Ultimate Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip: Easy, Creamy, & Game Day Ready

Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with this incredible Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip! It takes a beloved classic and makes it even better – quicker, more tender, and effortlessly creamy. Forget spending hours by the stove; your Instant Pot transforms simple ingredients into a rich, spicy, and utterly irresistible dip that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s the big game, a casual get-together with friends, or just a cozy night in, this cheesy, flavor-packed dip will disappear in minutes. It’s everything you love about classic buffalo chicken wings, but in a dippable, shareable format that’s ready in a fraction of the time, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Everyone knows and loves buffalo chicken dip; it’s a timeless classic that has graced countless appetizer spreads for ages! But making Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is truly my absolute favorite method for preparing this iconic dish. The chicken emerges incredibly tender and juicy, never dry, thanks to the pressure cooking process. The entire preparation is significantly faster than using a slow cooker, allowing you to whip up a batch with minimal fuss. Plus, a major bonus: the Instant Pot conveniently doubles as a fantastic “keep warm” vessel, making it ideal for parties and game day events where you want your dip to stay perfectly heated. Trust me, it retains all the rich, creamy, cheesy, spicy, and robust flavor you adore, just with a slightly different, incredibly convenient preparation method you’ll quickly fall in love with.

Why You’ll Adore This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

This recipe isn’t just another way to make buffalo chicken dip; it’s arguably the best way. Here’s why this Instant Pot version will quickly become your new go-to appetizer:

• Unbelievably Fast! Traditional slow cooker recipes for buffalo chicken dip can tie up your kitchen for several hours, requiring advance planning. With the Instant Pot, you’ll cook the chicken to perfection in a mere 13 minutes, followed by a quick natural release. The total active preparation time is remarkably minimal, allowing you to whip up this crowd-pleaser in under 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s absolutely perfect for those last-minute party preparations or when a sudden craving strikes!
• Bursting with Incredible Flavor. This isn’t just a dip; it’s a flavor explosion that tantalizes your taste buds! We expertly combine the iconic heat and tangy zing of authentic buffalo wing sauce with the cool, herby notes of rich ranch dressing and the irresistible melty goodness of sharp cheddar and luxurious cream cheese. The pressure cooking method is fantastic because it deeply infuses the chicken with these incredible tastes, resulting in a dip that’s perfectly balanced, addictively savory, and intensely satisfying.
• Simple, Accessible Ingredients. You won’t need exotic items or a special, arduous grocery trip for this recipe. It relies on readily available, everyday staples you likely already have stocked in your pantry and fridge, or can easily find at any local supermarket. This means less running around, minimal stress, and more time enjoying your delicious creation. You could probably head to your kitchen right now and gather everything you need to get started!
• Consistently Tender, Perfectly Shredded Chicken. One of the biggest advantages of utilizing the Instant Pot is how consistently and perfectly it cooks the chicken. Pressure cooking ensures that the chicken breasts remain incredibly moist and tender, making them exceptionally easy to shred with just two forks. Say goodbye to dry, stringy chicken – with this method, you get succulent pieces that perfectly absorb all the creamy, spicy goodness of the dip.
• Effortless Cleanup & Convenient Keep Warm Function. The inherent beauty of cooking in the Instant Pot means fewer dishes piling up! Most of the cooking and mixing happens right in one versatile pot. Plus, once your buffalo chicken dip is ready to serve, the Instant Pot’s integrated “Keep Warm” function is an invaluable feature for parties. It effortlessly maintains your dip at the ideal hot and melty temperature for hours without any risk of it drying out, so your guests can enjoy it throughout the event.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions!

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dip, offering a lean yet tender base. You can use fresh or even frozen chicken breasts; if frozen, a slight adjustment to the cooking time will be needed (check our FAQ section for details). For a richer flavor profile, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used.
• Buffalo Sauce: This ingredient is crucial for that unmistakable “buffalo” flavor! My personal go-to is Frank’s Red Hot Original Buffalo Wing Sauce for its authentic taste, perfect balance of heat, and tangy vinegar notes. However, feel free to use your preferred brand; any quality buffalo sauce that you enjoy will deliver excellent results.
• Ranch Dressing: A cool, creamy, and herby counterpoint to the spicy buffalo sauce, ranch dressing adds depth and a smooth texture. You can opt for your favorite store-bought brand for maximum convenience, or for an extra layer of homemade freshness and flavor, consider making your own ranch dressing from scratch. Just ensure it’s a full-fat variety for the best overall texture and consistency in your dip.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese provides that essential melty, gooey, and cheesy goodness that makes this dip so irresistible. Medium or sharp cheddar works wonderfully, depending on your preference for a stronger cheese flavor. For the absolute creamiest and smoothest dip, I always highly recommend shredding your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can slightly affect how smoothly they melt and can result in a less desirable texture.
• Cream Cheese: This is the foundation for our dip’s luxurious, velvety creaminess. It’s imperative to always use full-fat cream cheese, cut into small cubes, to ensure it melts smoothly and consistently, creating a rich, thick consistency without any unwanted separation or graininess.

A final note on ingredients: while store-bought items offer fantastic convenience, embracing full-fat dairy products (both cream cheese and ranch dressing) and taking the extra step to shred your own cheddar cheese from a block can genuinely make a significant difference in the final texture and richness of your Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip. These small choices contribute immensely to preventing a watery consistency and promoting a silky-smooth, restaurant-quality finish.

Crafting Your Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Making this incredibly irresistible dip in your Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward and efficient. Follow these detailed steps for perfect, mouth-watering results every single time:

• 1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken in the Instant Pot. Begin by pouring your buffalo sauce and ranch dressing directly into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Give them a quick but thorough stir to combine these flavorful liquids. Carefully place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the sauce mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged to cook evenly. Secure the lid firmly on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place, and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” (or closed) position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on high pressure and set the timer for 13 minutes for fresh chicken breasts.
• 2. Natural Release, Quick Release, and Shred the Chicken. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 4 minutes. This brief natural release is important as it helps the chicken remain incredibly tender and moist. After 4 minutes, carefully turn the steam release valve to the “Venting” (or open) position for a quick release to fully depressurize any remaining steam. Once the float valve drops, indicating all pressure has been released, you can safely open the lid. Remove the perfectly cooked chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a sturdy cutting board or a shallow dish. Using two forks, easily shred the chicken to your desired consistency – whether you prefer finely shredded or slightly chunkier pieces.
• 3. Assemble the Creamy Dip Base. While the shredded chicken is cooling slightly, add the cubed cream cheese (remember, full-fat is best!) and the freshly shredded cheddar cheese directly into the flavorful sauce remaining in the Instant Pot. Stir gently but continuously as the residual heat from the pot will begin to melt the cheeses. You can activate the “Sauté” function on a low setting if you feel the pot needs more warmth to encourage melting, but often the retained heat is quite sufficient to start the process.
• 4. Combine All Ingredients and Warm the Dip. Return the perfectly shredded chicken to the pot with the melting cheese mixture. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly until the cheeses are mostly melted and beautifully combined with the chicken and sauce, forming a cohesive mixture. For optimal creaminess, consistent texture, and perfect serving temperature, you can place the lid back on the Instant Pot (there’s no need to seal it at this stage). Select the “Keep Warm” function, or gently use the “Sauté” setting on low for approximately 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This final step ensures all the ingredients fully incorporate into a smooth, hot, and wonderfully bubbly dip. Once everything is completely melted and homogenous, your Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is absolutely ready to be served and enjoyed!

Remember, the ultimate goal is a perfectly smooth, luxuriously creamy, and piping hot dip. Don’t hesitate to stir frequently during the final melting stage to achieve that exquisite, velvety texture that makes this dip so irresistible.

Serving & Warming Options for Your Delicious Dip

While the Instant Pot is incredibly versatile for both cooking and keeping your buffalo chicken dip perfectly warm, you do have a couple of alternative options when it comes to melting the cheese and ensuring your dip is optimally hot for serving. This flexibility makes it super easy to integrate this crowd-pleaser into any party or meal plan.

Instant Pot Method (Recommended for Ultimate Convenience) – As detailed in the main recipe instructions, this is the most straightforward and seamless option since you’ve already used the Instant Pot to cook the chicken. After you’ve added all the cheeses and the shredded chicken back into the pot, simply cover it (no need to seal for pressure). You can then either set the Instant Pot to its “Sauté” function on the low setting for a gentle melt, or ideally, just use the “Keep Warm” function. Allow it to heat for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the cheeses are fully melted, and all the ingredients are beautifully combined and piping hot. Once ready, the “Keep Warm” setting is perfect for maintaining the ideal serving temperature throughout your event, without any risk of scorching.

Crockpot (Slow Cooker) Method (Ideal for Longer Warming & Portability) – If you’re preparing this dip several hours before your party or need it to stay warm and melty for an extended period, the slow cooker is an excellent alternative. Once the chicken is cooked and shredded in the Instant Pot, simply transfer the shredded chicken, the mixed buffalo sauce and ranch, and all the cheeses into your crockpot. Set it to “Low” for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until everything is thoroughly combined, melted, and bubbling hot. This method is fantastic for ensuring a perfectly smooth, consistently hot texture for a prolonged duration, and then you can easily switch to the “Warm” setting for serving to guests.

Oven Method (For a Bubbly, Golden-Brown Top) – For those who appreciate a classic, slightly browned, and bubbly cheese topping on their dips, the oven is your best option. After cooking and shredding the chicken in the Instant Pot, combine 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the cubed cream cheese with the buffalo sauce and ranch in a bowl (make sure to reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar for topping). Stir until the ingredients are mostly combined. Transfer this delicious mixture to an oven-safe baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish or similar will work perfectly for this recipe size). Evenly top the dip with the reserved 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is piping hot, visibly bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers for a truly satisfying experience.

Pro Tips & Creative Variations for Your Perfect Dip

Unlock the full potential of your Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip with these expert tips and creative suggestions that will take your appetizer game to the next level:

• Always Opt for Full-Fat Ingredients. This is perhaps the most crucial tip for achieving a truly decadent and perfectly textured dip. For both cream cheese and ranch dressing, using full-fat versions is absolutely essential. Reduced-fat or fat-free products contain a higher water content and lower fat content, which can regrettably lead to a grainy texture, an undesirable separation of ingredients, or a watery dip instead of the thick, velvety smooth consistency we’re striving for. The higher fat content is key to creating a stable, luscious, and creamy emulsion.
• Consider Shredding Your Own Cheese. While pre-shredded cheddar cheese offers undeniable convenience, it often contains anti-caking agents (such as cellulose) that can, unfortunately, prevent it from melting as smoothly and evenly as cheese shredded directly from a fresh block. For the ultimate creamy, restaurant-quality texture, taking a few extra minutes to shred your own cheddar cheese will make a noticeable difference in the final product.
• Easily Double the Recipe for a Larger Crowd. If you’re hosting a big party, tailgating event, or simply want to ensure you have plenty of delicious leftovers (which you definitely will!), this recipe scales up beautifully. Simply double all the ingredient quantities. The cooking time for the chicken in the Instant Pot generally remains the same for larger batches of chicken (as long as the chicken fits comfortably below the maximum fill line), though you might notice it takes a little longer for the Instant Pot to come to pressure initially. Melting all the doubled ingredients together will also require more frequent stirring and potentially a slightly longer warming period, but the overall process remains straightforward and manageable.
• Adjust the Spice Level to Perfectly Match Your Palate. The beauty of homemade dip is customization!
  • For an Extra Kick of Heat: If you love a fiery dip, feel free to add an extra splash of buffalo sauce, a dash of cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a few drops of your favorite super hot sauce (like Tabasco or Cholula) to the mixture during the melting stage.
  • For a Milder Flavor Profile: If you prefer a less intense heat, simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce slightly and increase the ranch dressing by a tablespoon or two. You can also stir in a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt at the very end to mellow out the spice without compromising the delightful creaminess.
  • Serve with Blue Cheese Crumbles: While not traditionally mixed directly into the dip, offering a side of tangy blue cheese crumbles allows guests to add a classic cooling contrast to the spice, enhancing the authentic buffalo flavor experience.
• Creative Ways to Repurpose Those Delicious Leftovers! Don’t let a single spoonful of this incredible dip go to waste! Buffalo Chicken Dip leftovers are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into exciting new meals:
  • Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Spoon the warmed leftover dip into corn tortillas, roll them tightly, and then bake or air fry until wonderfully crispy and golden. Follow this Baked Chicken Taquitos recipe for precise cooking times and instructions.
  • Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Stir the warmed dip into your favorite cooked pasta, adding a little extra milk or chicken broth to achieve a smooth sauce-like consistency. This creates a creamy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying twist on Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
  • Savory Sliders or Wraps: Generously spoon the reheated dip onto mini slider buns for quick and flavorful sandwiches, or wrap it in large lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option.
  • Loaded Baked Potatoes: Elevate a simple baked potato by topping it with a generous scoop of the reheated dip, perhaps with an additional sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh chives or green onions.
  • Spicy Quesadillas: Spread the dip evenly between two tortillas and cook them in a lightly oiled skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted for cheesy, spicy quesadillas.

