Microwave Buffalo Chicken Dip (So Quick!)

This microwave buffalo chicken dip is the perfect appetizer for any event! The spicy dip recipe is made with shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and lots of cheese. It’s quick and easy to make, ready to serve in 15 minutes, and a game day favorite.

Want more cheesy dips? Check out our  Franks buffalo chicken dip, Velveeta chili cheese dip, and chili cream cheese dip.

Amazing microwave buffalo chicken dip

This quick microwave buffalo chicken dip is such a tasty appetizer to serve and snack. A real crowd pleaser! It’s so creamy and cheesy with just the right amount of heat. Of course, you can always adjust the heat to your liking. It’s truly up to you!

The dip recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and requires hardly any hands-on time. Just put everything into a serving dish and let your microwave do the work. It couldn’t be simpler!

Party food recipes like this cheesy buffalo chicken dip are great for holidays, game days, and pretty much any gathering. Serve it with chips and watch it disappear, fast. Your guest will love it and beg you for the recipe!

We are big fans of cheese appetizers. Check out our garlic cheese spread, honey-baked camembert, and baked burrata after you dip into this buffalo chicken dip.

Why you’ll love this quick buffalo chicken dip

• Flavorful: The dip packs a ton of flavor. It’s cheesy, creamy, and full of 3 cheeses, chicken bits, and hot sauce.
• Quick: This quick buffalo chicken drip recipe is ready in about 12 to 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Easy: This dish could not be easier! Just mix everything in a serving dish, microwave until hot + gooey, and your dip is ready.
• Party favorite: The cheesy appetizer is a true crowd pleaser, perfect for any get-together, party, and game day dish.

Ingredients

These simple ingredients combine to create a masterpiece out of a dip. There are many ways to customize your microwave buffalo chicken dip, see the variations section below. Also, if you’re looking for measurements, they can all be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

• Shredded chicken: You can prepare shredded chicken yourself or use pre-shredded, cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken from the grocer. If making your own, you’ll need 2 large chicken breasts. I’ve included instructions for roasting and shredding the chicken breasts below.
• Hot sauce: Frank’s Red Hot Original is my favorite hot sauce for this fast buffalo chicken dip because it creates that classic buffalo chicken wing aroma. Of course, feel free to use your favorite brand.
• Ranch dressing adds richness and flavor. Use a good quality ranch dressing for the best taste.
• Cream cheese: I recommend full-fat cream cheese, but you can certainly use low fat to lighten the dip.
• Cheddar infuses every bite with gooey, cheesy flavor. We love sharp yellow cheddar. You can also try white cheddar or a combination of the two.
• Blue cheese (optional) is an excellent pairing for buffalo sauce. I like to stir a little into the dip and sprinkle some more on top right before serving. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, simply skip it.
• Garnish: Garnishes are entirely optional, but I recommend chopped chives or parsley to give the dish extra flair and highlight the flavor of the ranch dressing.

You’ll also need a microwave-safe container. I recommend a wide, shallow ceramic dish or small pie pan, so it’s easy to pick up dip.

How to make microwave buffalo chicken dip

This microwave buffalo chicken dip recipe is so easy and so delicious! Plus, it only takes 15 minutes to whip up this tasty treat. Pair the cheesy dip with chips or veggies and eat it as a snack or appetizer. I know you’ll love it just as much as I do!

#1: Soften cream cheese

• Place the cream cheese in a large, shallow microwave-friendly glass or ceramic dish.
• Heat in the microwave (medium-high setting – 500W) for 30 seconds until softened.

#2: Mix dip

• Next, add the shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, 1/4 cup cheddar, 1/4 cup blue cheese, and 1 tablespoon chives.
• Stir the ingredients until everything is well combined.

#3: Microwave

• Spread the dip into an even layer and heat in the microwave (high setting – 800W) for 1 minute.
• Take the dip out of the microwave, stir, and heat for another minute. This step is important to ensure the dip heats evenly.

