If you’re a fan of bold, zesty flavors and effortless entertaining, this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is about to become your new go-to appetizer. Creamy, spicy, and packed with juicy shredded chicken and gooey cheese, this dip comes together in just 30 minutes with almost zero hassle. Whether you’re hosting a game day bash, need a crowd-pleasing party snack, or just want a comforting treat, this dip is guaranteed to be the star of the table. Trust me, once you scoop into this cheesy, tangy delight, you’ll understand why this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is a must-make for every occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity: each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to deliver maximum flavor, creaminess, and that irresistible orange hue. Don’t skip or swap unless you have to, because every component really does add something special!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The backbone of the dip—these cook up perfectly tender in the Instant Pot and shred easily.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Delivers that iconic spicy-tangy kick that makes this dip truly addictive.
- Water: Helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps it juicy without diluting the flavors.
- Cream cheese (cubed): The secret to a luscious, creamy texture that binds everything together.
- Ranch dressing: Adds cool, herby richness to balance the spice—feel free to sub in blue cheese dressing if that’s your style!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Gives the dip its classic sharp, melty, cheesy bite and gorgeous color.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds extra gooeyness and that irresistible cheese pull.
- Garlic powder: A little savory magic to deepen all the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for rounding out all the bold flavors—season to taste.
- Chopped green onions (optional): The perfect fresh, colorful finish for a bit of crunch and pop.
How to Make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts, buffalo wing sauce, and water directly into your Instant Pot. Give everything a quick toss to coat the chicken well. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual or Pressure Cook (high) for 15 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with spicy, tangy flavor and makes it perfectly juicy for shredding.
Step 2: Natural Release and Shred
Once the timer goes off, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes—this keeps the chicken tender and succulent. Then carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them right away using two forks. The chicken should fall apart effortlessly!
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Switch the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Now, add the cubed cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the cheeses melt and the dip becomes irresistibly creamy and smooth, about 5 minutes. Don’t walk away—keep stirring so it doesn’t stick!
Step 4: Keep Warm and Serve
Cancel the Sauté mode and switch to Keep Warm if you’re not serving right away. This keeps the dip perfectly hot and scoopable. Just before serving, sprinkle the top with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color. Get your dippers ready—it’s time to dig in!
How to Serve Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped green onions brightens up the dip and adds a bit of crunch. If you love extra heat, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles really take things over the top. For a party-worthy finish, arrange extra cheddar or mozzarella on top and broil for a minute until bubbly and golden.
Side Dishes
This dip is famously versatile when it comes to dippers! Classic tortilla chips, sturdy crackers, celery sticks, carrot sticks, and slices of crusty bread are all fantastic choices. For a lower-carb option, try serving with sliced bell peppers or cucumber rounds. Honestly, just about anything is delicious when dunked into this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe!
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Hollow out a round bread loaf and pour the dip right in for an edible bowl. Or scoop the dip into individual ramekins for easy serving at parties. For casual gatherings, just keep it in the Instant Pot on warm and let everyone help themselves. Don’t forget a pile of napkins—things are about to get delightfully messy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they meld together, making it a delicious snack even days later!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dip! Let it cool completely, then spoon into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Warm the dip gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. If it seems a little thick, add a splash of milk or extra ranch to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Simply skip the pressure cooking step and stir in shredded rotisserie chicken with the other ingredients on Sauté mode until fully heated and creamy. It’s a great shortcut when you’re in a rush.
Is this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, the recipe is gluten-free—just make sure your buffalo sauce and ranch dressing are certified gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free dippers like veggies or GF crackers to keep it safe for everyone.
How do I make it spicier?
If you crave extra heat, simply add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce during the mixing step, or use an extra-hot buffalo sauce. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mix!
Can I double this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe?
You sure can! Double all the ingredients and the cook time remains the same. Just be sure not to fill your Instant Pot past the max fill line for safe cooking.
What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
Blue cheese dressing is a classic swap for ranch if you want a punchier, tangier flavor. You can also use a homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing for a personal twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bold, creamy, and almost effortless, the Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is your answer. It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering—so scoop, dip, and enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out in your kitchen.
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Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy appetizer perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Made with shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, it’s simple to prepare and packed with bold flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Dip Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Pressure Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts, buffalo wing sauce, and water into the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and set to Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 15 minutes.
- Release Pressure and Shred Chicken: Once the cook time ends, allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Combine Ingredients: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously.
- Melt and Mix: Stir the mixture for about 5 minutes until all the cheeses are melted and the dip is creamy and well combined.
- Keep Warm and Serve: Cancel the Sauté mode to keep the dip warm. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite dippers like tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Substitute blue cheese dressing for ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.
- For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce when mixing the dip ingredients.
- Best served warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