The Best Dippers for Your Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Dip

The wonderful appeal of Buffalo Chicken Dip lies not just in its incredible flavor, but also in its sheer versatility with dippers. Practically anything goes, allowing you to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. However, here are some of my top recommendations to help you get the most out of every creamy, spicy, and satisfying bite:

• Fresh Vegetables: For a refreshing crunch and to help balance the rich, spicy flavors, these are always a fantastic choice:
  • Crisp Carrot Sticks
  • Crunchy Celery Sticks (a timeless, classic pairing for buffalo flavors!)
  • Sweet Bell Pepper Strips (red, yellow, or orange varieties add beautiful color and mild sweetness)
  • Cool Cucumber Slices
  • Broccoli or Cauliflower Florets
• Chips & Crackers: For that essential savory crispness and excellent scoopability, these options are always a hit:
  • Sturdy Tortilla Chips (choose thicker ones to handle the hearty dip!)
  • Fritos Scoops’ (their unique shape is absolutely perfect for holding generous amounts of dip)
  • Hearty Wheat Thin Crackers or Ritz Crackers
  • Toasted Pita Chips or Warm, Toasted Pita Bread cut into wedges
  • Crispy Pretzel Crisps or classic Pretzel Rods
• Bread & Other Carbs: For something a little more substantial and satisfying, consider these:
  • Toasted Baguette Slices (especially good rubbed with a little garlic)
  • Soft Mini Naan Bread or various types of Flatbread
  • Crusty Bread Cubes
  • Warm Dinner Rolls or slider buns, cut in half

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own favorite dippers – the goal is simply to enjoy every last delicious scoop of this amazing dip!

Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip

If you’re incredibly fortunate enough to have any of this delicious Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip leftover (a rare occurrence, but it does happen!), rest assured that storing and reheating it is straightforward, ensuring you can continue to enjoy its fantastic flavor and creamy texture for days to come. When properly handled, the dip maintains its deliciousness beautifully.

Storage Instructions:
Allow the dip to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents condensation from forming and keeps the dip fresher. Store the sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Beyond this timeframe, while it might still be edible, the texture and freshness could start to diminish, so it’s best enjoyed within this period.

Reheating Options: There are several convenient ways to bring your leftover buffalo chicken dip back to its creamy, hot glory:

• Microwave: For individual servings or smaller quantities, the microwave is undoubtedly your quickest and easiest option. Place the desired amount of dip in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in 30-60 second intervals. Be sure to stir well after each interval to ensure even heating and to restore its creamy texture. Continue until it’s heated through and bubbling.
• Stovetop: For larger quantities of leftovers, transfer the dip to a heavy-bottomed saucepan or pot over low heat on your stovetop. Stir frequently to prevent any sticking or scorching at the bottom and to ensure even heating until it’s hot and bubbling throughout. If the dip appears too thick after refrigeration, you might need to add a small splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up and restore its desired consistency.
• Crockpot: If you have a substantial amount of leftovers and wish to keep them warm for another gathering, or simply prefer a hands-off reheating method, you can gently reheat the dip in a crockpot. Set it to the “Low” setting for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until it’s hot and creamy again. Once thoroughly heated, you can switch the crockpot to the “Warm” setting for serving.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to a moderate 300°F (150°C). Place the leftover dip in an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with aluminum foil (this helps to prevent it from drying out on top), and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until it is completely heated through to the center. For a slightly bubbly top, you can remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of heating.

