5 Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Dip: Quick, Creamy, Crowd-Pleaser Recipe

Name: 5 Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Dip
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftovers); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot); ½ cup ranch dressing; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Posted on June 17, 2025

Featured image of 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip in a rustic kitchen setting

5 Ingredient Recipes

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When game day hits or dinner feels impossible, this 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip is my go-to. It’s spicy, creamy, and totally foolproof. With just five ingredients—ones you probably already have—it comes together in minutes and disappears even faster. Whether you’re hosting a party or feeding hungry kids after school, this dip checks all the boxes: low effort, big flavor, and practically zero cleanup. In this post, we’ll cover my story behind this lifesaver recipe, how to make it perfectly every time, creative serving ideas, and answers to the most-searched questions about it. Let’s get into it.

Why This 5 Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Dip is a Weeknight Winner

The Buffalo Chicken Dip That Saved My Sunday

Let me tell you how this 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip saved my sanity. It was one of those chaotic Sundays—muddy kids, late lunch, and zero energy to cook. I found five things in the fridge and pantry: shredded rotisserie chicken, a block of cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and a bag of cheddar. I threw them all into a dish, popped it in the oven, and hoped for the best. When I pulled out that bubbling dish of 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip, I had no idea I was about to discover my new weeknight savior.

Everyone—from my youngest to my husband—went wild for it. The dip disappeared before I could even grab a plate. Since then, this 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip has become a regular rotation at our house. Whether it’s game day, after-school snack time, or just one of those “what’s-for-dinner” nights, it always shows up when I need something easy and delicious.

I’ve made it during family movie nights, packed it up for potlucks, and even served it at birthday parties. This 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip is that flexible. You don’t need a long grocery list or fancy tools—just one bowl, one baking dish, and five basic ingredients.

Why 5 Ingredients Is All You Need

This 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip proves you don’t need more to get bold flavor. Chicken gives it heartiness, cream cheese makes it smooth, buffalo sauce adds heat, ranch cools it down, and cheddar brings the gooey finish. You could make it with one hand while holding a toddler—trust me, I have.

If you’re like me and live for fast wins in the kitchen, you’ll be making this 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip on repeat—just like we do.

The Best Ingredients for 5 Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Dip

The Essential 5 Ingredients

If you’ve ever opened your fridge wondering what to whip up with what’s already there, this 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip will make you feel like a kitchen hero. Here’s exactly what you need—no extras, no stress:

Cooked shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken works best for quick prep, but canned or leftover grilled chicken is just fine too.
Cream cheese – Softened to room temp so it blends easily. This gives the dip its thick, creamy body.
Buffalo wing sauce – Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice for heat with tang. Want more spice? Add extra.
Ranch dressing – Balances the buffalo flavor with cool, herby creaminess. You could use blue cheese, but ranch is the most crowd-pleasing.
Shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar adds that melty, cheesy pull. Sprinkle some on top before baking for a bubbly finish.

Here’s how it all works together: the cream cheese and ranch create a smooth, creamy base; the buffalo sauce brings that signature bite; the chicken makes it hearty, and the cheddar adds richness and texture. It’s the kind of dip that disappears faster than you can make a second batch.

If you want a visual chart for the core ingredients, here’s a quick breakdown:

Ingredient	Purpose in Recipe
Shredded Chicken	Adds protein and texture
Cream Cheese	Creamy base that holds the dip
Buffalo Sauce	Spicy and tangy flavor
Ranch Dressing	Balances the heat
Cheddar Cheese	Melty and rich finish

5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip displayed on a kitchen counter — Just five ingredients make this buffalo chicken dip simple and delicious

Can You Swap Ingredients? Here’s What Works

Absolutely. That’s the beauty of this 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip—it’s flexible. If you’re out of ranch, you can use blue cheese dressing for a bolder flavor. No cream cheese? A mix of sour cream and Greek yogurt will do in a pinch, though you’ll lose a bit of the signature texture.

For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based cream cheese and vegan ranch. Even the cheddar can be swapped with a dairy-free meltable cheese—so everyone can get in on this addictive dip. One of my readers once used rotisserie turkey after Thanksgiving and raved about it.

Looking to double down on chicken dishes? Pair this with my chicken taco stuffed peppers for a full meal with bold flavor and minimal effort.

This dip isn’t just easy—it’s forgiving. It welcomes your swaps, hacks, and whatever’s in the back of your fridge. That’s what makes it a repeat-worthy recipe in every household.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip in 20 Minutes

Step-by-Step: Oven, Microwave, or Crockpot

When time’s short and bellies are rumbling, this 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip can be ready faster than takeout. Whether you’re using the oven, microwave, or crockpot, it’s as hands-off as it gets.

