This Blue Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Imagine the bold heat of buffalo sauce blended perfectly with creamy cheese and tender shredded chicken, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s indulgent, tangy, and absolutely irresistible straight out of the oven.
Perfect for game day, parties, or just a cozy weekend snack, this dip brings comfort and heat in every bite. Whether you’re scooping it with chips, celery sticks, or crusty bread, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a fiery, cheesy masterpiece that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups shredded cooked chicken
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup buffalo sauce
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1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
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3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
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1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
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Tortilla chips, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices for serving
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
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Fold in the shredded chicken, blue cheese, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
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Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.
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Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery, or baguette slices.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Origins of Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is an evolution of a classic American bar snack — Buffalo wings — which originated in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. The story goes that Teressa Bellissimo created the dish using leftover chicken wings, coating them in hot sauce and butter before serving them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
As comfort food culture and tailgate traditions grew, food lovers started getting creative with ways to enjoy the iconic flavor combo. Thus, the Buffalo chicken dip was born. It maintained all the fiery, tangy, and creamy elements of the original wings, but in an easy-to-serve, shareable, and indulgently cheesy format. Today, it’s a staple at game-day gatherings, potlucks, and holiday parties.
Why Blue Cheese is a Must in This Version
While some versions of Buffalo chicken dip skip the blue cheese entirely, this recipe leans into it — and for good reason. Blue cheese adds an unmistakable tang, depth, and creamy funkiness that balances out the spicy heat of the buffalo sauce. It’s not just a garnish here — it’s one of the key flavor players.
Using both crumbled blue cheese and sharp cheddar creates a luxurious, multi-dimensional dip. The blue cheese melts into the base, infusing it with its signature bite, while the cheddar adds richness and that iconic cheesy pull we all crave.
Creamy Meets Spicy: The Role of Greek Yogurt and Cream Cheese
This dip achieves its creamy texture thanks to the dynamic duo of cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Cream cheese acts as the decadent base, bringing a velvety smoothness that binds the ingredients together. Greek yogurt lightens things up a bit, adding tang and a protein boost while still keeping the dip rich and satisfying.
This combo makes the dip perfectly scoopable and spreadable. Plus, it offers a more balanced approach than using mayonnaise or sour cream alone — ideal for those who want indulgence without going overboard.
Customizations and Flavor Swaps
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. While it’s pretty flawless as-is, you can easily tailor it to suit dietary needs, spice preferences, or pantry limitations.
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Heat Level: Prefer it milder? Opt for a less intense buffalo sauce or cut the quantity slightly. Craving more fire? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
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Cheese Options: While blue cheese is the star here, you could also swap it for gorgonzola, feta, or even extra sharp cheddar if you’re not a fan of the funk.
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Yogurt Alternatives: Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream, full-fat plain yogurt, or a dairy-free alternative to make the recipe fit your diet.
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Protein Variations: Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders in this dip. You can also use shredded turkey, canned chicken in a pinch, or even plant-based chicken substitutes for a vegetarian version.
Best Dippers for Blue Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
Half the magic of this dip lies in what you use to scoop it. Here are some ideal pairing ideas:
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Tortilla chips — the classic, offering a sturdy crunch that complements the creamy dip.
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Celery sticks — a nod to the traditional wing sidekick, providing a cool, crisp contrast.
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Carrot sticks — sweeter and crunchier, perfect for balancing the heat.
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Toasted baguette slices — especially great for a more elevated or rustic presentation.
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Pita chips or pretzel crisps — sturdy enough to handle the thickness and add more flavor and texture.
If you want to make it a meal, you can even spoon this dip into a baked potato, use it as a filling for a quesadilla, or spread it on a sandwich bun for a spicy chicken melt.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a cheesy chicken dip, but it can make all the difference if you’re hosting. Here are a few ideas:
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Bake it in a cast iron skillet for that rustic, golden-brown crust on top and a beautiful tableside look.
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Use a decorative baking dish and garnish with chopped chives, parsley, or an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce.
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Serve it warm, ideally straight from the oven, with your dipping options arranged around it on a large platter or charcuterie board.
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Keep it hot during longer parties with a mini crockpot or chafing dish setup. A warm dip = a crowd-pleaser every time.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Blue Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip is incredibly versatile and fits in at nearly any event or celebration. Here’s why it stands out in different settings:
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Game Day Gatherings: It’s spicy, cheesy, and super shareable — everything a good sports snack should be.
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Potlucks and Parties: Easy to transport, this dip holds up well and tastes great even after it cools a bit.
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Family Dinners or Weekends: If you’re craving something indulgent for a movie night or Sunday snack, this hits the spot.
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Holiday Buffets: Add a spicy twist to your holiday spread and watch it disappear in minutes.
Plus, it’s super easy to make ahead. Just mix everything together and refrigerate until ready to bake. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it a great meal prep appetizer.
Healthier Swaps Without Losing Flavor
Looking to lighten up the dip? You absolutely can without compromising on taste. Here are a few tweaks:
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Use reduced-fat cream cheese or a plant-based option.
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Stick with Greek yogurt over sour cream for more protein and less fat.
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Load up on veggies for dippers instead of chips.
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Skip extra cheese topping or reduce the cheese blend for a lower-calorie version.
Even with these adjustments, you’ll still get the signature creamy-spicy flavor combo that makes this dip so crave-worthy.
Storage and Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers — which isn’t always the case with this dip — it stores beautifully.
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Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350ºF or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
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Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
You can even repurpose leftovers into wraps, sandwiches, or pasta dishes for something new.
Conclusion
There’s a reason Blue Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip has earned its place in the hall of fame for party foods. It delivers on every level: bold buffalo flavor, creamy indulgence, cheesy richness, and hearty protein — all in one spoonful. It’s comforting, crave-worthy, and effortlessly impressive, whether you’re hosting a crowd or just treating yourself to a little snack luxury.
This dip captures the best parts of Buffalo wings in a warm, bubbly format that’s easier to serve and even easier to love. And thanks to its versatility and simplicity, it can be as classic or creative as you want. Whether you’re diving in with chips or veggies, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds).