How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip (Easy!)
This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is spicy, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes! A hit at any party, it's perfect for game day, especially when served with chips, carrots, and celery sticks.
I have been making this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip for years and it is always the first thing to disappear at any party. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy by cooking the chicken and melting everything together perfectly in one pot, so you get that spicy, creamy, crowd-pleasing dip in under 30 minutes with barely any cleanup. I've brought this to more game days, potlucks, and family gatherings than I can count, and I get asked for the recipe every single time. Serve it with chips, carrots, and celery sticks and watch it vanish before halftime!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love this Homemade Buffalo Chicken Dip
- It's a crowd pleaser! Originally created by Frank's red hot sauce, buffalo chicken dip is a perfect appetizer to serve while watching the big game!
- The electric pressure cooker does all the hard work! No need to babysit the chicken when you are cooking it, the Instant Pot cooks the chicken until it's cooked to perfection in this easy recipe.
- It is perfect on an appetizer table! Make this cheesy Instant Pot Buffalo chicken dip and set the Instant Pot to "Keep Warm", and you'll be able to keep this dip warm for hours while you watch the big game and enjoy other appetizers like buffalo broiled chicken wings, chicken tenders, or sourdough pretzels!
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Dip
You only need five ingredients to make pressure cooker buffalo chicken dip!
- Chicken breast. 1 large chicken breast or one pound of chicken.
- Hot sauce. Your favorite variety. Frank's is classic, but Texas Pete's works as well.
- Ranch dressing. To give this dip tang. I love using homemade ranch dressing or Hidden Valley ranch dressing, but whatever your local grocery store has is great!
- Cream cheese. To make the dip creamy. Use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese for the best results.
- Shredded cheese. Shredded cheddar cheese is classic, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, white cheddar, or even blue cheese would all be delicious.
Be sure to check out the printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
Simple Buffalo Chicken Dip Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless.
- Feel free to double the recipe! Just make sure you are leaving enough room in the Instant Pot to make sure it can come up to pressure.
- Full-fat cream cheese should be used. Low-fat or fat-free cream cheese will make the dip too watery.
- Use your favorite hot sauce! Or if you have a buffalo sauce or wing sauce that you love, you can add that right into the Instant Pot.
- Use your favorite brand of ranch dressing too! If you have homemade ranch dressing, that's a great option too!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip (Instant Pot)
Step 1: Place chicken breasts and ½ cup of water (or chicken broth) in the Instant Pot. Cover the Instant Pot, and set it to "High" pressure for 20 minutes (set the cook time to 30 minutes if your chicken is frozen).
Step 2: After the cooking is completed, release the pressure. Take the chicken out of the Instant Pot, and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken into small pieces.
Step 3: Discard the liquid left in the Instant Pot. Place the Instant Pot insert back in the Instant Pot. Turn the Instant Pot on "Sauté".
Step 4: Add the cream cheese, ranch, and Frank's red hot sauce to the Instant Pot. Stir until melted.
Step 5: Add the shredded chicken and cheddar back into the Instant Pot, and stir until completely combined.
Step 6: Optional step- Transfer the dip to an oven-safe baking dish and sprinkle more cheese on top. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve topped with green onions!
Lynn's Tip
The easiest way to shred chicken is to use two forks, but you can also place the chicken in a large bowl and use a hand mixer. You can also put the chicken in the bowl of your stand mixer and shred it that way!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time
To make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip in advance, put the dip together completely. Allow it to cool and place it in an airtight container. Keep the dip in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
When you are ready to serve it, place it back in the Instant Pot and set the Instant Pot to "keep warm". An easy way to reheat this dip is to place the dip in an oven-safe baking dish, top it with shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese, and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
You can also add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and then set the slow cooker on high for 4 hours. Take the chicken out, shred it, and mix it back into the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This dip tastes delicious on tortilla chips, a sturdy cracker, carrot sticks, or celery. Make your own baked tortilla chips for a healthier option instead of the traditional fried options.
Pita chips hold up well to this dip if you don't have any tortilla chips and there is always the option of using crusty bread to dip into this amazing appetizer! Don't forget the carrot sticks and celery sticks too!
I have lots of delicious recipes for what to serve with Buffalo chicken dip and also what to do with leftover buffalo chicken dip!
Simple Buffalo Chicken Dip FAQs
This dip can be made up to 4 days in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the dip in the Instant Pot or a slow cooker.
If you want to use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken, there's no need to use the Instant Pot. The chicken in the can is already cooked, so you could add the ingredients to a slow cooker or a pan to mix everything together and heat it up.
Low fat cream cheese tends to have more water in it and a chemical taste. When you're making a dip like this, go with the good stuff and use the full fat cream cheese.
Yes! If you only have frozen chicken, no problem! Increase the cooking time to 30 minutes and you'll have perfect chicken ready to be shred when the cooking process is completed.
Yes! You'll just have to mix the ranch seasoning with sour cream and a little bit of mayonnaise. Check the package of the ranch seasoning, and use ½ cup of that.
Other Recipes To Try
Did you make this recipe and love it?
If you did, don't forget to leave a 5-star review and comment below! Show me your creation on Instagram or Facebook. Just mention @Lynn'sWayofLife or use this hashtag #lynnswayoflife.
📖 Recipe
Simple Buffalo Chicken Dip in Instant Pot
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- ¾ cup Hot Sauce Such as Frank's or Texas Pete
- ½ cup Ranch Dressing
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Cheddar Shredded
Instructions
- Add the chicken and ½ cup of water to the Instant Pot.
- Cover the Instant Pot and set to "High" pressure for 20 minutes (30 minutes if your chicken is frozen).
- After the cooking is completed, release the pressure.
- Take the chicken out of the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken into small pieces.
- Discard the liquid left in the Instant Pot. Place the Instant Pot insert back in the Instant Pot.
- Turn the Instant Pot on "Sauté".
- Add the cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce to the Instant Pot. Stir until melted.
- Add the chicken and cheddar back into the Instant Pot and stir until completely combined.
- Optional step- Transfer the dip to an oven safe baking dish and top with more cheddar. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve!
Notes
- Cheddar, white cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack are all delicious options for cheese in this dip.
- Place the dip in the Instant Pot and set the Instant Pot to "Keep Warm" so it stays warm while your guests enjoy it.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts, just make sure they are boneless and skinless.
- If you are using frozen chicken breasts, increase the cooking time to 30 minutes.
