Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip: Your Ultimate 20-Minute Crowd-Pleaser

Craving a warm, cheesy, and spicy dip that’s ready in a flash? Look no further than this incredible Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip! This recipe delivers all the classic, comforting flavors you love in an unbelievably quick 20-minute preparation. It’s the ultimate go-to appetizer for game nights, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy evening at home with family and friends. Forget complicated steps and long cooking times; with your Instant Pot, you’ll have a deliciously creamy, perfectly spiced dip on the table before you know it.

Why This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is a Must-Try

This isn’t just another dip recipe; it’s a culinary triumph in efficiency and flavor. Here’s why this Instant Pot version will become your new favorite:

• Unbeatable Speed and Simplicity

  In just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can create a dip that tastes like it simmered for hours. The Instant Pot drastically cuts down on cooking time, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings or when you need a delicious appetizer on short notice. No more lengthy baking or constant stirring – simply combine ingredients, pressure cook, and stir in the cheese. It’s truly the fastest method for a classic buffalo chicken dip that tastes genuinely homemade and incredibly fresh.

• Effortless One-Pot Preparation and Cleanup

  One of the greatest advantages of using your Instant Pot for this recipe is the minimal cleanup. All the magic happens in a single pot! From cooking the chicken to melting the cheeses, your Instant Pot handles it all, saving you from a stack of dirty dishes. This “one-pot wonder” approach makes cooking enjoyable and stress-free, allowing you more time to savor the moment with your guests or relax after a delicious meal.

• Irresistibly Creamy, Cheesy, and Flavor-Packed

  Prepare for an explosion of taste! This dip is an indulgent blend of rich creaminess, tangy zest, and a perfect kick of heat. We combine spicy hot sauce, zesty ranch dressing, and not one, not two, but three different kinds of cheese to create a deeply satisfying flavor profile that is utterly irresistible. The chicken emerges perfectly tender and infused with flavor, ready to be shredded and mixed into the molten, gooey goodness. Each spoonful is a harmonious balance of bold buffalo flavor and comforting cheesy texture.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip

Creating an exceptional buffalo chicken dip starts with understanding the role of each key ingredient. Here’s what you’ll need and why they’re essential:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

  The foundation of our dip is tender, shredded chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean and versatile choice, easily absorbing the flavors of the hot sauce and ranch during pressure cooking. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor and more tender texture. Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces before cooking will help it absorb more flavor and shred easily after cooking. For an even quicker option, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used, simply adjust the cooking time as noted in the tips section.

• Hot Sauce

  The signature “buffalo” flavor comes from a quality hot sauce. While Frank’s Red Hot Sauce is my top recommendation for its classic, balanced flavor that’s synonymous with buffalo wings, other hot sauces like Tabasco or Cholula can also yield delicious results, albeit with slightly different flavor profiles. If you prefer a milder dip, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or opt for a pre-made buffalo sauce which often has butter already incorporated for a smoother, less intensely spicy flavor.

• Ranch Dressing

  Ranch dressing is more than just a creamy addition; it’s a vital component that brings zesty, tangy notes and an herbaceous depth to the dip. Its rich texture contributes significantly to the overall creaminess. For those who prefer a thicker dip or want to control the liquid content more precisely, a packet of ranch seasoning mixed with a bit of water or milk can be used in place of liquid ranch dressing, offering a concentrated burst of flavor.

• Butter

  Butter plays a crucial role in enhancing the richness and smoothness of the dip. It emulsifies with the hot sauce, creating that classic velvety buffalo sauce texture. It also helps to carry the flavors throughout the chicken and cheese mixture, making every bite incredibly decadent.

• The Cheesy Trio: Cream Cheese, Shredded Cheddar, and Mozzarella

  This dip wouldn’t be complete without a generous helping of cheese!

  • Cream Cheese: Provides the essential creamy base and tang, giving the dip its luxurious, smooth texture. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best results and richest flavor.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, savory bite that complements the spicy hot sauce beautifully.
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Contributes to the incredible stretch and gooeyness, making the dip wonderfully satisfying.

  This combination ensures a perfectly balanced, multi-dimensional cheese experience that’s both flavorful and visually appealing when melted. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Colby Jack blend.

Expert Chef’s Tips for the Best Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Even though this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your buffalo chicken dip from great to absolutely phenomenal:

• Ensure Smooth, Melted Cheese Every Time

  Sometimes, cheese can be stubborn and take a while to fully melt, especially if the Instant Pot has cooled down after cooking. If you find your cheese isn’t melting quickly or smoothly in the last step, simply turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode on low heat. This will gently reheat the pot and help the cheeses melt much faster and more evenly, creating that irresistible, gooey texture. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and ensure a perfectly incorporated dip.

• Maximize Chicken Flavor Absorption

  For the most flavorful dip, it’s crucial to ensure your chicken is fully coated in the hot sauce and ranch dressing before cooking. This allows the chicken to soak up as much of that delicious flavor as possible during the pressure cooking process. You can even give the ingredients a quick stir to distribute the sauces thoroughly before securing the lid. For an even deeper flavor, consider letting the chicken marinate in the sauces for 15-30 minutes before cooking, if time permits.

• Adjust Dip Thickness to Your Preference

  Everyone has a preferred consistency for their dip. If you like a thicker, more substantial dip, simply add an extra half to full cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese) along with the other cheeses in the final step. The extra cheese will help bind the dip and create a denser texture. Alternatively, you can allow the dip to cool slightly before serving, as it will naturally thicken as it cools. For a slightly thinner dip, a splash of milk or chicken broth can be stirred in until your desired consistency is reached.