Oven Method (My Favorite):

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken, 8 oz softened cream cheese, ½ cup buffalo sauce, ½ cup ranch dressing, and 1 cup shredded cheddar.
Mix until everything is creamy and well blended.
Spread the mixture into an 8×8 baking dish and top with a little extra cheese if you want.
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden at the edges.

Microwave Method:

Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until melted and heated through—about 3–5 minutes total.

Crockpot Method:

Add all five ingredients to a small slow cooker.
Heat on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Once hot and smooth, switch to WARM for serving.

The oven gives you the golden, baked top. The microwave is lightning fast. And the slow cooker keeps it warm for hours, perfect for parties. You can even prep it ahead and heat it just before serving.

For more effortless, warm party favorites, see my 3-ingredient BBQ meatballs—another winner for hungry crowds.

Storing Leftovers (And What to Do With Them)

Got leftover buffalo chicken dip? First, congratulations—it means you managed to save some! Here’s how to store and reuse it without losing flavor.

Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts until warm and creamy again. Or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Freezing? I don’t recommend freezing it—the cream cheese doesn’t thaw well and can turn grainy.

Now, what to do with those extras?

Spread it inside tortillas, roll them up, and grill for quick buffalo chicken quesadillas.
Spoon it into halved bell peppers and bake for an easy stuffed pepper upgrade.
Use it as a base for buffalo chicken sliders by layering it on soft rolls and toasting with extra cheese.

Don’t toss it—transform it.

What Goes With Buffalo Chicken Dip? Creative Ideas You’ll Love

Dippers That Always Work

You’ve made the perfect 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip—hot, creamy, and full of flavor. Now what do you serve it with? While chips are the obvious choice, there’s a whole world of dippers that turn this simple dish into something special.

Tortilla chips: Classic and sturdy enough for a thick scoop.
Celery and carrot sticks: Crunchy, cool, and a fresh contrast to the heat.
Toasted baguette slices: For when you want something a little more elegant.
Pretzel bites: Salty and satisfying, especially for party spreads.
Mini bell peppers: Naturally sweet and a great low-carb option.

I often serve this 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip with my 3-ingredient flatbread cut into wedges—it’s soft, warm, and perfect for scooping.

Want to keep things light? Pile on the fresh veggies. Want it hearty? Try garlic bread, naan, or potato wedges as the base. This dip works with almost anything, making it a reliable centerpiece no matter the occasion.

Beyond the Bowl: Leftover Remix Ideas

Let’s say you made a big batch of 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip (because you should), and somehow there’s some left. Here’s where things get fun.

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese: Spread a layer between two slices of bread and toast in butter for the ultimate cheesy sandwich.
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Reheat the dip and spoon it into roasted sweet potatoes. Add green onions for an easy, filling meal.
Buffalo Pasta Bake: Toss with cooked pasta, top with more cheese, and bake for a spicy weeknight dinner.
Dip Pizza: Use naan or flatbread as the crust and spread your leftover dip like pizza sauce. Add extra cheese and bake until bubbly.

I’ve even made buffalo dip breakfast quesadillas—a little scrambled egg, a spoonful of dip, and boom: breakfast with bite. If you love multipurpose meals, check out my cheesy chicken roll-ups for another crowd-pleasing way to stretch ingredients.

This dip isn’t just for parties—it’s for any time you want something bold, fast, and ridiculously satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients do I need for Buffalo chicken dip?

For a classic 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip, you’ll need shredded cooked chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese. These five create the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and flavor.

What are the ingredients in Good Foods Buffalo chicken dip?

Good Foods uses a blend of white chicken, Greek yogurt, hot sauce, red peppers, and cheese. While it’s a bit different from the traditional version, you can replicate a similar flavor using our 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip base and sub Greek yogurt for cream cheese if you prefer a tangier profile.

What to make with Buffalo chicken dip?

Besides scooping with chips or veggies, you can turn leftover dip into grilled cheese sandwiches, baked pasta, loaded nachos, or stuffed peppers. It’s also great for spreading on flatbread or using as a filling for sliders like these easy cheesy melts.

Does sour cream go in Buffalo chicken dip?

Sour cream isn’t part of the classic 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip, but you can add it if you’re looking to mellow the heat or stretch the dip. Some folks swap it in place of ranch or cream cheese, but we stick to the five core ingredients for a foolproof result.

Conclusion

When life gets busy (which it always does), a recipe like 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip is a lifesaver. It’s fast, flavorful, and made with things you probably already have. Whether you’re throwing a party or just need dinner that doesn’t feel like a chore, this dip has your back.

At 2to5ingredients, I’m all about making food that’s easy, honest, and actually tastes good—and this one checks every box. For more fast fixes, check out my chicken-stuffed peppers or 3-ingredient snack ideas that help keep your week delicious and doable.