Buffalo chicken dip is a creamy, spicy appetizer made with chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, and other ingredients. It’s often served with tortilla chips or celery sticks for dipping. Like many dairy-based dips and spreads, buffalo chicken dip has a relatively short shelf life. So can you safely eat buffalo chicken dip that’s a week old? Let’s take a closer look.
How Long Does Buffalo Chicken Dip Last?
The shelf life of buffalo chicken dip depends on how it was stored and prepared. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), here are some general guidelines for how long buffalo chicken dip will last refrigerated:
- Buffalo chicken dip from the store: 7 days
- Homemade buffalo chicken dip: 3-4 days
- Buffalo chicken dip with sour cream: 3-5 days
So in general, an unopened container of store-bought buffalo chicken dip should be good for about 1 week when properly stored in the refrigerator. Homemade dips and those with sour cream tend to have a shorter shelf life of 3-5 days.
How to Tell if Buffalo Chicken Dip is Bad
Because buffalo chicken dip has a relatively short shelf life, it’s important to check for signs of spoilage before eating dip that’s been in the fridge for a week. Here are some ways to tell if buffalo chicken dip has gone bad:
- Appearance: Mold, discoloration, or separation of ingredients
- Texture: Becomes too thick and lumpy or soupy/runny
- Smell: Sour, spoiled, rancid, or rotten odor
- Taste: Bitter, sour, or unpleasant flavors
If your buffalo chicken dip displays any of these signs, it’s best to discard it. Don’t rely on appearance and smell alone, as some types of spoilage may not be obvious.
Does Refrigeration Extend the Shelf Life?
Proper refrigeration is key for preserving buffalo chicken dip. Cold temperatures slow the growth of bacteria and mold to keep food fresher longer. Here are some refrigerator tips for buffalo chicken dip:
- Refrigerate dip within 2 hours of making or opening.
- Store in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
- Keep temperature at 40°F or below.
- Place dip on a shelf rather than the door to maintain a cooler temperature.
- Avoid repeated temperature fluctuations by limiting how often the refrigerator door is opened.
Following these guidelines will maximize the shelf life of your buffalo chicken dip. But even with refrigeration, it should be discarded within 3-7 days for safety.
Does Freezing Extend the Shelf Life?
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of buffalo chicken dip. To freeze:
- Portion dip into airtight freezer containers or bags.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label containers with the date and contents.
- Freeze dip for up to 3 months at 0°F.
Thaw frozen buffalo chicken dip overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Avoid thawing at room temperature. Properly frozen dip will maintain its safety and quality for 3 months in the freezer.
Is it Safe to Eat Week Old Buffalo Chicken Dip?
So can you eat buffalo chicken dip that’s a week old? Here are some guidelines:
- An unopened store-bought container should be safe for up to 1 week past the sell by or use by date, if refrigerated properly.
- Leftover homemade dip or opened containers should not be eaten if more than 3-5 days old.
- Inspect dip carefully for signs of spoilage like mold, off-odors, separation, or sliminess before eating.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk getting sick from contaminated dip.
If your buffalo chicken dip has been refrigerated continuously at 40°F or below and shows no signs of spoilage, it may be safe to eat up to 1 week past the date prepared or opened. But to be on the safe side, discard any leftovers after 3-5 days.
How to Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip
To maximize the shelf life of leftover buffalo chicken dip:
- Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of serving.
- Divide into small, shallow containers to allow rapid cooling.
- Use within 3-4 days for best quality.
- Label container with date dip was prepared or opened.
- Avoid introducing extra bacteria by double-dipping with already used utensils or repeatedly opening container.
You can also freeze leftover buffalo chicken dip for longer storage. Portion into freezer containers or bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen dip will keep for 2-3 months at 0°F.
How to Reheat Buffalo Chicken Dip
To safely reheat buffalo chicken dip:
- Thaw frozen dip overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Use the stove, microwave, or oven to reheat to 165°F.
- Stir frequently to evenly distribute heat.
- Avoid reheating more than once.
- Serve immediately or return to refrigerator.
- Do not slow cook, heat on low, or leave dip at room temperature.
Only reheat the amount that will be immediately consumed. Do not save reheated leftovers. Discard any dip that has not reached 165°F on reheating.
How to Know if Reheated Dip is Safe
Reheated buffalo chicken dip should reach the following benchmarks to be considered safe to eat:
- Internal temperature of 165°F or higher.
- Steaming hot throughout.
- Free of cold spots when stirred.
- Smooth, even consistency without separating or curdling.
- No off odors.
Dip that is watery, moldy, smells bad, or doesn’t get hot enough on reheating should be discarded. Don’t take risks with foodborne illness.
Can You Make Bufflao Chicken Dip Without Sour Cream?
Sour cream is a key ingredient in many buffalo chicken dip recipes. It provides a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy hot sauce. However, you can make buffalo chicken dip without sour cream by substituting:
- Plain Greek yogurt – Provides creamy texture and tang.
- Cream cheese – Creates a rich, smooth dip.
- Ranch dressing – Contributes cool, savory flavor.
- Mayonnaise – Adds body and moisture.
- Evaporated milk – Helps make a creamy dip.
For best results, use an equal amount of the sour cream substitute and adjust seasonings to taste. Keep other ingredients like chicken, hot sauce, cheese, etc. the same. Store and refrigerate dip made without sour cream for 3-4 days.
Conclusion
An unopened container of store-bought buffalo chicken dip can safely be eaten up to 1 week past the date if it has been continuously refrigerated at 40°F or below. However, homemade dip and opened containers should be discarded after 3-5 days. Check for signs of spoilage and throw out any dip that smells or looks bad or has not been stored properly. For minimal risk, consume buffalo chicken dip within 3-4 days and freeze leftovers if you won’t use within that timeframe. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F before serving. With proper storage and handling, you can safely enjoy buffalo chicken dip for up to a week.