Let’s be real – buffalo chicken dip is basically the rockstar of party appetizers. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and downright addictive. But what really takes this crowd-pleaser to the next level? The perfect dippers and sides to go with it!
I’ve been making buffalo chicken dip for years, and I’ve learned that what you serve alongside it can make or break your appetizer game. Today I’m sharing my absolute favorite pairings that’ll have your guests scraping the bottom of the dip bowl.
Why Buffalo Chicken Dip Is a Party Essential
Before diving into the perfect pairings, let me just say that buffalo chicken dip is basically a chicken wing lover’s dream in dip form. It combines all those spicy, tangy buffalo wing flavors with a creamy, cheesy texture that’s impossible to resist.
What makes it so perfect for gatherings is that it’s:
- Super easy to prepare
- Can be made ahead of time
- Stays hot and bubbly in a slow cooker
- Feeds a crowd without the mess of actual wings
My go-to buffalo chicken dip uses rotisserie chicken (such a time-saver!), cream cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and blue cheese crumbles topped with green onions. The combo is truly magical!
Best Dippers for Buffalo Chicken Dip
When choosing what to serve with buffalo chicken dip, you want items that provide a good contrast in texture and can hold up to the thick, creamy consistency. Here are my top picks:
Crunchy Starches for Perfect Contrast
These options provide that satisfying crunch that pairs so wonderfully with the creamy dip
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Tortilla Chips A classic for good reason! Those sturdy scoops are perfect for big swipes of dip The sweet, toasted corn flavor complements the tangy buffalo dip beautifully Pro tip go for thicker, sturdier chips that won’t break mid-dip.
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Pita Chips: Their flat surface lets you get more dip in every bite. You can go with white or whole wheat pitas – the whole wheat ones add a nice nutty undertone. Bakery-style pita chips tend to be crunchier than store-bought.
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French Fries: Hot, crispy fries are AMAZING with buffalo chicken dip! Try shoestring, waffle, or curly fries for different textures. I like to bake mine until golden and serve while they’re still warm.
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Crackers: For a lighter option, sturdy crackers like pita crisps, flatbread, or bagel chips work great. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough not to crumble when scooping.
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Tater Tots: These crispy-outside, fluffy-inside potato bites are perfect for dipping and always disappear fast at parties.
Fresh Vegetables Add Color and Nutrition
Veggies not only provide a nutritious option but also add beautiful color to your spread:
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Celery Sticks: The classic wing sidekick! Cool, crisp celery has that perfect curve that cradles the dip. For extra flavor, top with chopped scallions.
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Carrot Sticks: Sweet carrot sticks provide a healthy way to enjoy the dip. Baby carrots offer bite-sized convenience, or cut regular carrots into sticks.
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Bell Peppers: The sweet, crisp bite of bell peppers pairs wonderfully with creamy dips. Mix red, yellow, and orange peppers for a festive look – these colors are also sweeter than green ones, providing better contrast to the dip’s heat.
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Broccoli: Those little florets are perfect for scooping dips. Try them raw for maximum crunch or lightly roasted for enhanced flavor.
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Cauliflower: Like broccoli, cauliflower florets make a great healthy dipper. Roasting them until browned adds a delicious caramelized flavor that works beautifully with the dip.
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Crispy Green Beans: Lightly battered and fried green beans offer a unique and slightly healthier crispy option that’s perfect for dipping.
Breads and Baked Goods Soak Up Every Last Bit
These options are perfect for soaking up all that creamy goodness:
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Dinner Rolls: Soft yet sturdy, yeasty dinner rolls are perfect for pulling apart and dipping. Brush them with garlic butter for extra flavor!
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Pizza Crust: Cut plain pizza dough into bite-size squares or strips and bake until crispy. Kids especially love these “pizza breadsticks” for dipping.
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Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are MADE for dunking. Their airy interior soaks up the dip’s creaminess beautifully. Try splitting them and making mini buffalo chicken sandwiches!
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Bagels: Sliced bagels make excellent dippers, with their holes perfectly shaped for holding buffalo chicken dip. Go for denser, chewier bagels over lighter versions that get soggy fast. Everything and sesame seed bagels pair especially well.
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Soft Pretzels: That perfect chew and slight saltiness goes wonderfully with buffalo chicken dip. Offer bite-size pretzel nuggets, sticks, and twists, or keep it classic with whole pretzels to pull apart.
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Garlic Bread: The aromatic flavor and combination of crispy and soft textures makes garlic bread an indulgent carrier for the dip.
Heartier Options to Make It a Meal
Want to turn your buffalo chicken dip into more of a meal? These protein-rich options elevate the experience:
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Chicken Wings: Yep, wings with wing dip! It sounds redundant but is actually amazing. Serve wings naked or tossed in the same hot sauce as the dip for flavor harmony. Don’t forget wet naps for inevitable messy fingers!
