This Crock Pot Chicken Dip is a warm, cheesy delight with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and tasty seasonings. Perfect for parties or game nights!
You just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. I love serving it with tortilla chips, and let’s be real, I often lick the spoon! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe since it’s quick and easy. If you don’t have rotisserie, any leftover cooked chicken will work too. Just shred or chop it up.
Cream Cheese: Soften it before using for easier mixing. You can replace it with Greek yogurt for a lighter dip, but it might change the texture a tad.
Ranch Dressing: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re watching calories, consider a lite version, or swap it with a Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust this to your heat preference. If you want a milder dip, use less. You can also try sriracha or a milder hot sauce in its place.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: These provide great flavor and gooeyness. Feel free to use any cheese you like; pepper jack adds a nice kick, while Monterey Jack keeps it classic.
How Do I Get the Right Consistency for the Dip?
Getting the dip’s consistency just right is crucial! Here’s how to make sure it turns out perfectly creamy:
- Start by mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl until fully combined. This allows all the flavors to blend well.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened; this makes mixing smoother and prevents lumps.
- If the dip seems too thick after cooking, you can stir in a splash of milk or more ranch until you reach the desired consistency.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Crackers, toasted bread rounds, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious and creamy dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 2-3 hours to cook in the crock pot. So in a total of around 2 hours and 15 minutes, your cheesy snack will be ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
Start by taking a medium bowl and combining the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or fork to mix everything well until it’s nicely blended and smooth.
2. Set up the Crock Pot:
Once your mixture is ready, carefully transfer it to a crock pot. Spread it out evenly so it cooks properly.
3. Cooking Time!
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for about 2 to 3 hours. Don’t forget to stir halfway through! This helps the ingredients heat up evenly and melt together perfectly.
4. Add Extra Cheese:
When the dip is hot and bubbly, sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese on top. Allow this to melt for about 5 to 10 minutes with the lid on. This will give your dip a delightful cheesy layer!
5. Garnish for Freshness:
Once it’s ready to serve, add some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the dip warm alongside your choice of crackers, toasted bread rounds, celery sticks, and carrot sticks. Grab your favorite dippers, and enjoy your creamy, tangy, and spicy Crock Pot Chicken Dip!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or submerge it in cold water in a sealed bag for a quick option. Once thawed, shred the chicken as instructed.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just transfer it to the crock pot and cook it when you’re ready. It may need slightly longer to heat through if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, try warming it gently in the microwave or back in the crock pot until heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Is It Possible to Make This Dip Spicier?
Definitely! If you like more heat, add extra buffalo wing sauce to taste or mix in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Just adjust according to your heat preference!