• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Everyday Homemade

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Spring
  • Appetizers
  • Main Dishes
  • Side Dishes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • Spring
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Blog » Guides & How-Tos

    Published: Oct 27, 2022 · Modified: Feb 23, 2023 by Ashley Petrie · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Can You Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip? A Complete Guide

    Can you freeze buffalo chicken dip? Whether you're trying to plan ahead or you've found yourself with a bunch of leftovers, this article will cover everything you need to know about freezing buffalo chicken dip.

    A skillet filled with buffalo chicken dip. Text overlaid on top of the image reads "Can you freeze buffalo chicken dip? A complete guide to freezing homemade buffalo chicken dip."

    Not many appetizers are as loved as buffalo chicken dip.

    Inspired by buffalo chicken wings, this spicy chicken dip is often made with cream cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, buffalo wing sauce, shredded chicken, and blue cheese crumbles or cheddar cheese. It's creamy, cheesy, and satisfying with just the right amount of heat.

    Buffalo chicken dip is typically served warm with chips, bread, and vegetables for dipping.

    So, if you're making buffalo chicken dip for an upcoming party and you're wondering if you can freeze it, you're in luck! You can easily freeze buffalo chicken dip both before and after baking. Keep reading to learn all about making, storing, freezing, and reheating buffalo chicken dip.

    Some links throughout this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you’re willing to use them, it helps fund this site and allows me to continue to provide content. I appreciate your support!

    Table of Contents -
    My Favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipes
    How Long Does Buffalo Chicken Dip Last?
    Room Temperature
    Refrigerator
    Freezer
    Can You Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?
    Benefits of Freezing Buffalo Chicken Dip
    How to Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip
    Freeze Before Cooking
    Freeze After Cooking
    Tips for Freezing Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip
    How to Thaw Frozen Buffalo Chicken Dip
    How to Reheat Buffalo Chicken Dip
    Oven/Toaster Oven
    Stovetop
    Microwave
    Slow Cooker
    Can You Refreeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?
    How to Tell if Buffalo Chicken Dip Has Gone Bad?
    What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Dip?
    How to Use Up Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Conclusion
    Let's Connect!
    Related Articles

    My Favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipes

    My go-to healthy appetizer recipe for any party is this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip. For a vegetarian version, try this White Bean Buffalo Dip recipe.

    A large silver spoon scooping some buffalo chicken dip out of a cast iron skillet.
    Greek Yogurt Buffalo Chicken Dip

    How Long Does Buffalo Chicken Dip Last?

    Buffalo chicken dip can be stored anywhere from a couple of hours at room temperature to several months in the freezer. Here is everything you need to know about storing buffalo chicken dip.

    Room Temperature

    When serving buffalo chicken dip at a party or cookout, it often gets left out at room temperature for guests to enjoy.

    Keep in mind, however, that perishable foods should not be stored at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. This food safety rule helps prevent harmful bacterial growth, which could make people sick.

    If you're worried about the dip sitting out too long, try storing half of it in the refrigerator and reheating it as you need more. Or keep the whole dish warm in a crock pot set to low.

    Refrigerator

    Buffalo chicken dip will stay good in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

    To store, wrap the whole casserole dish tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooling. Alternatively, transfer the dip to an airtight container for storage.

    Freezer

    Freezing buffalo chicken dip is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of this popular party food. You can store buffalo chicken dip in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Allow the dip to cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe plastic bag or container. If you want to freeze the dip in a casserole dish, double-wrap the dish in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

    Can You Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?

    Yes, you can absolutely freeze buffalo chicken dip. Freezing buffalo chicken dip is a great way to get ahead on party prep or to save any leftovers you won't be able to eat within a few days.

