Buffalo chicken dip is a popular party appetizer that people love for its spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors But like any dairy and meat-based dish, it has a limited shelf life So how long does buffalo chicken dip last in the fridge after it’s been prepared? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the fridge life of this tasty snack and store it safely.
Overview of Buffalo Chicken Dip’s Fridge Life
In general, homemade buffalo chicken dip will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. The shelf life depends on several factors like ingredients used, storage temperature, and handling. Commercially prepared dips with preservatives may last 5 to 7 days past the printed expiration date.
Bacteria grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, so buffalo chicken dip needs to be kept at 40°F or below. Before eating it, use the “sniff test” to see if it smells bad. Discard dip that smells bad, changes color/texture, or grows mold.
Pro Tips to Maximize Fridge Life
Follow these tips to extend the shelf life of your buffalo chicken dip:
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Start with fresh ingredients: Old ingredients like cream cheese or chicken shorten fridge life.
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Cool quickly: Transfer dip to shallow container to cool rapidly before refrigerating.
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Use airtight containers: Prevents contamination & moisture loss. Glass containers work best.
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Monitor fridge temperature: Ensure it’s at 40°F or below.
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Label and date container: Track freshness and use older dip first.
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Avoid “double-dipping”: Introduces bacteria. Use separate utensils for serving.
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Divide into portions: Smaller portions chill faster in fridge. Easy to thaw just what you need later.
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Freeze for longer storage: Keeps for 2-3 months in airtight container. Thaw overnight in fridge before using.
How to Tell If Buffalo Chicken Dip Has Gone Bad
Always inspect buffalo chicken dip and discard if you see any of these signs of spoilage:
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Change in color: Unusual darkening or grayish tint indicates spoilage.
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Weird texture: Increased sliminess or watery consistency is a red flag.
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Mold: Presence of fuzz or spots, regardless of color, means throw it out.
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Sour smell: Bad odors like sourness or rottenness screams toss it.
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Gas bubbles: Bulging container points to bacterial gasses – do not eat!
Trust your senses. When in doubt, throw it out! Consuming spoiled dip can cause food poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
You might be wondering how long buffalo chicken dip stays good. Here are some answers to that question:
How long does buffalo chicken dip last past printed expiration date?
Commercially prepared dips last 5-7 days past printed date if refrigerated and unopened. Once opened, use within 4 days.
Can you freeze and thaw buffalo chicken dip?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Stir well before serving as texture may be uneven.
Is it safe to eat buffalo chicken dip left out overnight?
No. Discard dip left out over 2 hours at room temperature. Bacteria multiply quickly between 40°F and 140°F.
Does using canned chicken change the fridge life?
Not significantly. Handle canned chicken like freshly cooked chicken once opened. Use freshly cooked chicken if possible.
Can I reheat leftover buffalo chicken dip?
Yes, reheat thoroughly to 165°F. Texture and taste may change slightly. Discard if reheated dip smells or looks bad.
What if my dip separates in the fridge?
Separation happens due to ingredients and cooling method. Stir well before serving. Prevent it by using high-quality ingredients and proper cooling techniques.
How do I use up leftover buffalo chicken dip?
Use it as sandwich spread, quesadilla filling, pasta sauce, or stuff it into baked potatoes. Gets dried out when reheated repeatedly, so use in ways that don’t require reheating.
The Takeaway
With proper refrigeration and handling, homemade buffalo chicken dip keeps well for 3-4 days. Follow the storage guidelines in this article to maximize shelf life. If you see any signs of spoilage, err on the side of caution and discard the dip. When enjoying this tasty snack, remember – good food safety practices go hand-in-hand with good eating!
Step 3: Bake the Buffalo chicken dip
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Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted, 20 to 25 minutes.
Serve the dip with baguette slices, celery ribs or tortilla chips.
If you want the top to be gooey and not brown much, cover the dish with foil while it’s baking.
- Make it in a slow cooker. Dips made in a slow cooker are great party snacks. They’re easy to take with you, and the slow cooker can keep the dip warm at the party. Stack the ingredients in a 3-quart slow cooker to make Buffalo chicken dip. Turn the heat down to low and cover it. Let it cook for two to three hours, or until the dip is hot.
- If you don’t want to make layers, you can still enjoy this dip. It tastes great both ways. In a bowl, mix the chicken, wing sauce, cream cheese, and salad dressing. Then, transfer the dip to the baking dish. Sprinkle the cheese on top, and bake as directed.
- Change how spicy it is. If your guests like it hot, add more wing sauce. You can also lessen the sauce to make it less spicy.
- After adding bacon, the only thing better than Buffalo chicken dip is bacon Buffalo chicken dip! Cooked, chopped bacon makes this creamy dip taste salty, smoky, and savory.
- Change the cheese: You can use any cheese you like instead of this one. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack will all work well. If you like blue cheese recipes, blue cheese crumbles are a great choice.
Can you make Buffalo chicken dip ahead of time?
Stack the ingredients in the baking dish up to one day ahead of time to make Buffalo chicken dip. Cover the dish, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dish sit on the counter while the oven preheats. Bake as directed.