Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe Crock Pot

I always keep a few reliable, easy dips in my back pocket for when friends come over, and this buffalo chicken dip recipe crock pot style is my absolute favorite.

It’s so much more than just a dip—it’s a creamy, smoky, high-protein snack that keeps everyone satisfied, whether you’re hosting game day or just need a satisfying family-friendly meal. The slow cooker method makes it completely hands-off, keeping the chicken incredibly tender and the cheese perfectly gooey for hours on end.

This recipe takes a classic comfort food and adds a unique, smoky twist with a roasted garlic and smoked paprika cream swirl. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for a party, guaranteeing a clean bowl every time.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Buffalo Dip

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1.5 lbs, ~700g): Use good quality breast meat for a tender result; chicken thighs also work if you prefer darker meat. This cut shreds perfectly after slow cooking and absorbs flavor quickly.
• Buffalo-style hot sauce (3/4 cup, ~180 ml): Use your preferred brand, ensuring it has good flavor and medium heat. Adjust the amount to control the spice level, reducing to 1/2 cup for a milder flavor. Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for buffalo flavor.
• Water or vegetable broth (1/2 cup, ~120 ml): Adds moisture to prevent the chicken from drying out during slow cooking. Broth provides a richer flavor base than plain water.
• Full-fat cream cheese (8 oz, ~225g): Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest, creamiest texture to the dip. Ensure it is softened before adding to the slow cooker to melt smoothly.
• Full-fat sour cream (1/2 cup, ~120 ml): Adds a pleasant tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Helps balance the heat of the buffalo sauce for a more complex flavor. Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute, but it may curdle at higher heat.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (10 oz, ~300g, divided): Use fresh-shredded cheese from a block for the best melting quality; pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that can interfere with melting. Sharp cheddar provides the primary cheesy flavor and tang to the dip.
• Shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (10 oz, ~300g, divided): Mozzarella provides stretchiness and gooey texture to the dip. Fresh-shredded again gives the best results.
• Roasted Garlic Swirl Ingredients:
  • 1 whole head garlic: Roasting transforms raw garlic’s harshness into a sweet, mellow flavor.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to coat the garlic head before roasting for caramelization.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a deep, savory, smoky undertone to the swirl.
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream: Used to create a smooth, pourable sauce from the roasted garlic.
• Seasonings:
  • Onion powder (1 tsp) and Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances the savory base flavors.
  • Dried dill (1/4 tsp) and Dried parsley (1/4 tsp): Provides an herbal note to balance the richness.
  • Black pepper (1/8 tsp) and Fine sea salt (1/2 tsp): Adjust these amounts to taste after initial cooking.
• Fresh chives (1/4 cup, ~15g): Chopped fresh chives are used as a garnish for a bright pop of color and mild onion flavor. Sprinkle generously over the top just before serving. Fresh green onions can also be used as an alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Roasted Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and slice off the top 1/4 inch of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle the exposed cloves with 1 tbsp of olive oil and wrap the head in aluminum foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes until the cloves are soft, golden brown, and easily squeezable; let cool slightly, then squeeze the softened garlic into a small bowl.
2. Slow Cook the Chicken: Place the 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the base of a 3.5-quart (3.5 liter) or larger slow cooker. Add 3/4 cup buffalo hot sauce and 1/2 cup water or broth to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours; the chicken should be tender and shred easily with two forks when finished, making a perfect base for this buffalo chicken dip recipe crock pot style.
3. Shred and Combine: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker, reserving all the cooking liquid. Shred the chicken using two forks, a hand mixer (the fastest method), or kitchen shears; return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with the reserved liquid. Stir in the 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, dill, parsley, black pepper, salt), and half of the sharp cheddar and mozzarella (5 oz each).
4. Finish the Dip Base: Continue to cook the mixture on LOW for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to melt the cheeses completely and ensure this easy buffalo chicken dip recipe crock pot base is smooth, creamy, and heated thoroughly. If the dip seems too thick, add a splash more broth or water; if too thin, let it cook uncovered for another 15 minutes.
5. Create the Roasted Garlic Swirl: Add the squeezed roasted garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 cup heavy cream to a small blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, forming a rich sauce. If a blender isn’t available, mash the roasted garlic with a fork and thoroughly whisk in the cream and paprika.
6. Swirl and Serve: Stir the remaining 5 oz sharp cheddar and 5 oz mozzarella into the hot dip until just melted and gooey. Pour the prepared smoked paprika and roasted garlic cream over the top surface of the hot dip. Use a skewer or the back of a spoon to create gentle swirls and ribbons in the dip; avoid mixing completely to maintain the contrast. Garnish with fresh chives and serve immediately from the slow cooker for this hearty buffalo chicken dip.