    Benefits of Freezing Buffalo Chicken Dip

    • Perfect for Last-Minute Parties- If you're the type of person to throw last-minute get-togethers, having frozen buffalo chicken dip on hand can be perfect for entertaining. No worrying about running to the grocery store. Just pop your buffalo chicken dip in the oven and you're good to go!
    • Making Ahead- Were you volunteered to make an appetizer for a friend's party, but you're working the night before? No problem! You can easily make buffalo chicken dip weeks in advance and throw it in the freezer until you need it.
    • Save Time- If you have a mile-long list of things to do before guests arrive, save time by preparing the buffalo chicken dip ahead. That's one less thing to worry about.
    • Longer Shelf Life- Leftover buffalo chicken dip only lasts a few days in the refrigerator. But, there's no need to stress over trying to eat it all. Store the leftovers in the freezer and have yourself a little party whenever the mood strikes.

    How to Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip

    One of the best things about freezing buffalo chicken dip is that you can do it either before or after cooking the dip. Generally, you should freeze it before cooking if you're planning ahead for a party. Or after cooking when you have lots of leftovers.

    The number one enemy of buffalo chicken dip in the freezer is air. Cold, dry air can lead to freezer burn, which is something we don't want to happen to our delicious dip.

    Follow these steps to prevent freezer burn and to maintain the optimum quality of your buffalo chicken dip in the freezer.

    Freeze Before Cooking

    Step 1: Make the recipe. Prepare the buffalo chicken dip according to your favorite recipe. Stop before the step instructing you to heat the dip.

    Step 2: Transfer. Transfer the buffalo chicken dip mixture to an airtight, freezer-safe container or plastic bag. You can also store it in the baking dish you intend to cook it in, as long as the dish is freezer-friendly.

    Step 3: Wrap the buffalo chicken dip. If using a casserole or baking dish to store your buffalo chicken dip, you'll want to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. I recommend wrapping the dish first with freezer-grade plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil.

    Step 4: Date and freeze. Date and label the buffalo chicken dip so that you remember what it is and when you need to use it by. Then, store the dip in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    When you're ready to cook the buffalo chicken dip, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw. Then, follow the heating instructions for the recipe that you used.

    A glass mixing bowl filled with Greek yogurt buffalo chicken dip.

    Freeze After Cooking

    Step 1: Make the recipe. Prepare the buffalo chicken dip according to your favorite recipe. Complete all the steps, including heating up the dip.

    Step 2: Cool the dip. Allow the dip to cool completely before storing. This prevents steam from turning into ice crystals, which can degrade the quality of the dip.

    Step 3: Transfer. Once the dip has cooled, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or plastic bag. If storing directly in the casserole dish, double wrap the casserole dish with freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil to help prevent freezer burn.

    Step 4: Date and freeze. Label and date the buffalo chicken dip. Previously heated buffalo chicken dip can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Tips for Freezing Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip

    • Cool Completely- If you're freezing leftover dip that has already been heated, it's important to allow it to cool completely before storing. Covering warm dip with a lid or plastic wrap will lead to steam and condensation forming on top of the food. That condensation will turn into ice crystals that ultimately degrade the quality of the dip.
    • Freeze Quickly- If you know you won't be able to finish the leftovers before they go bad, it's best to freeze the buffalo chicken dip right away. The sooner you freeze the dip, the higher quality it will retain throughout the freezing process.
    • Portion Out- I'm a big fan of freezing food in individual portions. Portioning out food helps reduce waste because you're only heating up what you can eat in one sitting.
    • Double Wrap- When it comes to freezing food, air is the enemy. Double wrapping the buffalo chicken dip limits the amount of cold air it is exposed to, which helps prevent freezer burn.
    • Don't Forget the Date- Always label and date anything you freeze. Labeling helps you remember what the food is and how long it is good for. I can't tell you how many times I forgot to label something and then have no idea what it is.

    How to Thaw Frozen Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Whether you froze your buffalo chicken dip before or after baking, the best way to thaw it is in the refrigerator overnight.

