Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip: Your Go-To Party Appetizer (Gluten-Free & Keto Options!)
Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both quick to prepare and incredibly delicious? This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is your answer! It’s wonderfully creamy, packed with savory chicken and spicy buffalo flavor, making it perfect for game days, holidays, or any casual gathering. The best part? It can effortlessly be adapted to be gluten-free and keto-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy this irresistible dish.
I’ll be honest, my interest in football usually peaks around the Super Bowl — mostly because it’s an excellent excuse to whip up an array of mouth-watering party foods! And when it comes to game day snacks, few things hit the spot quite like a warm, cheesy dip. This Buffalo chicken dip, made effortlessly in your Instant Pot, is a true MVP in the snack lineup.
Using the Instant Pot makes this a super quick and fuss-free recipe, freeing up your oven for other delectable dishes, like these Chocolate Football Cupcakes or a batch of crispy wings. Imagine succulent chicken bathed in tangy hot sauce, melded with rich cream cheese and a blend of other savory cheeses – it’s a flavor combination that’s truly hard to resist!
At its core, this dip celebrates a harmonious blend of spicy hot sauce, tender chicken, and various cheeses. What’s not to love about that classic combination? Of course, if you’re seeking a much healthier alternative to this decadent treat, you might enjoy my Buffalo White Bean Quinoa Bites or check out this fantastic Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip for a lighter take.
Choosing Your Ranch Flavor: Seasoning Mix vs. Homemade Blend
This recipe suggests using a ranch seasoning mix, which provides that signature zesty and herby flavor that pairs so perfectly with buffalo sauce. You can certainly opt for a store-bought mix for convenience. However, if you prefer to make your own or don’t have a store-bought version on hand, a simple yet delicious alternative is to use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder combined with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes. This homemade blend captures the essence of ranch, providing a wonderful depth of flavor without requiring you to buy a special mix or having a long list of ingredients. Rest assured, the garlic and parsley combination is incredibly tasty, so there’s no need to feel like you’re missing out. Just don’t skip the seasoning entirely, as the dip truly needs that little something extra to elevate its taste!
If you’re a devoted ranch fan and want to explore more options, you might also like this amazing-looking Vegan Ranch Dip, which caters to dairy-free diets.
Perfecting Your Chicken for the Dip
For this recipe, we typically use boneless, skinless chicken breast, which cooks up tender and shreds beautifully in the Instant Pot. However, flexibility is key in the kitchen! If you happen to have leftover rotisserie chicken, it’s an excellent substitute that saves you even more time. If using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can skip step 9 of the instructions, where you combine all the ingredients together in the Instant Pot, as the chicken will already be cooked and shredded. Simply shred your rotisserie chicken and incorporate it with the other ingredients at the appropriate stage. Rotisserie chicken is so versatile; these Buffalo Chicken Sliders also make excellent use of it if you’re craving another fantastic buffalo chicken dish! For those looking for a different spin on buffalo chicken, these Buffalo Chicken Burgers are also worth a try.
Selecting the Right Hot Sauce
The star of any buffalo-flavored dish is, of course, the hot sauce! I personally love using Frank’s Red Hot Sauce for its classic cayenne pepper flavor and balanced heat, which is what gives this dip its authentic buffalo taste. However, don’t feel limited – you can certainly use your favorite brand of hot sauce. The key is to choose one you enjoy and that complements the creamy, cheesy base. If you need this dip to be gluten-free, keto, or adhere to other specific dietary requirements, be sure to double-check the ingredient list of your chosen hot sauce to ensure it’s compliant. Most traditional cayenne pepper sauces are naturally low-carb and gluten-free, but it’s always wise to confirm.
The Role of Flour (and How to Go Keto/Gluten-Free)
This recipe includes an optional 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Its purpose is to help thicken the dip, giving it a wonderfully rich and substantial texture. If you decide to omit the flour (and choose a keto-friendly ranch seasoning option like the garlic and parsley blend, along with a compliant hot sauce like Frank’s Red Hot Sauce), then this recipe seamlessly becomes keto and grain-free! Keep in mind that if you leave out the flour, the dip will naturally be thinner than what you see in the accompanying photos. The images aim to capture its delightful creaminess, but without flour, it will still be incredibly flavorful, just with a slightly looser consistency.
For those who need a gluten-free option but still desire that thick texture, I recommend trying a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. While I haven’t personally tested various alternatives, a good quality 1:1 blend is generally formulated to perform similarly to wheat flour in many recipes, making it a promising choice for achieving your desired thickness while staying gluten-free.
Cheesy Perfection: The Heart of Your Dip
The cheese blend is undeniably one of the most important components of this Buffalo chicken dip, contributing to its luscious texture and rich flavor. While you can certainly experiment with your favorite cheese combinations, I highly recommend using a mix of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar. Monterey Jack offers incredible meltability and a mild, buttery flavor, while cheddar brings a sharp, savory bite that perfectly complements the buffalo spice. Together, they create a balanced and irresistibly gooey dip that’s hard to beat! Mozzarella is another excellent choice if you’re looking for an impressive “cheese pull” factor, making each scoop extra satisfying.
