Hot dips are always a favorite around my house, whether it’s game night, the Super Bowl, New Year’s Eve, or just entertaining. But, what do you do when you don’t have an oven or air fryer available? Well, I just make this microwave buffalo chicken dip instead!
Why Make This Easy Microwave Buffalo Chicken Dip
Making buffalo chicken dip in the microwave is a quick, convenient, and efficient way to prepare this popular appetizer, with no oven required!
This easy recipe is perfect for busy schedules or last-minute company, as the microwave significantly reduces cooking time compared to baking. Plus, if you’re living in a dorm or other small living situation and don’t have an oven, you can still enjoy this classic dip.
I make this game day favorite for small gatherings or individual servings, since you can easily adjust the portion size and cook only what you need. Plus, it allows for simple reheating of leftovers without losing the creamy texture or flavor!
Katie’s tip
If you do happen to have an air fryer as well, you can also make my Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Dip for a more traditional “baked” alternative!
Quick + Easy Recipes
straight to your inbox
Ingredients Needed
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 ounces herb and garlic cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
- 1 tsp ranch seasoning (powdered)
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 green onion, sliced
- Dippers (I use carrots, celery sticks, and crackers)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Leftover or rotisserie chicken work great for this recipe! However, you can also use canned chicken (10-ounce can, drained) for a simple shortcut
- You can also use plain cream cheese and add ½ tsp garlic powder plus any herbs you like
- The cheddar cheese can be swapped for Monterey jack, colby jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella cheese if preferred
- Instead of the ranch seasoning, you can also use 1 Tbsp ranch dressing instead
- Feel free to use a different hot sauce instead of the sriracha, or omit for a less-spicy version
- Other garnish ideas can include blue cheese crumbles or a little blue cheese dressing, extra ranch dressing or buffalo sauce, hot sauce, chives, or parsley
- For dippers, you can also use tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or other fresh vegetables!
Healthier Substitutions
- Instead of cream cheese, you can use reduced fat cream cheese (neufchatel), cottage cheese, light sour cream, or Greek yogurt. Each will change the flavor profile, but do offer lower fat alternatives
- Use reduced fat shredded cheese, but I do not recommend using fat free cheese, as it does not melt correctly and makes for an unpleasant texture. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used, down to ½ cup
- Choose lower sodium buffalo sauce or make a homemade version
- Serve with healthier dippers, like fresh vegetable sticks (celery, carrots, or cucumber), whole-grain crackers, or baked tortilla chips
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Microwave
- Mix chicken, cream cheese, wing sauce, ranch seasoning, sriracha (if using), and cheddar cheese together in a microwave safe dish, stirring until it’s evenly mixed
- Microwave the chicken mixture uncovered on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, or until heated through. Times can vary by size of bowl and microwave wattage. Check the center and add extra time in 1-minute increments as needed
- Top with sliced green onions, and serve with your favorite dippers. Enjoy!
What to Do With Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Spread the leftover dip onto a tortilla, add lettuce, tomato, and extra veggies if desired, then roll it up for a quick and delicious wrap!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Use the dip as a base for a pizza instead of traditional sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and red onions, then bake until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with diced celery or green onions for crunch, or add some ranch drizzle or blue cheese crumbles!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill halved and hollowed-out bell peppers with the leftover dip, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender.
You can use my recipe for Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers and just swap out the filling!
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Spread the dip between two tortillas or fold one tortilla in half, then toast it in a skillet until crispy and warm. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Stir the dip into cooked pasta for a creamy, spicy buffalo chicken pasta dish. Add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out if necessary.
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Spoon the dip over baked potatoes or potato skins and top with green onions, extra cheese, or sour cream for a hearty dish.
Learn how to Microwave a Baked Potato for easy preparation!
Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Use the dip as a filling for sliders, sandwiches, or burgers. It’s perfect for my Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bombs which are a handheld slider in a biscuit crust!
Pair it with coleslaw for added crunch!
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, dollop the dip on top, add shredded cheese, and bake until melted. Top with jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and green onions.
You can also make Air Fryer Nachos if you don’t have an oven!
Buffalo Chicken Omelet
Add the dip as a filling for an omelet or scramble it with eggs for a spicy breakfast twist!
Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls
Mix the dip with cooked rice, black beans, and veggies for a flavorful and hearty rice bowl, which makes a great lunch option!
Recipe FAQs
How Do You Thicken Buffalo Chicken Dip?
To thicken buffalo chicken dip, mix in more cream cheese or shredded cheese while the dip is warm, as these ingredients will melt and create a thicker consistency. Mix the dip well after adding the thickening ingredient to maintain a smooth texture.
Avoid overloading your dip with liquid ingredients like buffalo sauce or ranch dressing (powdered ranch dressing mix is a much better alternative here), as they can make the dip runny.
How Do You Fix Separated Buffalo Chicken Dip?
If your buffalo chicken dip separates (with oil pooling on top), stir it vigorously to reincorporate the ingredients. Warming the dip slightly in the microwave can help blend the fats and liquids back together.
Adding some cream cheese or sour cream may also help stabilize the mixture. Be sure not to overheat the dip, as this can cause further separation!
Can I Bake This Buffalo Chicken Dip In The Oven?
Yes, you can bake this buffalo chicken dip in the oven for a golden and bubbly finish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the prepared dip in an oven-safe dish, and bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through and the top is lightly browned.
Adding an extra layer of shredded cheese on top before baking creates an extra cheesy crust!
Is Buffalo Chicken Dip Supposed To Be Warmed Up?
Yes, buffalo chicken dip is traditionally served warm to enjoy its creamy texture and melted cheese. While you can technically enjoy it cold, warming makes it taste better, and it’s easier to dip and eat as well.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave, oven, air fryer, or a small slow cooker for the best results.
Can I Eat 5-Day-Old Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Buffalo chicken dip is safe to eat within 3–4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Eating 5-day-old dip is not recommended, as it may spoil or develop harmful bacteria.
To stay safe, discard any leftovers beyond the recommended time frame.
Tips For the Best Microwave Buffalo Chicken Dip
- If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough to mix, you can microwave it for 15-20 seconds to loosen it up
- You can also split the recipe into 4 small bowls for individual servings! Cook each one for about 1 minute instead
- Adjust the heat level by using mild, medium, or hot wing sauce. Add more cream cheese or ranch to cool it, or more wing sauce and/or hot sauce to make it spicier!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store any leftover buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- To reheat buffalo chicken dip in the microwave, place desired portion in a small microwave safe bowl and heat on high for about 1 minute, or until hot. For food safety, the internal temperature should reach 165°F when reheating
Final Thoughts
Microwave buffalo chicken dip is the perfect appetizer for game day, or entertaining when you’re short on time. With a handful of simple ingredients, you can throw it together and be ready in just minutes (and it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken too)!
This easy dip features a creamy texture with lots of cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser! Serve it with your favorite crackers, chips, or veggie sticks for an appetizer or snack that will be the star of your food table.
You can adjust this spicy dip recipe to suit your tastes, including using different heat levels of sauce, adding creaminess, or even swapping it out for some healthier options to keep up with those new year’s resolutions even while watching the Super Bowl!
Easy Microwave Buffalo Chicken Dip
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 4 ounces herb and garlic cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 tsp powdered ranch seasoning
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 green onion (sliced)
- Dippers (such as carrots, celery, crackers, etc)
Instructions
- Mix everything but the green onions together in a microwave safe dish, stirring until it’s evenly combined1 cup cooked chicken, 4 ounces herb and garlic cream cheese, ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce, 1 tsp powdered ranch seasoning, 1 tsp sriracha, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Microwave uncovered on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, or until heated through. Times can vary by size of bowl and microwave wattage. Check the center and add extra time needed
- Top with green onions, and serve with your favorite dippers. Enjoy!1 green onion, Dippers
Notes
- Leftover, rotisserie, or canned chicken work great for this recipe
- You can also use plain cream cheese and add ½ tsp garlic powder plus herbs (parsley and dill are good options)
- The cheddar cheese can be swapped for Monterey, Colby, or pepper jack, or mozzarella cheese
- Feel free to use a different hot sauce instead of sriracha, or omit for a less-spicy version. Adjust the heat level further by using mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, toppings and dippers added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
