Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a spicy, creamy, and cheesy crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any gathering. It’s packed with shredded chicken, tangy cream cheese, zesty Frank’s RedHot sauce, and melted cheddar, making it the ultimate snack to share with friends or family. This dip has that classic Buffalo wing flavor but in a smooth and dippable form.
I love making this dip whenever we have game day or just a casual get-together because it’s so easy to prepare and always a hit. I usually serve it with crunchy celery sticks, crispy tortilla chips, or soft pretzels. The spicy kick from the hot sauce balanced with creamy cheese is what keeps everyone coming back for more.
One of my favorite things about this dip is how comforting it feels while still bringing a little excitement to the table with its bold flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparking conversations and passing around plates. If you’re looking for a simple recipe that pleases even picky eaters, this Buffalo Chicken Dip is definitely a winner in my book.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a big time-saver and adds great flavor. If you don’t have it, cooked chicken breasts or thighs shredded by hand work well too.
Cream Cheese: This is what makes the dip creamy and smooth. Make sure it’s softened to mix easily. For a lighter option, try Neufchatel cheese.
Frank’s RedHot Sauce: The heart of this recipe! It gives that classic buffalo flavor. If you prefer less heat, start with less sauce or use a milder hot sauce.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Either adds a cool, tangy flavor. Ranch is milder, blue cheese stronger. Use what you like or have on hand.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds tang and richness. You can swap for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Blue Cheese (Optional): This brings a bold punch. If you’re not a fan, leave it out or add extra cheddar instead.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy, Bubbly Texture?
Achieving the right texture means mixing and baking carefully:
- Soften the cream cheese first. This helps it blend smoothly with the hot sauce and dressing.
- Mix ingredients well until combined but don’t overmix—it won’t affect flavor but keeping some texture is nice.
- Spread the dip evenly in the baking dish. This helps it cook uniformly.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it—once it’s bubbling and slightly golden on top, it’s perfect!
Let the dip cool slightly before serving. This helps it thicken and makes it easier to scoop.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe baking dish – I recommend a 1- to 1.5-quart dish to hold all the dip comfortably and help it bake evenly.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the softened cream cheese, hot sauce, and dressing easily.
- Greased spoon or spatula – makes spreading and mixing simple without sticking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
- Oven – obviously, for baking the dip until bubbly and golden.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try swapping shredded chicken for cooked turkey or shredded cooked pork for different smoky flavors.
- Use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a milder or spicier kick.
- Add chopped cooked bacon or buffalo sauce-rubbed cauliflower for extra texture and flavor.
- Mix in diced celery, carrots, or chopped pickles for added crunch and freshness.
How to Make Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Paprika, for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have delicious, creamy Buffalo chicken dip ready in about 30-35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Mix the Base:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir these together until smooth and well combined.
2. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Next, fold in the shredded chicken and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix everything gently but thoroughly so the chicken and cheese are evenly coated with the spicy cream mixture.
3. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you like, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the top, along with a light dusting of paprika for a nice color touch.
Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and the top looks slightly golden.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the dip from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh kick. Serve the dip warm with celery sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping.
Enjoy your creamy, spicy buffalo chicken dip—perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Can I Make This Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the dip mixture and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it as instructed—add a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely, just make sure to fully thaw and drain any excess moisture from the chicken before mixing to avoid a watery dip.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What Can I Use Instead of Frank’s RedHot Sauce?
You can substitute with any buffalo-style hot sauce you like, but Frank’s RedHot provides the classic tangy buffalo flavor that makes this dip special.