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Easy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip for Game Day

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This creamy, spicy buffalo chicken dip is made entirely in the slow cooker for a hands-off game day appetizer that always disappears first. With pantry-friendly ingredients and a silky smooth texture, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for any watch party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (12.5 oz) cans of chunk chicken breast, drained
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge 30-45 minutes before starting. Cut into cubes to speed softening. If needed, microwave in 10-second bursts until just softened (do not melt).
  2. Whisk the cream cheese base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and dry ranch seasoning mix. Whisk until smooth and completely combined, with no lumps. Use a hand mixer on low speed for about 1 minute if desired.
  3. Shred the chicken: Open cans of chunk chicken and drain liquid. Dump chicken into a separate bowl and shred with two forks into small, bite-sized pieces.
  4. Combine everything in the slow cooker: Add shredded chicken, cream cheese mixture, buffalo wing sauce, shredded cheddar, and garlic powder to slow cooker. Stir until well combined. Sprinkle smoked paprika on top.
  5. Cook on low for 2 hours: Set slow cooker to low. After 1 hour, stir well to ensure even melting. Dip is ready when hot all the way through, bubbly around edges, and cheese is fully melted. For faster cooking, use high for 1 hour, stirring halfway.
  6. Add blue cheese (if using): Once dip is hot and bubbly, stir in crumbled blue cheese. Let sit for 5 minutes on warm setting so blue cheese softens slightly but doesn’t fully melt.
  7. Taste and adjust: Dip a chip in and taste. Add more buffalo sauce for heat, or extra ranch for creaminess as desired.
  8. Serve immediately: Switch slow cooker to ‘warm’ setting and let guests serve themselves. If dip thickens as it sits, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of milk to loosen.

Notes

For best texture, use room-temperature cream cheese and stir halfway through cooking. If dip becomes greasy or separated, whisk vigorously to bring it back together. For a thinner dip, add a splash of milk; for thicker, cook with lid off for 20 minutes. Leftovers keep in fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, slow cooker dip, game day appetizer, buffalo dip, easy appetizer, party dip, creamy buffalo dip

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/easy-slow-cooker-buffalo-chicken-dip-for-game-day/