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The only thing better than a good recipe? When something’s so easy to make that you don’t even need one. We’re glad you’re here. This is the “It’s That Simple” column, where we show you how to make the simplest foods and drinks. This time, Buffalo chicken dip.
The first time I tasted Buffalo chicken dip was in upstate New York. It was over winter break, and a few of us were staying at a friend’s place, completely unaware that we’d be snowed in two days later. One night, my friend Michael’s sister, Debbie, put down a square glass dish of suspiciously, delicious orange goo. “Buffalo chicken dip,” she casually announced, like she didn’t just recenter my world.
I just recently learned about the sexual pleasure of 25-cent Buffalo wings at school, so I promptly went crazy. Wings? But…but actually a dip? What was this magic and how could I have a constant supply forevermore?.
Debbie showed me how to make Buffalo chicken dip, and ever since then, I’ve made my version of it for every big party. It’s still the most popular appetizer by far—always gone first, with loud requests for seconds. That’s what I use, and at the end there’s a full Buffalo chicken dip recipe if that’s more your speed.
She’s beauty, she’s convenience, she’s Miss Rotisserie Chicken—and she’s the best contender for this dip. Remove the skin (too chewy) and bones, then pull the chicken in large ropey shreds for maximum texture. Leftover grilled or poached chicken breasts and thighs, minimally seasoned, also work. Debbie used canned chicken in her dip, proving that it’s a worthwhile option too. In a rare instance, I’d warn against all dark meat—the slippery oiliness is too cloying combined with all the cheese; go for all light or a mix of light and dark. A pound of shredded meat is good for up to six people.
Buffalo anything requires hot sauce, and lots of it. (After all, classic Buffalo wing sauce is little more than hot sauce and melted butter.) Frank’s RedHot is good, Crystal is arguably better. Set the fancy stuff down—it would get lost in the shuffle, and you want the brash acidity and fruity heat of the classics. Start with ¼ cup if your crowd is heat-averse or go all the way up to 1 cup for a definitive bite.
A half pound of cream cheese provides a neutral background, anchoring the rest of the dip with its quiet opulence and silky heft. A lot of easy Buffalo chicken dip recipes call for bottled ranch dressing, but an 8-oz. container of sour cream spiked with a teaspoon each of garlic and onion powders is just as easy while offering more control over the final taste. Finely grated lemon zest is my unexpected but favorite addition—it adds a sparkle of vital freshness.
Many Buffalo chicken dip recipes lean hard on mozzarella, which is wonderfully gooey, but mild. Let’s up the ante. Shards of blue cheese add a piquant edge to the dip. Use anywhere between 2–4 oz. of a mild, creamy blue like Gorgonzola or Point Reyes Bay Blue, and keep it in large chunks so it doesn’t muddy the flavor of the dip. (On that note, avoid blue cheese dressing, which varies vastly by brand, and blue cheese crumbles, which can be chalky in texture.) Then a cup or two of shredded cheese keeps things ooey-gooey without being overwhelming: Mild cheddar cheese melts nicely, but sharp is my go-to for its nutty-tangy vibe. (Skip the ultra sharp cheddar cheese, which breaks into oily pools under the heat.)
A little garnish goes a long way. The green oniony sharpness from a final flourish of scallions (or chives, should you have some) cuts through the cheese nicely. And in a move directly copped from Ottolenghi’s book, Extra Good Things, I’ve taken to strewing thinly sliced celery, soaked in lemon juice, on top of my chicken dip for an additional pop of tartness.
Buffalo chicken dip is having a moment. This spicy, creamy appetizer has a cult-like following, and for good reason. Shredded chicken, hot sauce, and melted cheese make this the perfect party food, but there are so many versions out there, where can you find the best buffalo chicken dip? I went on a cheesy quest to find out which restaurants serve the tastiest version of this classic snack.
A Brief History of Buffalo Chicken Dip
While the origins are murky, buffalo chicken dip is believed to have emerged sometime in the 1990s. It started gaining widespread popularity in the early 2000s as a staple on sports bar menus and potluck tables. The dish brings together the spicy, vinegar-based heat of traditional buffalo chicken wings with the creamy comfort of spinach artichoke dip. It’s a marriage made in appetizer heaven.
These days, buffalo chicken dip can be found on the menus of chain restaurants, tap rooms, and home kitchens. But not all dips are created equal. I set out to find the restaurants that make this very popular snack the best. Along the way, I looked at important factors such as overall enjoyment, spice level, flavor balance, and creaminess. Get your chips ready, because this is where you can find the best buffalo chicken dip.
Buffalo Wild Wings – The OG Buff Dip Experience
Buffalo Wild Wings was the first place I ever had buffalo chicken, so it makes sense that they were my top choice for the best buffalo chicken dip. It has the right amount of heat, tang, and creaminess in their version. In Buffalo Wild Wings’ famous spicy sauce, shreds of chicken are mixed with cool, creamy cheese, sour cream, and blue cheese. The hot and sour sauce, the rich, creamy cheese, and the sharp bite of blue cheese all work together to make a dip with lots of different flavors.
