Buffalo chicken dip has become a staple at parties and gatherings but it’s also fantastic as part of a casual dinner spread. This creamy, spicy concoction combines the flavors of buffalo wings with the convenience of a dippable appetizer. But what should you serve alongside it to create a complete, satisfying meal? I’ve gathered the best pairing options to elevate your buffalo chicken dip from a mere appetizer to the star of dinner.
Classic Dippers: The Foundation of Any Buffalo Chicken Dip Meal
The most traditional way to enjoy buffalo chicken dip is with various dippers that provide texture contrast to the creamy dip These can form the base of your meal
- Tortilla chips – The sturdiness of tortilla chips makes them perfect for scooping up thick buffalo chicken dip. Their corn flavor and saltiness complement the spicy, tangy dip.
- Pita chips – These flat, crispy chips offer a neutral base that lets the buffalo flavor shine through.
- Pretzels – Both soft pretzels and crunchy pretzel sticks provide a satisfying salty counterpoint.
- Crackers – Hearty whole grain crackers hold up well to the thickness of the dip without breaking.
- French fries – Hot, crispy fries make an indulgent dipper option that turns the meal into comfort food heaven.
Fresh Vegetable Options: Adding Nutrition and Crunch
To balance the richness of buffalo chicken dip, fresh vegetables are essential. They add nutritional value, color, and a refreshing crunch:
- Celery sticks – The classic buffalo wing accompaniment, celery’s mild flavor and crunch make it perfect for buffalo dip too.
- Carrot sticks – Sweet carrots contrast with the spicy dip while providing satisfying crunch.
- Bell peppers – Sliced bell peppers offer sweetness and a vibrant pop of color to your spread.
- Broccoli florets – These little trees make excellent dippers with their sturdy stems and textured heads.
- Cauliflower – Similar to broccoli, cauliflower provides a neutral flavor that lets the buffalo dip shine.
- Cucumber slices – For a cooling effect that tempers the heat of the dip.
Breads and Grains: Hearty Additions
To make buffalo chicken dip into a proper dinner, adding some substantial bread or grain options rounds out the meal:
- Dinner rolls – Warm, soft rolls are perfect for pulling apart and dipping.
- Garlic bread – The garlicky, buttery flavors complement the spicy dip wonderfully.
- Biscuits – Flaky, buttery biscuits make excellent vehicles for scooping up the creamy dip.
- Pizza crust – Cut into strips, pizza dough creates breadstick-like dippers.
- Rice – Serving buffalo chicken dip over white or brown rice creates a complete meal.
- Quinoa – For a healthier grain option that adds protein and nutrients.
- Pasta salad – A chilled pasta salad works well alongside the hot dip.
- Mac and cheese – For an indulgent carb pairing that complements the creamy dip.
Salads: Fresh Counterpoints
A fresh salad helps balance the richness of buffalo chicken dip and makes the meal feel complete:
- Garden salad – Mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers with buttermilk ranch dressing keeps with the buffalo wing theme.
- Caesar salad – The garlicky, creamy dressing pairs nicely with buffalo flavors.
- Greek salad – Feta cheese, olives, and pepperoncini provide Mediterranean flair.
- Coleslaw – The cool, crunchy cabbage lightens up the meal.
Protein Additions: Creating a Complete Meal
While buffalo chicken dip already contains chicken, adding other proteins can create a more substantial dinner:
- Grilled chicken – For chicken lovers who want a proper main course alongside their dip.
- Fish – Grilled salmon or white fish provides a different protein source.
- Steak – Sliced sirloin or flank steak brings hearty flavors.
- Shrimp – Quick-cooking shrimp sautéed with spices makes an easy protein addition.
- Tofu – Marinated and baked tofu offers a vegetarian protein option.
Complete Dinner Ideas with Buffalo Chicken Dip
Here are some complete dinner menu ideas featuring buffalo chicken dip:
- Game Night Spread: Buffalo chicken dip with tortilla chips, celery and carrot sticks, caesar salad, and garlic bread
- Comfort Food Dinner: Buffalo chicken dip with french fries, mac and cheese, and roasted broccoli
- Healthy-ish Option: Buffalo chicken dip with vegetable sticks, quinoa, grilled chicken breast, and garden salad
- Mediterranean Fusion: Buffalo chicken dip with pita chips, greek salad, and grilled fish
- Family-Friendly Feast: Buffalo chicken dip with various chips and crackers, pasta salad, dinner rolls, and a fruit platter
Repurposing Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip
Got leftover dip? Here are some creative ways to use it:
- Stuffed peppers – Use the dip as filling for bell peppers
- Sandwich spread – Spread on toast with fresh veggies for a tasty lunch
- Topping for baked potatoes – Turn a simple potato into a meal
- Mix with pasta – Toss with hot pasta for a quick dinner
- Filling for spaghetti squash – A lower-carb option that’s delicious
Tips for Serving Buffalo Chicken Dip for Dinner
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Keep it warm – Buffalo chicken dip is best served hot and bubbly. Consider using a small slow cooker or warming dish if serving over a longer period.