    Since buffalo chicken dip is made with lots of dairy products, allowing it to slowly thaw in the refrigerator helps stop the ingredients from separating. Additionally, if you stored the dip in a glass baking dish, thawing it slowly will prevent extreme temperature fluctuations that could lead to the dish cracking or breaking.

    Once the dip has thawed, stir it thoroughly before heating to incorporate any liquids that have separated out.

    A cast iron skillet filled with healthy buffalo chicken dip. The dip is topped with extra hot sauce and green onions.

    How to Reheat Buffalo Chicken Dip

    If you froze your buffalo chicken dip before baking, thaw the dip and follow the instructions in the recipe you used. For cooked buffalo chicken dip, thaw the dip in the refrigerator overnight, stir thoroughly, and then follow one of these methods for reheating.

    Oven/Toaster Oven

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the leftover buffalo chicken dip in an oven-safe baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbling and warmed through.

    If the dip seems dry prior to baking, add a tablespoon or two of water and stir vigorously to incorporate.

    Stovetop

    Add the buffalo dip to a small saucepan and warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. If the dip seems a little dry, add a splash of water to help loosen it up.

    Microwave

    The microwave is a great way to reheat small portions of leftover buffalo chicken dip.

    Place the buffalo chicken dip in a microwave-safe bowl, adding a splash of water to loosen if it seems thick. Microwave the dip on high in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until fully heated through. Depending on the portion size, this could take about 1-2 minutes in total.

    Slow Cooker

    Reheating food in a slow cooker or crockpot is not recommended.

    Slow cookers take too long to heat up leftovers, leaving them in the temperature “danger zone” for longer than they should be.

    To serve leftover buffalo chicken dip in the crockpot, reheat it using another method first. Then, add it to a slow cooker to keep it warm.

    Can You Refreeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?

    Refreezing buffalo chicken dip is not recommended.

    Dairy is sensitive to freezing and can easily separate if not handled carefully. Continuously freezing, thawing, and refreezing buffalo chicken dip will lead to significantly reduced quality.

    If you're worried you won't be able to eat it all in one sitting, freezing the dip in individual portions can be helpful.

    How to Tell if Buffalo Chicken Dip Has Gone Bad?

    Buffalo chicken dip is made with several ingredients that are highly perishable. Cooked chicken and dairy are notoriously susceptible to turning bad quite quickly.

    Here are a few ways you can tell if your buffalo chicken dip has spoiled:

    • Mold- Of course, if you see visible signs of mold, throw the dip out. Mold is a clear indication the dip is no longer good to eat.
    • Sour Taste- If the dip looks okay, but tastes overly sour, this is another sign you shouldn't keep eating it. Dairy products tend to take on a pronounced sour flavor when they're past their prime.
    • Odor- If the dip smells sour or just plain funky, get rid of it. A bad smell means a bad dip.
    • Discoloration- Another sign that your buffalo chicken dip is bad is discoloration. If your dip has dulled in color or appears gray, toss it.
    • Dry or Separation- While not necessarily a sign of spoilage, a dip that has dried out or completely separated probably isn't very enjoyable to eat.

    What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Dip?

    • Tortilla Chips or Corn Chips
    • Pita Chips or Bread
    • Pretzels
    • Baguette
    • Whole Grain Crackers
    • Breadsticks or Garlic Bread
    • Celery
    • Carrots
    • Bell Pepper Strips
    • Snap Peas
    • Cucumber Slices
    A small white plate with a scoop of white bean buffalo dip and some tortilla chips on it. Out of focus in the background is a red cast iron skillet with the remaining dip in it.

    How to Use Up Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip

    • Topping for Baked Potatoes or Nachos
    • Mixed into Macaroni and Cheese, Pasta, or Rice
    • Loaded French Fries
    • Buffalo Chicken Pizza
    • Egg Roll Filling
    • Buffalo Chicken Panini, Sandwich, or Quesadilla
    • Stuffed Bell Peppers or Zucchini

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is buffalo chicken dip spicy?

