve got dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Perfect for Last-Minute Gatherings
This buffalo chicken dip checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or light meal. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with shredded chicken — perfect for scooping up with your favorite tortilla chips or veggie sticks. The best part? You can have it ready in just 5 minutes, thanks to the power of the microwave. No oven required! This dip is the ultimate time-saver for busy cooks, making it a must-have for last-minute gatherings or a quick weeknight nosh. Less mess. More yum.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
The ingredient list for this easy buffalo chicken dip is short, simple, and adaptable. You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples like shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and a few seasonings. Feel free to swap in your preferred hot sauce or experiment with different cheese varieties.
- 1 cup – Shredded chicken (cooked)
- 2 oz – Cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp – Hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp – Plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp – Garlic powder
Ingredient Substitutions
- Hot sauce: Use your favorite brand, or try a different flavor profile like barbecue or teriyaki.
- Cheese: Swap in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
How to Make Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Perfect for Last-Minute Gatherings
Microwave = magic! This easy buffalo chicken dip comes together in a flash, thanks to the power of the microwave.
Step 1: Prep Work
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to fully incorporate the ingredients.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Microwave the dip on high for 2-3 minutes, pausing halfway to stir, until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is hot and bubbly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the dip from the microwave and stir again to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Top the hot dip with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips, celery sticks, or other dippers.
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Richer, Creamier Dip: Add an extra dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
- Extra Cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few crumbles of blue cheese.
- Baked Dip: Bake the dip in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or your other favorite dippers.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Microwave Reheat: Simply reheat the dip in the microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the ingredients separately and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, combine and microwave until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Info
This easy buffalo chicken dip is a satisfying snack or light meal that’s sure to please. Each serving (about 1/4 cup) contains approximately 150 calories, 12 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbs, and 9 grams of protein.
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Carbs: 6 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
FAQs
How can I make this dip ahead of time?
To make this dip in advance, simply prepare the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, combine the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until hot and bubbly. Microwave = magic!
Can I use canned chicken instead of shredded?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Just be sure to drain and shred or chop the chicken before adding it to the other ingredients.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, this buffalo chicken dip is naturally gluten-free. Serve it with gluten-free tortilla chips or veggie sticks for a completely gluten-free snack or meal.
Can I bake this dip instead of microwaving?
Definitely! To bake the dip, simply transfer the prepared mixture to a small oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
How spicy is this buffalo chicken dip?
The level of spice in this dip can be adjusted to your personal preference by using more or less hot sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to find your perfect balance of flavor and heat.
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Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Perfect for Last-Minute Gatherings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner Mug Meals
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip is perfect for last-minute gatherings, combining creamy cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and tender chicken for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce.
3. Mix until well combined and smooth.
4. Spread the mixture into a baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese and blue cheese crumbles.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve hot with tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
For a milder dip, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce.
You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
This dip can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg