Buffalo chicken dip is a popular appetizer that combines spicy buffalo sauce with chicken, cheese, and creamy ingredients like ranch or cream cheese. It’s a staple at many parties and gatherings. But one question that often comes up is whether buffalo chicken dip needs to be refrigerated or if it can safely be left out at room temperature.
The Short Answer
Yes, buffalo chicken dip does need to be refrigerated for food safety reasons. Like any dish made with dairy ingredients like cream cheese or sour cream, buffalo chicken dip should not be left out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. To keep it safe, the dip should be promptly refrigerated until ready to serve.
Examining the Ingredients in Buffalo Chicken Dip
To understand why buffalo chicken dip requires refrigeration, it helps to take a closer look at the ingredients:
- Cream cheese or sour cream – Dairy products like cream cheese and sour cream are highly perishable and can go bad quickly at room temperature. They provide an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
- Cooked chicken – Cooked chicken can also support rapid bacteria growth when left out too long.
- Buffalo sauce – The tangy, spicy buffalo sauce does contain acid from hot sauce vinegar or lemon juice which helps limit bacteria growth. But it is not enough to make the dip shelf-stable.
- Cheese – Shredded cheddar or blue cheese mixed into the dip also adds more perishable dairy that requires refrigeration.
Combining these ingredients together into a creamy dip provides even more opportunity for foodborne pathogens to multiply rapidly if the dip is not kept chilled. Proper refrigeration slows the growth of bacteria and keeps the dip safe to eat.
USDA Food Safety Guidelines
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) provides guidelines on how long various foods can be left at room temperature before bacteria become dangerous. As a dish containing dairy and cooked meat, buffalo chicken dip should not be left out for longer than 2 hours before being discarded or refrigerated. Bacteria multiply quickly on perishable foods left out longer than this limit.
Here are the USDA FSIS’s recommendations for maximum room temperature times for different foods:
| Food | Maximum Room Temperature Time |
|---|---|
| Cooked meat, casseroles, soups & stews | 2 hours |
| Dairy-based dips | 2 hours |
| Cut fresh fruits/vegetables | 2 hours |
| Cooked vegetables | 2 hours |
| Baked potatoes | 2 hours |
As you can see, the 2 hour rule applies to most buffalo chicken dip ingredients – the cooked chicken, cream cheese, and any cut fresh vegetables mixed in like celery. Leaving the assembled dip out for longer than 2 hours at room temperature allows unsafe bacteria levels to multiply.
What About Hot Holding?
Some people may wonder whether buffalo chicken dip could be held hot at a party to avoid the need for refrigeration. However, food safety experts still do not recommend keeping buffalo chicken dip or other dips hot for more than 2 hours.
The risk is that the dip will cool to temperatures ideal for bacterial growth – between 40°F to 140°F. Bacteria multiply rapidly between these temperatures. So even a lukewarm dip that has been kept hot for too long can become unsafe.
Can Buffalo Chicken Dip Be Stored at Room Temperature?
Buffalo chicken dip that has been properly prepared and refrigerated can be left out at room temperature for up to 2 hours before being served. But it should not be held any longer than this without refrigeration. Leftovers should also promptly be refrigerated.
So while the dip can survive a short period at room temperature, it should never be intentionally stored unrefrigerated. There are no safe methods for making buffalo chicken dip shelf-stable or storing it long-term at room temperature.
How Long Does Refrigerated Buffalo Chicken Dip Last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, buffalo chicken dip can last 3 to 5 days. Make sure to cover the surface with plastic wrap before refrigerating to prevent the dip from drying out. Discard any leftovers after 5 days, even if the dip still smells and looks fine. Bacteria that could cause food poisoning may have started growing.
Here are some refrigerator storage guidelines for buffalo chicken dip:
- Freshly made – 3 to 5 days
- Prepared from a store-bought package – Follow package instructions, usually around 7 days
- Leftovers after serving – 3 to 4 days
The ingredient that will spoil most quickly is the cream cheese or sour cream, so buffalo chicken dip should not be kept longer than the times listed above even if the chicken itself could last longer.
Can You Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes, freezing is a great way to store buffalo chicken dip for longer periods. Properly frozen, the dip can keep for 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
To freeze buffalo chicken dip:
- Chill the dip first – Let it cool completely in the refrigerator before freezing so it freezes faster.
- Portion into airtight containers – Use freezer-safe plastic containers or zip close freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible – This prevents freezer burn.
- Label containers with date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.
Thaw frozen buffalo chicken dip overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Give it a good stir once thawed and allow to come completely to room temperature before serving.
Can Canned Chicken Be Used?
Most buffalo chicken dip recipes call for cooked, shredded chicken. Fresh cooked chicken works best, but canned chicken can also be used.
Opt for canned chicken breast packed in water, not oil. Rinse and drain the canned chicken before mixing into the buffalo dip to reduce excess sodium.