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Offer variety – Provide several different dipping options to keep things interesting.
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Balance the heat – If your dip is particularly spicy, make sure to include cooling elements like ranch dressing or sour cream.
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Create stations – Set up different areas with the dip, dippers, and sides to make serving easier.
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Consider dietary needs – Include gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian options when appropriate.
FAQs About Serving Buffalo Chicken Dip for Dinner
Can buffalo chicken dip be the main course?
Absolutely! With the right sides and accompaniments, buffalo chicken dip can be the star of dinner. Just make sure to include enough substantial sides to make it filling.
What vegetables taste best with buffalo chicken dip?
Celery and carrots are classics, but bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumber also work well. The cool crunch of fresh veggies balances the creamy, spicy dip.
What’s the best bread to serve with buffalo chicken dip?
Crusty artisan breads, soft dinner rolls, toasted baguettes, and pita bread all stand up well to the thick dip. Warm or toast them for maximum deliciousness.
Can I pair buffalo chicken dip with other spicy foods?
Yes! The spice in buffalo chicken dip means it can hold its own alongside other spicy menu items like jalapeño poppers or spicy wings.
What dessert goes well after buffalo chicken dip?
After a spicy meal, cool and creamy desserts like ice cream, panna cotta, or fruit sorbet provide a soothing finish. A cheese and fruit plate also makes a nice dessert option.
Buffalo chicken dip is truly one of the most versatile appetizers that can easily transform into a satisfying dinner with the right accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want an easy, crowd-pleasing meal, buffalo chicken dip with a selection of sides is sure to be a hit. The key is creating balance – offsetting the rich, spicy dip with fresh vegetables, hearty grains, and complementary proteins.
So next time you’re wondering what to serve for dinner, consider making buffalo chicken dip the star of your meal. With these pairing ideas, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying spread that everyone will love diving into!
How To Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is so easy to make! All you need is chicken, cream cheese, your favorite hot sauce, and few other simple ingredients that are easily found in your local grocery store.
My favorite way to make Buffalo chicken dip is in the Instant Pot. Heres how you do it!
- Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts and ½ cup of chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
- Cover the Instant Pot and set to “High” pressure for 20 minutes (30 minutes if your chicken is frozen).
- After the cooking is completed, release the pressure.
- Take the chicken out of the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken into small pieces.
- Discard the liquid left in the Instant Pot.
- Place the Instant Pot insert back in the Instant Pot.
- Turn the Instant Pot on “Sauté”.
- Add the cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce to the Instant Pot. Stir until melted.
- Add the chicken and sharp cheddar cheese back into the Instant Pot and stir until completely combined.
- Optional step- Transfer the dip to an oven safe baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese and blue cheese crumbles. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve!
Let’s Make Buffalo Chicken!
Even though we all love buffalo chicken wings, and that creamy buffalo chicken dip, you can make shredded chicken with buffalo sauce easily in the Instant Pot. Its a great recipe for easy dinners during the week. Serve this buffalo chicken over a big bulky roll topped with sour cream and chopped green onions. You can also use this buffalo chicken to make a delicious buffalo chicken pizza, a perfect Friday evening dinner!
- Set the Instant Pot to “saute”.
- Add the butter to the Instant Pot and allow it to melt. Once the butter is melted, hit cancel on “saute” mode and place chicken breasts in the bottom of the pot. Top the chicken with the hot sauce.
- Set the Instant Pot to “saute”. Add the butter to the Instant Pot and allow it to melt. Once the butter is melted, hit cancel on “saute” mode and place chicken breasts in the bottom of the pot. Top the chicken with the hot sauce.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the cooking time to 22 minutes on high pressure. Make sure the knob is set to the sealing position on the lid of the Instant Pot.
- After the cooking is complete, carefully quick release the remaining pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot and shred the chicken to your liking. Place the shredded chicken back in the sauce and serve immediately.
The good thing about buffalo chicken dip is that you can use canned chicken, leftover rotisserie chicken, or chicken breasts. If you make some meal prep, you can use some leftover chicken breast and mix it in with the rest of the dip ingredients.
If you want to be healthy, of course you can dip carrot sticks and celery sticks in the dip. My favorite things to dip are tortilla chips or homemade crackers.
Yes! You can make this in the slow cooker or crock pot. Add the cream cheese, canned chicken, spicy hot sauce, and ranch dressing into the slow cooker. Set the crock pot to 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
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