With locations across the country, Buffalo Wild Wings provides convenient access to an authentic buff dip experience. You can customize your spice level too, with options ranging from “Desert Heat” to “Blazin.” While the dip is a menu staple, I suggest visiting during happy hour when it’s offered at a discount – because once you start dipping, it’s hard to stop.
Barret’s Grillhouse – Elevated & Delicious
For a gourmet twist on classic buff dip, head to Barret’s Grillhouse This contemporary tavern serves an elevated version made with grilled chicken, gorgonzola, cream cheese, cheddar, hot sauce, and bleu cheese crumbles The higher-quality ingredients provide next-level flavor. The grilled chicken brings smoky undertones, the gorgonzola adds tang, and the cheddar provides a creamy base. Meanwhile, the bleu cheese crumbles on top give little pockets of salty sharpness in each bite.
Warm tortilla chips made in-house are served with the dip. The chips don’t get soggy and stay crispy. Even though Barret’s has a few locations, you should go out of your way to try this dip. It provides a sophisticated take on a typically casual appetizer. Just be prepared to order multiple rounds!.
Applebee’s – A Neighborhood Favorite
Some Applebee’s restaurants allow you to customize your spice level too. Opt for “mild” if you’re spice-sensitive or go for “extra hot” to really bring the heat. While it may not be gourmet, this reliable rendition is perfect for kicking off a casual dinner with friends. As an added bonus, Applebee’s often discounts the dip during happy hour.
Chili’s – Spicy Southwestern-Style
I recommend requesting it “extra spicy” to really amplify the heat from the jalapeños. The cool and creamy cheese base balances the spice nicely. This version makes a great sharable starter if you’re dining at Chili’s for burgers or fajitas. It’s an affordable app too at just $6.79.
Red Robin – Bottomless Dipping
While the dip itself is decent, the best part is the bottomless refills. Just when you think you’ve reached the bottom of the skillet, your server will offer to bring more. Take advantage of this unlimited deal to get your fill of cheesy, spicy goodness alongside your gourmet burger. Pro tip: save room for endless fries too!
Insights From My Cheesy Quest
Beyond Restaurants: Delicious Homemade Options
Can’t find what you’re craving on a restaurant menu? Whip up buffalo chicken dip at home! I suggest using Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce for that classic fiery flavor. Shredded rotisserie chicken and a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and pepper jack or bleu cheese will recreate that addictive restaurant-style experience.
For a lighter alternative, swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt. You can also play with add-ins like chopped bacon or scallions. Baked in a casserole dish or slow cooker, homemade buffalo chicken dip is easy to transport for parties and picnics too. Don’t be surprised if you start getting requests to bring your signature version to every gathering!
Final Takeaways on the Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
This cheese-coated journey showed me that exceptional buffalo chicken dip is within reach at restaurants nationwide. For an authentic and balanced classic version, Buffalo Wild Wings came out on top. However, chains like Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Red Robin also offer tasty renditions with convenient locations. Or level up the flavors at Barrett’s Grillhouse for a gourmet small plates-style presentation.
Serve it hot or cold.
Come game day, a Super Bowl party, or, you know, just Thursday night: Build your dip in a skillet and broil it until bubbling, or simply stir everything together in a large bowl if you’d like to keep it cold. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. You can then serve it cold or put it in a baking dish and heat it up.
Can you make this in a Crockpot or slow cooker? Technically, yes. But it won’t save you any prep time, and it’ll rob you of the opportunity to broil the dip at the end, which, to me, is what sends it over the top. Stovetop is best here.
To serve, a sidecar of veggies (like celery sticks and carrot sticks), crackers, and sturdy potato or tortilla chips makes it party ready. Or just pair it with a crusty baguette and call it dinner.
Honey Buffalo Chicken Dip goes HARD
FAQ
Does Hooters have buffalo chicken dip?
BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP. WHO’S GOT TENDER, SHREDDED CHICKEN, SPICY BUFFALO SAUCE AND CREAMY MELTED CHEESE? THIS GUY! WE TOP THE WHOLE THING WITH YOUR CHOICE OF RANCH OR BLEU CHEESE.
Does Sonic have buffalo chicken?
@sonicdrivein says that these bites are made with “juicy chicken, buffalo sauce, and melty cheddar cheese blended together and then stuffed and fried in a crispy, golden-brown wrapper.” They are now back in stock and come in a new 20-piece Party Pack, perfect for game day! “.
Does BWW have buffalo chicken dip?
Product Details. Enjoy a kick of heat at home with our Buffalo Wild Wings Creamy Buffalo Dip. Made with cayenne red pepper, garlic and cream, our Creamy Buffalo Dip satisfies any tailgate party or dinner table.
How much are the buffalo chicken dip bites at Sonic?
| Size | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Small (3 pcs) | $2.99 | 170 |
| Med (5 pcs) | $4.29 | 280 |
| Large (7 pcs) | $5.79 | 390 |