Canned chicken has already been cooked, so it can be used straight from the can. Shred or dice it finely to mix into the buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheese ingredients.
In terms of food safety, canned chicken that has been continuously refrigerated after opening can last 3 to 4 days. Discard any leftover canned chicken after this time.
What About Leftover Cooked Chicken?
Cooked chicken leftovers can work well in buffalo chicken dip too. Chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days after cooking. After that point, bacteria increase quickly even when refrigerated.
When using leftover cooked chicken, make sure it has been refrigerated at 40°F or below continuously. And give it a good sniff test – do not use it if it smells odd or sulfurous as it may be spoiled.
For food safety, only use leftover chicken stored 3 to 4 days maximum after cooking. And be sure to fully heat the assembled dip until steaming hot before serving.
Can the Chicken Be Undercooked?
Always fully cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F before adding to buffalo chicken dip. Partially cooked or raw chicken can harbor dangerous bacteria like Salmonella.
Here are some guidelines for safely cooking chicken for buffalo dip:
- Cook to 165°F measured with a food thermometer.
- Boil, roast, or bake chicken until no pink remains inside.
- If microwaving, use a food-safe thermometer to verify temperature after cooking.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding to allow heat to evenly distribute.
Take extra care when cooking chicken in the slow cooker or instant pot. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally before shredding.
Undercooked chicken introduces a high risk of Salmonella or other foodborne illness to the dip. Always verify chicken reaches safe temperatures before mixing into the buffalo dip ingredients.
Should Chicken Be Added Hot or Cold?
It’s fine to add cold shredded chicken directly to room temperature buffalo dip ingredients. There is no need to warm the chicken first.
The key is that the fully assembled dip must be heated until steaming hot all the way through before serving. This helps kill any bacteria from the raw ingredients.
Here are some options for heating buffalo chicken dip:
- Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until steaming and bubbling at the edges.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until hot in the center.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between, until steaming hot.
Bringing the dip to a high internal temperature helps render it safe after mixing the chicken and dairy ingredients together. Always let it cool for several minutes before digging in!
Does Buffalo Chicken Dip Need To Be Baked Again After Refrigerating?
If buffalo chicken dip has already been fully cooked and then properly refrigerated, it does not need to be baked again after chilling. It can simply be reheated before serving.
However, if the dip contains any new ingredients that were not part of the original recipe, it should be fully baked again. For example, if extra shredded chicken and cheese are mixed into leftovers, bake it again until hot.
Here are some quick ways to reheat buffalo chicken dip after refrigerating:
- Microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring between, until hot.
- Sauté in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until steaming.
- Transfer to a shallow oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
You just need to reach 165°F internally. Use a food thermometer to verify the temperature if desired.
The key is only reheating for food safety, not fully cooking again, unless new raw ingredients have been added that were not in the original recipe.
Can Buffalo Chicken Dip Be Reheated More Than Once?
It’s best to avoid reheating buffalo chicken dip more than once. The more times it is reheated, the higher the risk of bacterial growth.
Here are some guidelines for safely reheating leftover dip:
- Only reheat once – Don’t let the dip cool and reheat multiple times.
- Reheat thoroughly until steaming hot, at least 165°F.
- Bring to temperature quickly – Don’t let it sit at room temp while reheating.
- Discard any dip more than 5 days old – Don’t reheat dip held too long in fridge.
For food safety, leftovers should only be reheated once. After that, discard any remaining dip. Do not try to reheat it a second or third time.
With proper refrigeration and reheating, buffalo chicken dip leftovers can be safely enjoyed a second time. But it’s best to make a fresh batch for any additional occasions.
Should Buffalo Chicken Dip Be Baked in an Oven or Slow Cooker?
Both the oven and a slow cooker like a crockpot can be used to safely bake buffalo chicken dip. However, the oven provides more control over evenly heating the dip to a safe internal temperature.
Oven baking allows the dip to heat from the top and bottom simultaneously. You can also check the center temperature and adjust baking time as needed.
A slow cooker will heat the dip from just the bottom up. It can take longer to reach safe serving temperatures and the edges may overheat. Check the temperature and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Here are some tips for baking buffalo chicken dip:
- Oven – Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until 165°F internally.
- Slow cooker – Cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, stirring periodically and checking temperature.
- Microwave – Heat in 30 second increments until steaming, 165°F.
Any cooking method is fine as long as the dip reaches the proper internal temperature throughout. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving so no one burns their mouth!
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken dip does require refrigeration for food safety. Like any dish containing dairy products, it should not be left out of the fridge for longer than 2 hours before serving. Refrigerating prevents bacterial growth that could make the dip unsafe and cause foodborne illness.
Prepare and cook the dip fresh before serving. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat only once to 165°F before discarding. Buffalo chicken dip can also be successfully frozen for longer term storage. Following basic food safety guidelines will allow you to safely enjoy this popular party dip.