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Shrimp: Plump shrimp, whether fried or grilled, offers a lighter protein option alongside the heavy dip. Tail-on shrimp provides an easy handle for dunking.
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Meatballs: Bite-sized meatballs in flavorful sauces like BBQ or teriyaki are perfect finger-friendly dippers. Just make sure they’re small enough to manage when combined with dip.
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Coconut Shrimp: The sweet, tropical flavor and crispy coating provides an excellent contrast to the spicy, creamy dip. This is one of my favorite fancy pairings!
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Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Double down on buffalo flavor by serving wraps filled with buffalo chicken, lettuce, cheese, and ranch alongside your dip.
Creative Options for Adventurous Eaters
Want to really impress your guests? Try these more unexpected pairings:
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Korean Corn Dogs: These trendy treats with their sweet and savory profile are surprisingly fantastic with buffalo dip. The contrast between the sugary coating and spicy dip is amazing!
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Spring Rolls: Whether fresh or fried, spring rolls introduce a light, unique option that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dip.
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Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites with their earthy flavor complement the spicy buffalo chicken dip for a gourmet pairing.
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Blooming Onion: This impressive deep-fried appetizer with its “petals” is perfect for pulling apart and dunking in the dip.
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Fish Tacos: The light, flaky fish and crisp cabbage slaw offer a refreshing contrast to the rich dip. A squeeze of lime brightens everything up!
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Birria Quesadillas: These flavorful, juicy quesadillas might seem like an unexpected pairing, but trust me – the flavors work amazingly well together.
Making Your Buffalo Chicken Dip Next-Level
While we’re talking about what to serve with buffalo chicken dip, I should mention some tips for making the dip itself truly outstanding:
- Use rotisserie chicken for rich flavor and convenience
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened for smooth mixing
- Frank’s RedHot Original is the classic choice for authentic buffalo flavor
- Add plenty of blue cheese crumbles on top for that authentic wing experience
- Garnish with fresh green onions for color, flavor and a bit of crunch
Putting It All Together: Creating the Perfect Spread
When I host parties, I like to create a buffalo chicken dip station with a variety of dipping options. Here’s how I arrange it:
- Place the hot dip in the center in a pretty baking dish
- Arrange dippers in groups around the dip:
- Crunchy items (chips, crackers) on one side
- Vegetables with their own small ranch dip on another
- Breads and baked goods on another section
- Heartier protein options on a separate plate nearby
This creates an attractive display and lets guests easily choose their preferred dippers.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken dip is already amazing on its own, but the right dippers can take it from great to extraordinary. The key is providing a mix of textures and flavors that complement the creamy, spicy dip.
My personal favorites? I’m torn between crispy french fries and soft pretzel bites for pure indulgence, or celery and carrot sticks when I’m trying to be a bit healthier. The contrast between the cool, crisp veggies and the hot, spicy dip is just perfect!
What’s your favorite thing to eat with buffalo chicken dip? I’d love to hear your creative pairings in the comments!
FAQ About Buffalo Chicken Dip
What kind of hot sauce is best for buffalo chicken dip?
Frank’s RedHot Original is the classic choice for authentic buffalo flavor. It’s thick (not watery) and has the perfect heat level.
Can I make buffalo chicken dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. It also reheats beautifully.
How long does buffalo chicken dip stay good at a party?
If kept warm in a slow cooker, it can last the duration of your gathering (4-5 hours). Just stir occasionally to prevent it from drying out.
Is buffalo chicken dip gluten-free?
The dip itself typically is, but always check your hot sauce labels. Serve with gluten-free bread or veggies for a completely gluten-free option.
So there you have it – everything you need to know about what to eat with buffalo chicken dip! Now go forth and create the most amazing appetizer spread your friends have ever seen!
How healthy is Buffalo chicken dip?
Were going to keep it real with all of you, this dip isnt healthy. At all. While the dip is loaded with protein, its also loaded with a ton of fat from the cheese, cream cheese, and ranch. This is not the kind of food that you should eat on a daily basis, no matter how much you want to.
But you know what? Thats okay. Enjoying things in moderation is what life is all about. As long as you dont eat the dip for every meal, you can enjoy it from time to time at parties and special occasions.
What can be dipped in it?
You can dip just about anything you want into this dip! Its great with all kinds of dipping standards like:
- Pretzels
- Pita chips
- Potato chips
- Tortilla chips
- Vegetable sticks
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Crackers
In addition to dipping, you can actually use this dip as a delicious sandwich filling, too. Oh, yes. All you need is a soft bun thats toasted, and you have yourself a Buffalo chicken sandwich.