Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate comfort food for anyone who loves the bold, spicy flavors of Buffalo wings in a creamy, dipable form. Made with tender shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and, of course, Frank’s RedHot sauce, this dip has the perfect balance of creamy and spicy. It’s served warm and gooey, with the creaminess mellowing the heat of the sauce, making it irresistible with every bite. The tangy flavor of the Buffalo sauce shines through while the creamy dip provides the perfect cooling contrast.
I first made this dip when I was looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a party, and it was an instant hit. The combination of spicy Buffalo sauce with the creamy, cheesy base is such a winning flavor profile. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare—just a quick stir, bake, and you’ve got a delicious, hearty dip that everyone will love. Whether served with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or even crackers, this dip is the perfect go-to for any casual gathering, game day, or cozy night in.
Perfect for:
- Game day parties
- Potlucks
- Casual gatherings
- Spicy food lovers
- Family-friendly appetizers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip will become your go-to appetizer:
- Spicy and Creamy: A perfect blend of heat from the buffalo sauce and creaminess from the cheese.
- Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients, this dip comes together in no time.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of chicken, cheese, and buffalo sauce creates a robust flavor profile.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a hit at any party, with everyone going back for more.
- No Messy Bones: All the flavors of buffalo wings, but without the hassle of bones.
- Versatile: Serve it with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks, and watch it disappear.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it ahead of time and bake just before serving.
- Cheesy Goodness: The perfect combination of melted cheese and creamy ranch dressing makes this dip irresistible.
- Adjustable Heat: You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce.
- Comforting: It’s a warm, cheesy dip that’s comforting and filling.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 6g, Fat: 23g
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Crackers
Ingredient Highlights
- Buffalo Sauce: Adds that signature spicy flavor that gives the dip its bold kick.
- Shredded Chicken: A great use for leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Cream Cheese: Creates the smooth, creamy base for the dip.
- Cheddar and Mozzarella: The perfect cheeses to melt together for that gooey, comforting texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dip:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and both shredded cheeses. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, with the cheese fully melted.
Serve:
- Serve Warm: Serve the dip hot with your choice of tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip:
- With Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
- With Veggies: Pair with celery and carrot sticks for a healthier option.
- As a Party Appetizer: Perfect for casual get-togethers or as a game day snack.
- With Crackers: Serve with a variety of crackers for a different texture.
- On Toasted Bread: Spread on toasted baguette slices for a unique twist.
- With French Fries: Pair with crispy fries for an indulgent treat.
- In a Taco Shell: Use the dip as a filling for taco shells or small tortillas.
- On a Salad: Add a dollop to a fresh green salad for extra flavor.
- As a Topping for Baked Potatoes: Spoon over baked potatoes for a buffalo-inspired side dish.
- For a Buffet: Keep the dip warm in a slow cooker and serve with different dipping options.
Additional Tips
- Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: For quicker prep, use store-bought shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken yourself.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of Frank’s RedHot sauce to your taste. Add more for extra spice or less for a milder dip.
- Mix with Cream Cheese: Make the dip extra creamy by using a full block of cream cheese instead of a reduced-fat option.
- Cheese Variety: Try mixing in a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack, for a richer flavor profile.
- Add Blue Cheese: For a true Buffalo flavor, crumble some blue cheese on top of the dip before baking or mixing it in for extra tang.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the dip the day before, store it in the fridge, and bake it right before serving for a time-saving option.
- Toppings: Garnish the dip with chopped green onions, cilantro, or extra crumbled bacon for added texture and flavor.
- Use Greek Yogurt: Swap some of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist on the traditional recipe.
- Serve with Variety: Pair the dip with various dippables like tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or pita bread for an interesting spread.
- Bake Until Golden: Make sure to bake the dip until the top is golden and bubbly for the best texture and flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Dip: Add chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Cheddar Ranch Buffalo Chicken Dip: Skip the blue cheese and add more ranch seasoning for a milder flavor.
- Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip: Use plant-based cream cheese and shredded chicken alternatives for a vegan version.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip with Beef Bacon: Add crispy beef bacon crumbles for a savory, smoky twist.
- BBQ Buffalo Chicken Dip: Swap the buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a sweeter version.
- Crispy Top Buffalo Chicken Dip: Top with breadcrumbs or additional cheese and broil for a crispy finish.
Special Equipment
- Baking Dish: A 9×9-inch baking dish is perfect for this dip.
- Electric Mixer: For easier mixing of cream cheese and dressing.
- Slow Cooker: For keeping the dip warm at a party or gathering.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the ingredients together without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate portioning of ingredients.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, frozen chicken works fine; just cook and shred it before adding it to the dip. - How long can this dip be stored in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the dip?
Yes, you can freeze the dip for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake when ready to serve. - Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dip, refrigerate it, and bake just before serving. - What can I use instead of blue cheese dressing?
You can substitute with more ranch dressing if you prefer a milder flavor. - How can I make this dip spicier?
Add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat. - Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, pepper jack or gouda would also work well for a different flavor. - Can I serve this dip cold?
This dip is best served warm, but it can be served cold if desired. - What’s the best way to reheat leftover dip?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, or in the microwave in short intervals. - Can I skip the ranch dressing?
You can, but the ranch dressing adds a creamy, tangy flavor that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Conclusion
Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious appetizer that combines the rich, tangy flavors of buffalo sauce with tender chicken and a cheesy, creamy base. Made with shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce, this dip is the ultimate comfort food. The dip is baked until bubbly and golden on top, creating a gooey, cheesy texture that’s perfectly balanced with the heat from the buffalo sauce.
This dip is served hot and is perfect for dipping with tortilla chips, crackers, veggies, or even slices of baguette. It’s a favorite at parties, game days, or any casual get-together where you want something that’s both flavorful and crowd-pleasing. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your preference by adding more or less buffalo sauce, making it as mild or as fiery as you like.
I can’t wait to see how your Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!