Blue cheese crumbles are a classic addition to buffalo dishes, and for good reason—their pungent, tangy flavor provides a wonderful contrast to the spicy sauce and creamy base. While I’ve included it as an optional ingredient, I know many people aren’t fans of blue cheese. The good news is that this dip is absolutely fantastic even without it, so don’t feel pressured to include it or find a substitute if it’s not to your taste. Your dip will still be bursting with flavor!
For those following a dairy-free diet, unfortunately, this particular recipe relies heavily on dairy for its core texture and flavor, so I wouldn’t recommend trying to adapt it. Instead, you might enjoy exploring other delicious options like this fantastic-looking dairy-free 7-layer dip.
A Brief History: What Exactly is Buffalo Chicken?
The iconic status of Buffalo chicken wings as a beloved bar snack and football fan favorite has been firmly established since the 1980s. But where did this spicy sensation come from? Its fascinating, albeit relatively short, history consistently points back to one specific place: Buffalo, New York.
Nestled at the intersection of Main and North streets in Buffalo stands the Anchor Bar, widely credited as the first documented origin of what would become the world-famous Buffalo chicken wing. The story goes that in 1964, co-owner Teressa Bellissimo found herself needing a late-night snack for her son and his friends. With some leftover chicken wings on hand, she ingeniously deep-fried them and then tossed them in a rich, buttery, and spicy cayenne pepper sauce. The result was an instant hit, quickly earning a permanent spot on the restaurant’s menu the very next day.
While some family members recount slightly different origin stories, they all converge on the same delicious outcome: a spicy appetizer that would soon ignite taste buds across the country, becoming synonymous with casual dining, cold beer, and thrilling football games. However it came to be, we are all undoubtedly grateful for its invention! It gives us a fantastic reason to gather, share a bite, and cheer as if we’re all huddled together at our favorite bar. As the Anchor Bar proudly states on its website, “This year we pledge to have more fun!” And what better way to do that than with a delicious, easy-to-make Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers. Classic choices include crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy dip. Tortilla chips are always a hit, providing a salty crunch, while toasted baguette slices or sturdy crackers offer a more elegant option. Feel free to set out a platter of all these choices to let your guests pick their favorites!
Once prepared, the dip can be kept warm using the “Keep Warm” setting on your Instant Pot for up to an hour, ensuring it stays perfectly dippable throughout your gathering. If you have any leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
More Game Day Favorites!
So, what delicious dishes are you planning for your next game day or party? I’d absolutely love to hear about your go-to favorites in the comments below! If you’re looking for more inspiration, here are a few of my other fantastic ideas:
- Flavorful Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe
- Delicious Paleo Chicken Meatballs
- Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries
And if you’re still in the mood for more buffalo-flavored goodness beyond this dip, be sure to try these incredibly satisfying Buffalo Tater Tots!
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup your favorite hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s Red Hot)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (or cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken)
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix OR 1 teaspoon garlic powder + 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- up to ¼ cup all-purpose flour, optional (use gluten-free 1:1 blend for GF, omit for keto)
For topping (optional):
- 1 cup extra shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- fresh parsley or sliced green onions
Instructions
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Begin by turning on your Instant Pot to the Saute function on normal heat.
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Add the butter to the pot and stir it until it has completely melted.
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Stir in your preferred hot sauce, ensuring it combines well with the melted butter.
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Add the boneless, skinless chicken breast to the pot. Stir to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated in the hot sauce mixture, then sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the top.
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Securely place the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the sealing valve is in the “Sealing” position.
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Cook for 12 minutes using the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) setting on High pressure.
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Once the cooking cycle is complete and the timer goes off, perform a manual (quick) release by carefully switching the valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the steam and any potential splatter.
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Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it into small, bite-sized pieces using two forks.
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Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot. Add the softened cream cheese cubes, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and optional blue cheese crumbles to the pot.
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Turn on the “Saute” function again on normal heat and stir constantly until all the cheeses have fully melted and the dip is smooth and creamy.
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If you prefer your dip to be extra thick and creamy, gradually add up to 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend for GF). Continue to stir for about 3-5 minutes, or until the dip reaches your desired thickened consistency.
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For an extra cheesy top, sprinkle an additional cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the dip. Close the lid (valve still on venting) and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) for 2 minutes on High pressure. Once done, do a manual release of the pressure.
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Garnish your Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions, if desired, for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
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Serve immediately with your favorite dippers like crackers, tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh crudités (celery, carrots). The dip can be kept warm using the “Keep Warm” setting on the Instant Pot for up to one hour. Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.