Are you planning to make some delicious buffalo chicken dip for your next game day party or family gathering? One of the most common questions people have is what temperature should you bake buffalo chicken dip at?
I’ve made this crowd-pleasing appetizer dozens of times, and I’m gonna share everything you need to know about perfecting your buffalo chicken dip, from the ideal temperature settings to cooking times and helpful tips.
The Most Common Buffalo Chicken Dip Baking Temperatures
After checking multiple recipes and testing this myself many times, here are the most common temperature options for baking buffalo chicken dip
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350°F – This is the most widely used temperature for buffalo chicken dip. Most recipes, including the popular Taste of Home version, recommend this heat setting. At this temperature, your dip will bake evenly in about 20-30 minutes.
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375°F – If you’re in a bit more of a hurry, this slightly higher temperature works well too. Your dip will cook faster (around 20-25 minutes) while still achieving that perfect melty, bubbly texture.
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400°F – Some recipes suggest this higher temperature to cut down cooking time to 15-20 minutes. But be careful! At this temp, you’ll need to watch your dip closely to prevent burning or drying out.
How Long Should You Bake Buffalo Chicken Dip?
The baking time depends on your chosen temperature and the size/depth of your baking dish. Here’s a handy guide:
| Temperature | Approximate Baking Time |
|---|---|
| 350°F | 25-30 minutes |
| 375°F | 20-25 minutes |
| 400°F | 15-20 minutes |
Your dip is done when it’s heated through completely, the cheese is fully melted, and the edges are bubbling. I always look for that bubbly edge – it’s the perfect indicator that your dip is ready to serve!
My Favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Before we dive into more tips, lemme share my go-to buffalo chicken dip recipe that never fails to impress:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is popular)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese if you prefer)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby-Monterey Jack, or a mix)
- Optional: green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F
- Spread the softened cream cheese in an ungreased 1-quart baking dish
- Layer the chicken, wing sauce, and dressing on top
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving
- Garnish with sliced green onions if desired
Key Tips for Baking Success
After making this dip countless times (and occasionally messing it up), here are my top tips for the perfect buffalo chicken dip:
1. Choose the Right Baking Dish
Use a shallow, oven-safe dish that allows the dip to spread out. Ceramic, glass, and metal all work well. The wider and shallower the dish, the more evenly your dip will heat.
2. Preheat Your Oven Completely
Don’t rush this step! A fully preheated oven ensures even cooking and helps avoid that dreaded “cold center, burnt edges” situation.
3. Properly Prep Your Chicken
The chicken should be fully cooked and shredded or chopped into small, bite-sized pieces. I usually grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store to save time, but canned chicken works too (just drain it well!).
4. Mind Your Cheese
Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded packaged cheese. If you’re using pre-shredded, you might need to bake it a bit longer to get that perfect melt.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Dish
If you’re doubling the recipe for a larger group, use two baking dishes instead of cramming everything into one. This helps ensure even cooking throughout.
6. Use Foil if Needed
If you notice the top browning too quickly before the center is hot, loosely tent some foil over the dip to prevent burning.
7. Let It Rest Before Serving
Give your dip about 5-10 minutes to rest after baking. This allows the heat to distribute evenly and the dip to set up slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Don’t have oven access? No problem! There are other ways to make buffalo chicken dip:
Slow Cooker Method
- Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker
- Cook on Low for 2-3 hours or High for 1-2 hours
- Stir occasionally to distribute the cheese
- Switch to the “Warm” setting for serving
Note: While convenient, slow cooker dip won’t get that nice browned top that oven-baked dip has.
Microwave Method (For Quick Fixes Only)
- Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl
- Cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes
- Stir well
- Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until hot and melty
This method works in a pinch but doesn’t develop the same flavors as oven-baked.
Food Safety Tips for Buffalo Chicken Dip
Since we’re dealing with chicken and dairy products, food safety is super important:
- Always use pre-cooked chicken. The dip doesn’t reach temperatures high enough or cook long enough to safely cook raw chicken.
- Don’t leave the dip sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving again.
- When in doubt, throw it out! If the dip smells off or develops mold, don’t risk it.
