Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for game days, parties, or any time you want something spicy and cheesy. It’s made with shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and of course, that classic Frank’s RedHot sauce that gives it the perfect tangy kick. The dip’s texture is smooth and gooey, with just enough heat to keep things exciting without overwhelming your taste buds.
I love making this dip because it’s super simple to whip up but always gets devoured way too fast. I usually use a mix of cream cheese and cheddar for that rich, melty goodness. One tip I’ve learned is to give it a good stir right before serving to make sure the heat and creaminess are perfectly blended. It’s also great if you like a little crunch—try topping it with some blue cheese crumbles or green onions for extra flavor.
When I serve this dip, I like to bring out a big pile of tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for dipping. It’s always a hit with friends and family, especially kids who like to test their spice limits. Honestly, it feels like the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together. I can’t help but smile when I see how quickly it disappears at the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked shredded chicken breast keeps the dip hearty. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you want to save time. You can also swap for shredded turkey or even plant-based chicken for a vegetarian twist.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy base. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. If you want a lighter option, try using Neufchatel cheese, which has less fat but similar texture.
Frank’s RedHot Sauce: The star of the dip’s flavor! It offers the classic buffalo heat. If you don’t have it, any buffalo wing sauce works. Adjust the amount if you like it milder or hotter.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds creaminess and balances the spice. Choose your favorite based on your taste. You can even make a quick homemade ranch if you prefer.
Cheddars & Blue Cheese: Cheddar adds sharpness and meltiness, while blue cheese adds bold flavor. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, skip it or replace with mozzarella for milder taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy and Bubbly Buffalo Chicken Dip?
The key is mixing and baking at the right temperature.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened so it blends smoothly with the wing sauce and dressing.
- Stir the ingredients well to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dip.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish to prevent any raw spots.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until you see bubbling around the edges and light browning on top.
- Let it rest a few minutes after baking; this helps the dip thicken slightly for easier scooping.
For a little extra flavor and texture, sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles and green onions on top right out of the oven. This adds freshness and makes the dip look inviting!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I use a large one to combine all the ingredients easily.
- Hand or stand mixer (or a sturdy spoon) – for mixing the cream cheese and hot sauce smoothly.
- Oven-safe baking dish – a small 1-quart dish works well to hold the dip and bake evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep everything precise, especially the hot sauce and dressings.
- Spatula – for spreading the mixture evenly in the dish before baking.
- Serving bowls – to plate the dip or to hold chips, celery, and carrots for dipping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked shredded turkey or plant-based chicken for a different protein option.
- Use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese for a milder, creamier flavor.
- Add chopped celery or bell peppers for crunch and extra freshness.
- Mix in a dash of smoked paprika or chili powder to boost the smoky heat or add more spice.
How to Make Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce (or other buffalo wing sauce)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (plus a pinch for garnish)
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Allow an extra few minutes to cool slightly before serving, for a total time of around 35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dip mixture is prepared.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and ranch dressing together until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Chicken and Seasoning:
Stir in the shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped green onions until everything is evenly mixed.
4. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the mixture to a small baking or casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the dip is bubbling around the edges and has a golden-brown top.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika, extra blue cheese crumbles, and green onions on top. Serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Dip?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding and mixing it in. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for faster results.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed—adding a few extra minutes if it’s still chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Are Good Alternatives to Frank’s RedHot Sauce?
Any buffalo wing sauce works well as a substitute. If you want milder heat, reduce the amount or use a milder hot sauce. For extra spice, add a splash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.