Whether or not it’s safe to eat buffalo chicken dip after 6 days depends on several factors. When storing leftovers, it’s important to follow proper food safety guidelines to prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illness. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at buffalo chicken dip, food safety timelines, and best practices for storing and reheating this tasty appetizer.
What is Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Buffalo chicken dip is a popular appetizer made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, and shredded cheese. It has a spicy, tangy flavor similar to Buffalo chicken wings. The cream cheese and ranch give it a rich, creamy texture.
Traditional recipes call for mixing the ingredients together and baking until hot and bubbly. The dip is usually served warm with tortilla chips or crackers for dipping. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for later use.
How Long Does Buffalo Chicken Dip Last in the Fridge?
The shelf life of buffalo chicken dip depends on the ingredients used and how it was stored. Here are some general guidelines for fridge storage time:
- Cooked chicken – 3-4 days
- Cream cheese – 1-2 weeks past sell-by date
- Ranch dressing – 7-10 days past sell-by date
- Shredded cheese – 1-2 weeks
Since buffalo chicken dip contains a mix of perishable dairy and cooked meat, it’s best to eat it within 3-4 days for peak freshness. The dip may last up to a week in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container, but quality declines over time.
Proper Food Storage
To maximize the shelf life of buffalo chicken dip, it’s important to store it correctly. Follow these tips:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave dip at room temperature longer than this.
- Store in an airtight container. This prevents drying out and cross-contamination.
- Ensure the fridge temperature is below 40°F. Colder temperatures slow bacterial growth.
- Use clean utensils to serve. Don’t double dip with already used utensils.
- Mark the container with the date. Use older leftovers first.
How to Tell if Dip is Bad
As buffalo chicken dip sits in the fridge, it can develop signs of spoilage. Check for these red flags before eating:
- Mold growth – Mold begins growing after about 7-10 days. It may appear fuzzy or discolored.
- Curdling – The dip separates and becomes lumpy or curdled.
- Off odor – An unpleasant sour or rotten smell indicates spoilage.
- Change in color – Grayish or dull colors signal the dip is past its prime.
If you notice any of these changes, it’s best to discard the dip. Consuming spoiled food can cause unpleasant symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Reheating and Food Safety
Properly reheating buffalo chicken dip helps destroy any bacteria that may have multiplied during storage. Follow these recommendations when reheating:
- Reheat to 165°F throughout. Use a food thermometer to verify the internal temperature.
- Bring dip to a rolling boil if reheating on the stovetop.
- Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
- Don’t microwave more than 2 minutes at a time to prevent hot spots.
- Discard any dip that smells or looks abnormal after reheating.
You can only reheat buffalo chicken dip once. Any leftovers should be discarded after reheating.
How Long is Buffalo Chicken Dip Good For?
| Storage Time | Refrigerator (40°F or below) | Freezer (0°F or below) |
|---|---|---|
| Freshly made | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| After reheating | Discard leftovers | Don’t refreeze |
As shown in the table, buffalo chicken dip lasts about 3-4 days after initially making it if kept refrigerated at 40°F or colder. It can be frozen for 2-3 months for longer term storage. However, the texture may suffer after thawing.
After reheating, it’s best to discard any leftovers. Bacteria can multiply rapidly if the dip cools down and is then reheated again. Only reheat once for food safety.
Can I Eat 6-Day Old Buffalo Chicken Dip?
So can you eat buffalo chicken dip after 6 days in the fridge? It’s generally risky to eat it past the recommended 3-4 day timeframe. However, you may be able to extend the shelf life to 6 days if these ideal storage conditions are met:
- Prepared and stored properly within 2 hours of cooking
- Stored in airtight container in fridge at 40°F or below
- No signs of spoilage like mold, curdling, or off smells
- Reheated to 165°F until hot throughout before eating
The dip may last up to a week before noticeable deterioration in quality occurs. But keep in mind, home refrigerators often fluctuate in temperature, allowing more bacterial growth. If in doubt, it’s safer to toss it out.
Other Tips for Enjoying Leftovers
Here are some other pointers for safely enjoying buffalo chicken dip leftovers:
- Add fresh shredded cheese on top before reheating for better texture.
- Stir in extra ranch or hot sauce to moisten up dried out dip.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs before reheating for a crunchy crust.
- Try mixing in additional chicken, beans, or veggies to freshen up the flavor.
- Freeze in single serving sizes to grab and reheat as needed.
The Bottom Line
Buffalo chicken dip should be consumed within 3-4 days for the best quality and food safety. Storing it correctly in the fridge and reheating thoroughly before eating can extend the shelf life to up to 6 days. However, it’s best to discard any leftovers after reheating to prevent illness from bacteria growth over time. With proper food handling, you can safely enjoy every last bit of this crowd-pleasing appetizer.