    This depends on your tolerance for spicy foods. Often, buffalo chicken dip is made with a buffalo sauce like Frank's Red Hot Sauce. Louisiana-style hot sauces are generally pretty low on the heat scale. For example, Frank's Red Hot Sauce is only 450 SHUs. Compare that to a jalapeño pepper, which is 2,500 to 8,000 SHUs. Plus, the dairy ingredients in the dip also help to dampen the heat level.

    Can you eat buffalo chicken dip cold?

    Technically, you can eat buffalo chicken dip cold. But, it's not very enjoyable. Buffalo chicken dip is heavily dairy-based. Dairy ingredients are more solid when cold so, the dip is thick and crumbly. When heated, the dairy ingredients melt and soften, which is much more enjoyable to eat.

    What is the best way to store buffalo chicken dip?

    If you're planning on eating it within 5 days, keep the dip in the refrigerator. Otherwise, freezing buffalo chicken dip is an excellent long-term storage solution.

    Conclusion

    To wrap up, freezing buffalo chicken dip is a great way to save leftovers or to plan ahead for your next game day party. With a little preparation, you can easily store buffalo chicken dip in the freezer without sacrificing quality.

    Let's Connect!

    Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. You can also connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or via email at [email protected].

    Related Articles

    • Can You Freeze Cornbread?
    • Can You Freeze Goat Cheese?
    • Can You Freeze Sourdough Bread?

    More Guides & How-Tos

    • Slices of sourdough bread on a cutting board. Text on top of the image reads "Can you freeze sourdough bread? A complete guide to freezing homemade sourdough bread."
      Can You Freeze Sourdough Bread? A Complete Guide
    • Goat cheese and crackers on a cheese board. Text overlaid on the image reads "can you freeze goat cheese? A complete guide to freezing goat cheese."
      Can You Freeze Goat Cheese? An Easy Step-by-Step Guide
    • A whole calzone on a wooden pizza peel. Text overlaid on the image reads "How to Reheat Calzone: 6 Tested Methods for Reheating Calzone."
      How to Reheat Calzone (6 Methods Tested)
    • Hands holding a gift wrapped in red wrapping paper. Text on top of the image reads "27 Holiday Gifts for Home Cooks: My 27 favorite kitchen cookware, tools, and appliances for the everyday home cook."
      27 Holiday Gifts for Home Cooks

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Ashley sitting outside smiling at the camera.

    Hi, I'm Ashley!

    Welcome to Everyday Homemade, where you'll find scratch-made, comfort food recipes that will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.

    More about me

    Follow @enwnutrition on Instagram

    Trending Recipes

    • Dutch oven corned beef and cabbage on a white dinner plate.
      Best Dutch Oven Corned Beef and Cabbage
    • A loaf of sourdough Irish soda bread on a sheet of parchment paper.
      Easy Sourdough Irish Soda Bread
    • A slice of dutch oven chicken pot pie on a white plate. There is a fork in the slice of chicken pot pie as if someone is about to take a bite. The pie is garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
      One-Pot Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie (Single Crust)
    • Two stuffed peppers without tomato sauce on a small white plate.
      Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers (Without Tomato Sauce)

    What's In Season?

    • A bowl of creamy broccoli asparagus soup drizzled with cream.
      Creamy Broccoli Asparagus Soup (10 Ingredients!)
    • Slices of dry brined roasted chicken on a dinner plate with sides.
      Roasted Lemon-Garlic Dry Brined Chicken
    • Roasted carrots and asparagus on a small white plate.
      Roasted Carrots and Asparagus (Easy 30-Minute Recipe)
    • A bowl filled with lemon dill hummus topped with extra virgin olive oil and fresh dill. The bowl is surrounded by carrots, celery, and wheat crackers.
      Easy Homemade Lemon Dill Hummus (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
    ALL RECIPES

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Legal

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Affiliate Disclosure

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Web Stories

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Everyday Homemade

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Email
    • Print