#4: Melt cheese

• Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and blue cheese on the dip and heat for 2 to 3 minutes on high, until the cheese has melted and the mixture is hot.
• Use potholders when handling the dish as it will be very hot.

#5: Serve it up

• Optionally, garnish the dip with extra blue cheese crumbles and chopped chives or parsley.
• Serve warm with chips, crackers, tortilla chips, celery, carrot sticks, or sliced bell pepper. Enjoy!

Tips for success

There are a few cooking tips that I have when heating buffalo chicken dip in the microwave, so I wanted to put together a quick list for you.

• Shred or dice the chicken fairly small, so it’s easy to scoop up.
• Use freshly grated cheese for a gooey texture and the best flavor, but pre-grated cheese will also work.
• Adjust the heat to your taste. For a milder dip, reduce the amount of hot sauce by half. If you want a super spicy dip, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Make plenty. This quick and easy buffalo chicken dip is a crowd pleaser and always goes away quickly when I make it for a party. You can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch.

Variations & substitutions

You can customize this microwave buffalo chicken to your heart’s content. Here are a few of my other favorite variations and ingredient swap-ins!

• Buffalo wing sauce: For an extra kick of heat, replace regular hot sauce with Frank’s buffalo wing sauce.
• Mayonnaise + sour cream: If you don’t have ranch dressing, make the dip with 1/3 mayonnaise and 1/4 cup sour cream.
• Blue cheese dressing is another swap-in for ranch dressing. If using blue cheese dressing, eliminate or reduce the amount of actual blue cheese.
• Cheese: Try using Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, provolone, or Muenster in place of the cheddar. For a super cheesy dip, add more cheese.
• Protein: Instead of shredded chicken, make the dip with diced turkey or pulled pork.

Serving suggestions

Serve the dip right after microwaving. Hot and gooey chicken cheese dip is the best! And as far as dippers go, try the following options:

• potato chips, tortilla chips, or bagel chips
• toasted baguette slices
• pita bread
• crackers
• carrot sticks
• bell pepper strips, mini bell peppers, or jalapenos
• celery stalks

FAQ’s

How do you thicken buffalo chicken dip?

The dip is pretty thick on its own, but if you want it even thicker, add some more shredded cheese or cream cheese.

How do you fix separated buffalo chicken dip?

Separation may occur as the dip cools. To fix it, simply reheat in the microwave and stir together.

Can I bake this buffalo chicken dip in the oven?

Absolutely! Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C / gas mark 4. Mix the ingredients, pour into a casserole or pie dish, and spread evenly. Sprinkle the top with cheese and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until heated through.

Making this dip in advance

You prepare the chicken dip recipe a day or two ahead of time. Layer the ingredients in a microwave-friendly serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate.

When you’re ready to serve, microwave the dip as directed in the recipe instructions. You may have to increase the cooking time slightly since it starts out colder.

Storage instructions

I recommend eating your microwavable buffalo chicken dip as soon as you’ve made it for the best flavor, but leftovers can be stored and reheated later. Here’s what you’ll need to know:

• Store: Let leftovers cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap (cling film) or foil. Store in the fridge and consume within 2 to 3 days.
• Reheat: Rewarm cold buffalo chicken dip in the microwave in 1-minute increments until warm and gooey. Stir between each heating. It’s also fine to pop the dip in the oven for 10 minutes.
• Freeze: You could freeze buffalo chicken dip, but the texture will change, so I recommend finishing it fresh.

More delicious cheese appetizer

These tasty recipes have everything you love about cheese in every bite! They’re delicious, cheesy, and, most importantly- easy to make!

• Cottage Cheese Dip
• Garlic Cheese Spread
• Chili Cream Cheese Dip
• Velveeta Chili Cheese Dip
• Baked Burrata with Roasted Tomatoes
• Hot Dog Bun Garlic Bread
• Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip from All the Healthy Things