Hooters Buffalo Chicken Dip

Hooters built its reputation on wings, and the Buffalo flavor is the one people order without looking at the menu. This copycat dip takes that same Hooters wing sauce and melts it into cream cheese, Cheddar, ranch dressing, and chopped cooked chicken. The dairy tames the sauce’s vinegar heat without burying it, so the Buffalo flavor comes through as flavor rather than a burn. It comes together on the stovetop in about 15 minutes, which is less time than a television timeout, and it holds in a small slow cooker all afternoon.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Buffalo chicken dip is the flavor of a plate of wings without the bones. Cream cheese and Cheddar carry the sauce, ranch dressing adds the cooling element that usually sits in a cup on the side, and chopped cooked chicken gives it something to chew.

What makes this version a Hooters copycat is the sauce. Hooters bottles the wing sauce it serves in its restaurants, so you can buy the actual thing rather than approximating it. Their Buffalo sauce leans toward the old school end of the spectrum, hot enough to wake up your palate without scorching it, which is exactly what you want in a dip people will eat by the bowlful.

Another thing to know: this is a stovetop dip, not a baked one. Everything goes into one pan over medium heat and gets stirred until the Cheddar melts. There is an oven version further down if you prefer it, but the stovetop route is faster, and there is nothing to preheat.

What Makes Hooters Buffalo Chicken Dip So Good 

Wings have gotten a little out of control, too often pushing the limits regarding heat. Good wings should have just enough spice to kickstart the taste buds without burning them out.

If you are a fan of old-school Buffalo chicken wings, this dip is about to become one of your all-time favorites. But don’t worry if you are not skilled in the kitchen; this dump-and-heat recipe is something anyone can make.

Throw Buffalo Chicken Dip together in less time than the average commercial break, and you won’t miss a minute of the game.  The first time you take a bite of this dip, you will love the flavor and think this is the perfect easy recipe for game night. 

Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients

For this Buffalo Chicken Dip, you’ll need;

• Hooters Buffalo Chicken Sauce 
• Cream cheese 
• Shredded Cheddar cheese 
• Ranch dressing (Hidden Valley Ranch is preferred) 
• Cooked chicken breast, chopped into small pieces 

Ingredient Notes

Hooters Buffalo Wing Sauce is available online and at large grocery chains like Kroger’s and Walmart. You can even use another Buffalo sauce if you prefer. 

This recipe was tested with Hidden Valley Ranch, but your favorite brand should work. You can also use a reduced-fat dressing in this Hooters Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe. 

You can use canned chicken in a pinch, but cooking it fresh or using leftover chicken is best.

If you prefer blue cheese dressing with your Buffalo hot wings, you can substitute it for ranch dressing.

How to Make This Hooters Buffalo Dip Recipe

To prepare Buffalo Chicken Dip with Hooters Wing Sauce Dip:

1. Dice the cold chicken into small pieces. 
2. Put the diced chicken and other ingredients into a large saucepan or skillet. 
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. 
4. While constantly stirring, heat the ingredients just until the shredded cheddar cheese melts.
5. Transfer the hot dip to a serving bowl and serve immediately. To avoid throwing away too much extra food at the end of the party, use a small serving bowl and refill it throughout the night. 

8Keep the dip warm in a small crockpot set on low.

Recipe Variation – Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip

Instead of cooking the dip on the stovetop, you can bake it in the oven. Here’s how:

1. Soften the cream cheese to room temperature.
2. Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and stir until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
4. Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly.

What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Dip

Anything you would eat with wings works here. Put out more dippers than you think you need.

• Celery and carrot sticks: The traditional partners, and the cool crunch is a real relief between bites.
• Tortilla chips: The straightforward choice when the goal is moving as much dip as possible from bowl to mouth.
• Bagel chips and pita chips: Sturdier than tortilla chips and available in several flavors, so they stand up to a thick dip without snapping.
• Toast rounds and crackers: Useful if you are already putting out a cheese board, since they pull double duty.
• Pretzel rods: Salty, sturdy, and no plate required.

For drinks, a cold lager or a light pilsner is the standard for a reason, since carbonation and cold both cut the heat. If you want wine, an off dry Riesling handles capsaicin better than anything dry or tannic will.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Freezer Storage: Not recommended. Cream cheese and shredded Cheddar both separate when frozen and thawed, which leaves the dip grainy with a layer of oil on top that stirring will not fix.

Refrigerator Storage: Store unserved dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let it cool to room temperature first, and do not save dip that has been sitting out on the table for more than 2 hours.

Reheating Method: Warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly so the cheese doesn’t scorch on the bottom. Add a spoonful of ranch or a splash of milk if it has stiffened in the refrigerator.

More cheesy dip recipes

• Chicken Rotel Dip
• Chili Cheese Dip
• Hot Bacon Swiss Dip
• Texas Trash Dip
• Torchy’s Green Chile Queso

Check out more of my easy appetizer and dip recipes to make for any occasion.