With proper care and reheating, your leftover Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip will be almost as delicious and satisfying as when it was first made!

More Irresistible Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re now a fan of this amazingly easy and delicious Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip, you’re absolutely sure to love these other fantastic appetizer ideas that are perfect for parties, game days, or simply as a delightful snack:

• Totchos: Crispy Tater Tot Nachos
• Baked Mexican Cheese Dip: A Cheesy, Zesty Delight
• Crockpot Queso (A consistently creamy and cheesy favorite that’s effortlessly made!)
• BLT Dip: All the Irresistible Flavors of a Classic Sandwich, in a Dip!
• Copycat Crazy Bread: Cheesy Garlic Bread Perfection You Can Make at Home
• Artichoke Jalapeno Dip: Creamy, Tangy, and with a Perfect Spicy Kick

5 from 2 votes

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

By

Erin Sellin

This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a game day essential, delivering creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness faster than ever. It’s the ultimate party appetizer!

Prep:

10 minutes
mins

Cook:

25 minutes
mins

Additional Time:

15 minutes
mins

Total:

50 minutes
mins

Servings:
8

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Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1.5
  pounds
  
  boneless skinless chicken breasts
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  cup
  
  buffalo sauce
  
  (Frank’s Red Hot recommended)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  cup
  full-fat ranch dressing

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  cups
  
  shredded cheddar cheese
  
  (preferably freshly shredded from a block)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  8
  oz
  
  cream cheese
  ,
  cut into cubes (must be full-fat for best results)

Instructions

• First, pour the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing into the base of your Instant Pot and stir them together. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Secure the lid, set the steam release valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 13 minutes. For frozen chicken, increase the cook time to 19-21 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to naturally release for 4 minutes, then perform a quick release to finish.
  1 cup buffalo sauce,
  1/2 cup ranch dressing,
  1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Carefully remove the perfectly cooked chicken from the Instant Pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken to your desired consistency. Set the shredded chicken aside temporarily.
• To the flavorful sauce remaining in the Instant Pot, add the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously as the residual heat from the pot begins to melt the cheeses into the sauce. Once they start to melt and combine, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Continue stirring until the mixture is mostly melted and well combined with the chicken and sauce.
  2 cups shredded cheddar cheese,
  8 oz cream cheese
• For the final warming and perfect consistency, place the lid back on the Instant Pot (do not seal it for pressure). Select the “Warm” setting, or gently use the “Sauté” function on low for 5-10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. Continue until the dip is completely melted, smooth, and bubbling hot. Once everything is thoroughly melted and well combined, your creamy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is ready to serve immediately with your favorite dippers!

Notes

Alternative Warming Options for Serving:

Crockpot – If you need to keep the dip warm for an extended period, or prefer to serve it from a slow cooker for portability, transfer all the mixed ingredients from the Instant Pot to your crockpot. Set it to “Low” for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until hot and fully combined. Then switch to “Warm” for the duration of your event. This is an excellent option for parties and potlucks.

Oven – For a classic, golden, and bubbly top, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Mix in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping) and all other ingredients as suggested in the main recipe. Transfer the prepared dip to an oven-safe baking dish, then evenly top with the reserved 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the dip is piping hot, visibly bubbly, and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and lightly golden-brown. Serve without delay for the best experience.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
g

|

Calories:
421
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
4
g

|

Protein:
35
g

|

Fat:
29
g

|

Saturated Fat:
13
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
13
g

|

Cholesterol:
133
mg

|

Sodium:
1225
mg

|

Sugar:
2
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only. Individual results may vary.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

10 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes
minutes

Additional Time:

15 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes
minutes

Course:
Appetizer Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
8

Calories:
421

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