How to Serve and Pairing Suggestions

The best way to present this dip is to leave it right in the slow cooker on the warm setting for easy serving during a party. The most popular dippers include sturdy tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for a crisp contrast. Consider serving with toasted pita bread, mini pretzel bites, or slider rolls to make mini sandwiches. For a heartier meal, spoon this high-protein dip over baked potatoes, serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or use as a filling for quesadillas for easy family dinners.

Make-Ahead Tips and Reheating Instructions

This buffalo chicken dip recipe crock pot version can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the slow cooker on LOW, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and separation. The roasted garlic swirl can also be made ahead and kept separate until serving time.

• Storage: Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours. Store in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in small portions or in a saucepan over low heat.
• Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for cheese-based dips as the dairy often separates when thawed.

Troubleshooting and Customization Ideas

If you find that the dip separates and oil pools on top, this can happen from overcooking or using low-fat dairy. Try whisking vigorously to re-emulsify the ingredients, or add a splash of heavy cream. To adjust the heat level, reduce the amount of buffalo hot sauce for a milder dip or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. For extra texture, try adding blue cheese crumbles (if you don’t mind the strong flavor). To speed up the process, substitute pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for the raw chicken; skip Step 2 and add pre-shredded chicken at Step 3.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use pre-cooked chicken from a rotisserie chicken?

Yes, absolutely! Shred 1.5 lbs of rotisserie chicken and add it directly in Step 3. This reduces the cooking time significantly, as you only need to heat through and melt the cheeses to complete the easy buffalo chicken dip recipe crock pot. It’s a great shortcut for quick meals.

Can I make this buffalo chicken dip recipe crock pot style on the stovetop instead?

Yes, you can. Combine all ingredients (minus the roasted garlic swirl) in a large pot over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt. Then proceed with the swirl. The stovetop method is faster, but the slow cooker allows you to keep it warm for longer at a party.

How long will this dip last in the slow cooker on a warm setting?

You can keep the dip warm for up to 4 hours in the slow cooker on the lowest setting. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent a thick skin from forming on top. The low setting maintains a safe temperature for food service and keeps this buffalo chicken dip recipe crock pot version ready for guests.

Is it necessary to roast the garlic first? Can I just use garlic powder instead?

While you can use garlic powder, roasting the garlic adds a sweet, mellow, and complex flavor profile that elevates this particular dip significantly. Roasting is highly recommended for the best results; it takes a few extra minutes but makes a big difference in flavor, creating a high-quality, memorable dip.

My dip is too thick/too thin, how do I fix it?

If the dip is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. If too thin, try leaving the lid slightly ajar during the last 30 minutes of cooking or adding more shredded cheese. I always find a good, slow-simmered buffalo chicken dip recipe crock pot should be thick and spoonable, so I prefer to add extra cheese for texture.

What type of dippers are best for this specific dip?

Because this buffalo chicken dip recipe crock pot version is hearty, you need sturdy dippers that won’t break when scooping. We recommend sturdy tortilla chips, celery sticks for a crisp contrast, carrot sticks, and toasted pita triangles. For a low-carb option, use cucumber slices or bell pepper strips.

Conclusion

This buffalo chicken dip recipe crock pot style offers the perfect blend of creamy richness and a smoky kick, making it a guaranteed hit for any occasion. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy time with family and friends while the dip stays warm and delicious. Save this recipe on Pinterest to keep it handy for your next family gathering or game day.

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