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When something is so simple to make that you don’t even need a recipe, that’s the best. Welcome to It’s That Simple, a column where we talk you through the process of making the dishes and drinks we can make with our eyes closed. This time, Buffalo chicken dip.
The first time I tasted Buffalo chicken dip was in upstate New York. Some of us were staying at a friend’s house during winter break, but we had no idea that two days later we’d be snowed in. 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 taught me her ways and ever since, I’ve made my version of Buffalo chicken dip for every large gathering, in which it remains the most popular appetizer by far—the ultimate crowd-pleaser, always demolished first, with seconds requested loudly. Here’s the template I follow, plus a full Buffalo chicken dip recipe at the end 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 irresistibly creamy, spicy appetizer has developed a cult-like following, with good reason The combination of shredded chicken, hot sauce, and melted cheese blender together into the ultimate party pleaser But with so many versions out there, where can you find the best buffalo chicken dip? I embarked on a cheesy quest to discover which restaurants serve up the tastiest rendition of this snackable classic.
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
Barret’s Grillhouse serves a gourmet take on buff dip. This modern tavern makes it with grilled chicken, gorgonzola, cream cheese, cheddar, hot sauce, and bleu cheese crumbles. The higher-quality ingredients give it next-level flavor. The gorgonzola adds a sour note, the grilled chicken adds smokiness, and the cheddar makes the base creamy. Meanwhile, the crumbled bleu cheese on top makes each bite a little salty and sour.
The dip is served warm with crispy house-made tortilla chips that stand up nicely without getting soggy. While Barret’s has a handful of locations, trying this dip is worth going a little out of your way. 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
To really turn up the heat from the jalapeños, I suggest asking for it “extra spicy.” The cool and creamy cheese base balances the spice nicely. If you’re going to Chili’s for burgers or fajitas, this version is a great starter that you can share. 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. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, then serve chilled or pop it in a baking dish and reheat.
Can you make this in a Crockpot or slow cooker? Technically, yes. But it won’t save you any time in the kitchen, and you won’t be able to broil the dip at the end, which is what I think makes it better. 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 HAS CREAMY MELTED CHEESE, SCARY BUFFALO SAUCE, AND SHREDDED CHICKEN? THIS GUY! WE TOP IT ALL OFF WITH YOUR CHOICE OF RANCH OR BLEU CHEESE.
Does Sonic have buffalo chicken?
Sonic just brought back their Buffalo Chicken Bites and added a new 20 pc Party Pack option to load up for game day! According to @sonicdrivein, these bites feature “Juicy chicken, buffalo sauce, and melty cheddar cheese blended together and then stuffed and fried in a crispy, golden-brown wrapper. “.
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 |