Cheesy Hot Wing Dip is the ultimate creamy, spicy, and cheesy appetizer, packed with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken and gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect dip for game days, parties, or any time you’re craving a little heat!
I first made this for a football night, and it was an instant hit. The combination of tender shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and rich cream cheese made it impossible to stop dipping. Served with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers, it disappeared in minutes!
What’s great about Cheesy Hot Wing Dip is how easy it is to customize. Add ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra flavor, mix in jalapeños for more heat, or bake it until bubbly and golden brown. No matter how you serve it, this dip is always a crowd favorite!
Perfect for:
- Game day parties
- Potlucks and gatherings
- Family movie nights
- Tailgating events
- Cheese and spice lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Cheesy Hot Wing Dip will become your new favorite party snack:
- Bold and Spicy Flavor: The perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy buffalo kick.
- Quick and Easy: Requires just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at parties, potlucks, and tailgates.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pairs well with chips, crackers, veggies, or even toasted bread.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything bakes in one dish, making cleanup easy.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: A blend of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and dressing creates a smooth, velvety dip.
- Protein-Packed: Loaded with shredded chicken for a hearty and satisfying snack.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: Prepare in advance and bake when ready to serve.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as delicious reheated the next day.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings and Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Extra buffalo sauce drizzle
- Fresh parsley
Ingredient Highlights
- Buffalo Sauce: Adds the signature heat and tangy flavor to the dip.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and creamy base for the dip.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Balances the spice with cool, tangy flavors.
- Cheddar and Mozzarella: Create a melty, gooey texture with a sharp cheesy taste.
- Shredded Chicken: Adds heartiness and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dip Base:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese until well combined.
Bake the Dip:
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
- Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or extra buffalo sauce for added flavor.
- Serve Hot: Pair with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or toasted baguette slices.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Cheesy Hot Wing Dip:
- With Tortilla Chips: A classic pairing for a satisfying crunch.
- Alongside Fresh Veggies: Celery, carrots, and bell peppers balance the richness.
- With Pita Chips or Crackers: Perfect for dipping and scooping up all the cheesy goodness.
- On Toasted Bread Slices: Serve as an appetizer bruschetta-style.
- As a Baked Potato Topper: Spoon over baked potatoes for an indulgent twist.
- With Soft Pretzels: A fun, salty pairing that enhances the dip’s flavor.
- Stuffed in Mini Peppers: Great for a low-carb serving option.
- Over Nachos: Use it as a cheesy, spicy topping for loaded nachos.
- With Garlic Breadsticks: Dip warm breadsticks for an extra indulgent bite.
- As a Sandwich Spread: Smear on a sandwich roll with lettuce for a hot wing-inspired sandwich.
Additional Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken for a richer flavor and softer texture.
- Adjust the Heat – Customize spice levels by adding more or less hot sauce or mixing in diced jalapeños for extra kick.
- Layer the Cheese – For ultimate cheesiness, mix some cheese into the dip and sprinkle extra on top before baking.
- Make it Creamier – Blend in a little ranch or blue cheese dressing for a smoother, tangier taste.
- Try Different Cheeses – Experiment with pepper jack, gouda, or smoked cheddar for a unique twist.
- Slow Cooker Option – Keep it warm for parties by preparing it in a slow cooker on low heat.
- Crispy Topping – Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for added crunch.
- Serve with Variety – Offer celery sticks, carrot sticks, pretzels, or pita chips alongside the usual tortilla chips.
- Make It Ahead – Assemble the dip in advance and refrigerate; just bake before serving to save prep time.
- Garnish for Freshness – Top with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or crumbled blue cheese for a pop of color and flavor.
Recipe Variations
- BBQ Chicken Dip: Swap buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.
- Jalapeño Popper Dip: Add diced jalapeños for extra heat and flavor.
- Buffalo Cauliflower Dip: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy Taco Dip: Add taco seasoning and serve with tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex take.
- Extra Creamy Version: Mix in sour cream for an even richer texture.
- Buffalo Shrimp Dip: Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist.
- Low-Fat Option: Use reduced-fat cheese and light dressing to cut calories.
- Buffalo Mac & Cheese Dip: Stir in cooked macaroni for a cheesy pasta dip.
- Ranch-Free Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of ranch for a tangy, creamy base.
Special Equipment
- Mixing Bowls – For combining ingredients smoothly.
- Hand Mixer or Whisk – To blend cream cheese and sauces evenly.
- Oven-Safe Baking Dish – Essential for baking and serving the dip.
- Rubber Spatula – Helps scrape every bit of cheesy goodness.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
- Microplane or Box Grater – For freshly grating cheese.
- Tongs – Handy for tossing shredded chicken in hot sauce.
- Aluminum Foil or Lid – Covers the dip to prevent over-browning.
- Cooling Rack – Helps the dip settle before serving.
- Serving Platter & Chips Basket – Perfect for presentation with dippers.
FAQ Section
- Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dip a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. - What type of cheese works best?
A combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella creates the best gooey, cheesy texture. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or blue cheese for extra flavor! - Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh cooked chicken?Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just shred it and mix it into the dip.
- Is there a way to make it less spicy?
Yes! Reduce the amount of hot sauce, use a milder buffalo sauce, or add extra cream cheese to balance the heat. - Can I cook this dip in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Combine all ingredients and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally until hot and melted. - What are the best dippers for this dip?
Tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, crackers, and toasted baguette slices all work well. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm. - Can I freeze this dip?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. - What can I add to make it even more flavorful?
Try adding crumbled beef bacon, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for an extra punch of flavor. - Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will give the dip a slightly tangy taste while keeping it creamy.
Conclusion
Cheesy Hot Wing Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, combining the bold flavors of spicy buffalo chicken with creamy, melty cheese in every bite. Perfect for game days, parties, or any gathering, this dip is rich, tangy, and loaded with flavor.
Serve it warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or toasted bread for the perfect dipping experience. Whether baked until bubbly or prepared in a slow cooker, this cheesy, spicy dip will disappear fast!
I can’t wait to see how your Cheesy Hot Wing Dip turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!