Common Substitutions and Variations
One of the things I love about buffalo chicken dip is how versatile it is! Here are some ways to customize it:
Cheese Options
- Try different cheese combos like mozzarella, pepper jack, or blue cheese crumbles
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese
Dressing Choices
- Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing (or vice versa)
- Make it healthier with Greek yogurt instead of dressing
Spice Level Adjustments
- Increase or decrease the hot sauce to suit your taste
- Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for extra heat
- Use a milder hot sauce for those who can’t handle the spice
Chicken Alternatives
- Try using shredded rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or leftover grilled chicken
- Turkey works as a substitute too!
Add-ins
- Mix in some crumbled bacon for extra flavor
- Add diced celery for crunch
- Mix in chopped green onions or fresh herbs
What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip needs the right dippers! Here are some popular options:
- Tortilla chips – sturdy enough to hold the dip
- Celery sticks – the classic wing accompaniment
- Carrot sticks – adds sweetness and crunch
- Bell pepper slices – colorful and healthy
- Baguette slices – for a more substantial dipper
- Crackers – buttery or plain, both work well
- Pita chips – extra sturdy for heavy dipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make buffalo chicken dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it up to 2 days before, keep it refrigerated, and bake it when ready to serve. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking if coming straight from the fridge.
How do I know when my buffalo chicken dip is done?
The dip is done when it’s hot throughout, the cheese is completely melted, and the edges are bubbling. If you’re unsure, use a food thermometer – it should reach at least 165°F in the center.
Can I freeze buffalo chicken dip?
While technically possible, I don’t recommend freezing buffalo chicken dip. The dairy components tend to separate and get grainy after freezing and thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
What’s the ideal serving temperature?
Serve buffalo chicken dip hot! Ideally between 160-175°F. It should be bubbly but not so hot that it burns your mouth.
My dip seems too runny/thick. How can I fix it?
- For runny dip: Add more cream cheese or shredded cheese to thicken it up
- For thick dip: Add a bit more hot sauce or a splash of milk to thin it out
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken dip is one of those magical appetizers that disappears fast at any gathering. The secret to perfect buffalo chicken dip is baking it at the right temperature – 350°F is the sweet spot for most recipes, but 375°F works great if you’re in a hurry.
Remember to let your dip get nice and bubbly before serving, and don’t forget to have plenty of dippers on hand! With these tips and temperature guidelines, you’ll be the hit of your next party with your perfectly baked buffalo chicken dip.
Now I’m hungry and might just have to whip up a batch myself! What temperature do you usually bake your buffalo chicken dip at? I’d love to hear about your favorite variations in the comments!
HOW TO MAKE BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP
This dip is so simple to make, you’ll find yourself making it for everything from your annual Super Bowl party to a casual weekend movie night!
All of the ingredients for this dip are easy to find, and may even be things you already have on hand in your fridge and pantry:
- 1 cup hot sauce, such as Sweet Baby Ray’s or Frank’s RedHot
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ cup shredded cheese of choice – cheddar, monterey jack, pepperjack, etc.
If you want, you can use homemade ranch dressing in this recipe, but the bottled stuff will do just fine.
To make this baked Buffalo Chicken Dip, grab a saucepan and whisk together the butter and hot sauce over medium heat until the butter is melted.
Did you know that you just made buffalo sauce? Yep, buffalo sauce is just a combo of hot sauce and butter.
Some buffalo sauce recipes will add other ingredients, such as vinegar or spices. But at its simplest, it’s just hot sauce and butter. (The butter is why it tastes so good!)
Next, whisk in the seasonings and cream cheese, adding in the ranch dressing once the cream cheese is melted.
Give it a taste – now is a good time to add salt and pepper to taste and adjust the heat level if necessary.
Stir in the chicken and spread the dip into a 2-quart baking dish. Top with the shredded cheese of your choice; I like to use cheddar, but you could use monterey jack or pepper jack if you prefer.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. If you like, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until the top is nice and browned.
Garnish with a little sliced green onions or cilantro and you’re ready to serve!
BAKED BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP
Have you ever had Buffalo Chicken Dip?
I feel like it’s a game-day must-have here in the Midwest. We love a good dip around here (like Jalapeño Popper Dip or French Onion Dip), and there’s something about the contrast of a creamy dip with the spicy hot sauce that is always a hit.
I’ve had a few different versions of this snack, including slow cooker versions. This particular version is prepped quickly on the stove and then finished in the oven, which means you can get the top as browned and crispy as you like!