• Effortless Shredding Techniques

  Shredding the chicken after cooking is a key step. While two forks work perfectly well, for even faster and finer shredding, consider using a hand mixer directly in the Instant Pot liner (once the chicken is removed from the liquid, or with minimal liquid). Just be careful not to over-shred it into a paste. This technique is a game-changer for speed and consistency.

• Garnish for Extra Flavor and Appeal

  Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Freshly chopped green onions, a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese, or a drizzle of extra hot sauce can add both visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor and texture to your finished dip. These small touches make a big difference.

Serving Suggestions for Your Buffalo Chicken Dip

This versatile dip is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right dippers and accompaniments. Here are some popular and creative ways to serve your Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip:

• Classic Dippers: Tortilla chips, sturdy potato chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips (red, yellow, orange), and cucumber slices are perfect for scooping.
• Bread & Crackers: Serve with toasted baguette slices, pita bread, pretzel crisps, or your favorite crackers.
• Creative Uses:
  • Sliders: Spoon the dip onto mini slider buns for delicious buffalo chicken dip sliders.
  • Wraps & Tacos: Use it as a filling for tortillas or lettuce wraps.
  • Baked Potatoes: Top a warm baked potato or sweet potato with a generous scoop of the dip.
  • Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with the dip, then bake until warmed through.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to get creative with your buffalo chicken dip! Here are a few ideas to customize it to your taste:

• Adjusting Spice: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ghost pepper hot sauce. For milder flavor, use less hot sauce or opt for a milder buffalo sauce blend.
• Blue Cheese Lover’s Dream: If you adore blue cheese, swap out half of the ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing, or stir in 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese along with the other cheeses.
• Smoky Bacon Addition: Cook and crumble some bacon, then stir it into the dip at the end or sprinkle it on top as a garnish for a smoky, salty crunch.
• Healthier Twist: Substitute Greek yogurt for half of the cream cheese for a lighter version without sacrificing much creaminess. Use lean chicken breast and low-fat ranch dressing.
• Extra Veggies: Finely diced red onion, jalapeños (for more heat), or a small amount of corn can be added for extra texture and flavor.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

This dip is fantastic freshly made, but it’s also a great candidate for making ahead or storing leftovers:

• Making Ahead: You can cook the chicken and sauce mixture in the Instant Pot, shred the chicken, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture in the Instant Pot (on Sauté mode) or on the stovetop over low heat, then stir in the cheeses until melted.
• Storage: Leftover buffalo chicken dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave (stirring frequently), on the stovetop over low heat, or back in the Instant Pot on Sauté mode, adding a splash of milk or broth if it has thickened too much.
• Freezing: Freezing dairy-based dips is generally not recommended as the texture can become grainy and separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions about making this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip? We’ve got answers!

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?

  Absolutely! If using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken), you can skip the pressure cooking step for the chicken. Simply shred the cooked chicken and then add it to the Instant Pot along with the hot sauce, ranch, butter, and all three cheeses. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode on low and stir until everything is heated through and the cheeses are fully melted. This will reduce your total time even further!

• Can I make this in a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?

  Yes, you can! For a slow cooker version, place the chicken breasts, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and butter into your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded. Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the pot, then add the cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir until all the cheeses are melted and smooth. Keep on WARM setting for serving.

• How long does buffalo chicken dip last?

  Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this dip will last for 3 to 4 days. Always use your best judgment regarding food safety.

• What if my dip is too thin or too thick?

  If your dip is too thin, you can continue to simmer it on “Sauté” mode in the Instant Pot for a few extra minutes, stirring constantly, to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Adding a bit more shredded cheese can also help thicken it. If it’s too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

• Can I add blue cheese crumbles?

  Yes! If you’re a fan of blue cheese, feel free to stir in 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese along with your other cheeses for an extra pungent, tangy kick. You can also sprinkle them on top as a garnish.

5 from 7 votes

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

This Instant Pot buffalo chicken dip is cheesy, delicious, and ready in just 20 minutes! It’s a quick and easy take on a comforting classic. Whip this easy recipe together for friends, family, or your next potluck!

Cheryl Malik

Print Recipe

8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s Hot Sauce)
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Equipment

• Instant Pot

Instructions

1. Place chicken in Instant Pot and cover with hot sauce, ranch dressing, and butter.

   
   

2. Cook on manual high pressure for 15 minutes, then quick release steam.

   
   

3. Remove lid, shred chicken with two forks, then add in the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until cheese has melted.

   
   

Notes

Recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving out of 6 using specific ingredients listed above. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by 6. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 390kcal | Protein: 21g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Total Carbs: 3g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Net Carbs: 2g | Vitamin C: 24mg | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1358mg | Potassium: 288mg | Calcium: 204mg | Iron: 1mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik

More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed the ease and flavor of this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip, you’re in for a treat! The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can whip up a wide array of comforting and quick meals. Explore these other fantastic Instant Pot recipes that are sure to become family favorites:

• Crispy Instant Pot Bacon
• Perfectly Cooked Instant Pot Carrots
• Hearty Japanese Curry in the Instant Pot
• Tender Instant Pot Carne Asada
• Flavorful Instant Pot Jambalaya
• Creamy Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
• Wholesome Instant Pot Lentil Soup

If you loved this recipe as much as we did, don’t forget to leave us a review below! Your feedback helps us and other home cooks discover amazing dishes.

★ Follow Easy Healthy Recipes on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for daily inspiration!

For even more delicious and diverse recipes, make sure to visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes. Happy cooking!