Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect balance of creamy texture and bold, spicy flavor. The melted cheeses combined with shredded chicken and the iconic Frank’s RedHot sauce create a visually appealing dish with vibrant orange hues and bubbling cheese.
This dip is ideal for any party or game day, served warm alongside crisp celery sticks, crunchy chips, or toasted bread. It’s a quick, flavorful crowd-pleaser that adds a spicy kick to your snack lineup without fuss.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
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1/2 cup ranch dressing
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, Frank’s RedHot sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
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Stir in shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese crumbles if using, until fully incorporated.
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Transfer the mixture to a baking dish (about 8×8 inches).
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Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly around the edges.
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Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
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Serve warm with celery sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 300 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a beloved classic that has earned a permanent place at parties, game days, and casual gatherings across the United States and beyond. This dip combines the fiery tang of Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce with creamy cheese and tender shredded chicken, creating a perfect balance of heat and richness that’s impossible to resist. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfectly customizable for different taste preferences.
The Origin and Popularity of Buffalo Flavor
The “Buffalo” flavor, originating from Buffalo, New York, is synonymous with spicy and tangy hot sauce, usually paired with chicken wings. Frank’s RedHot sauce, the original hot sauce used in this recipe, was created in 1920 and quickly became the iconic base for Buffalo-style dishes. The Buffalo Chicken Dip takes that classic wing flavor and turns it into a creamy, cheesy dip that’s perfect for dipping everything from celery sticks to tortilla chips.
Why This Dip Is So Popular
The popularity of Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip lies in its incredible flavor profile and versatility. The heat from the hot sauce is balanced by the cool creaminess of the cream cheese and ranch dressing, while the shredded chicken adds substance and texture. The combination appeals to a broad range of taste buds—from those who love spicy food to those who prefer milder, creamy dishes. Additionally, this dip is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and just one baking step, making it ideal for both novice cooks and experienced hosts.
Flavor Profile and Texture
One of the most appealing things about this dip is its layered flavor profile. The tangy Frank’s RedHot sauce provides the essential kick, complemented by the savory sharpness of cheddar cheese and the optional pungency of blue cheese crumbles. Ranch dressing adds a hint of herby creaminess, smoothing out the heat and tying all the flavors together. The texture is rich and creamy with shredded chicken chunks that provide a satisfying bite, while the melted cheese on top forms a slightly golden crust after baking, adding a nice contrast.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dip is traditionally served warm, straight from the oven, which helps the flavors meld beautifully and keeps the cheese gooey and inviting. For dipping, celery sticks are a classic choice, offering a crisp, refreshing counterbalance to the rich and spicy dip. Tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, or even sliced baguette rounds also work wonderfully. For a healthier option, consider serving with fresh carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. The dip’s versatility makes it a perfect companion for a wide variety of snack options, enhancing every bite.
How to Customize Your Buffalo Chicken Dip
While the original recipe is delicious on its own, this dip is highly adaptable to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. If you prefer a milder dip, you can reduce the amount of Frank’s RedHot sauce or swap it for a milder hot sauce. For an extra creamy texture, adding a little sour cream or mayonnaise can enrich the dip. Blue cheese lovers often add more crumbles or substitute with a blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for an intense flavor boost.
If you want to make it dairy-free or lower in calories, consider using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and low-fat cheese options. You can also swap ranch dressing for a yogurt-based version to lighten it up. For a vegetarian twist, omit the chicken and add cooked cauliflower florets or jackfruit for a similar texture.
Nutritional Information and Considerations
Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip is rich in protein thanks to the chicken and cheese, but it also contains a good amount of fat due to the cream cheese and cheese used. It’s a high-calorie dish, so portion control is key if you’re watching your intake. On the plus side, it’s gluten-free by nature, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten, especially when served with vegetable sticks instead of chips.
Including fresh veggies as dippers adds fiber and nutrients, balancing out the indulgent dip and helping to create a more rounded snack or appetizer.
Occasions Perfect for Buffalo Chicken Dip
This dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for social events. It’s most famously served during football games and sports gatherings, where finger foods and easy-to-share snacks rule the table. Its spicy and cheesy profile makes it perfect for tailgating parties, casual get-togethers, potlucks, and holiday celebrations.
It’s also a great dish to serve when you want to impress guests with minimal effort—just prepare ahead, bake before serving, and enjoy the compliments! The dip pairs well with cold beer, cocktails, or soft drinks, enhancing the party atmosphere.
Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Dip
To get the best results, always use high-quality Frank’s RedHot sauce as it delivers the authentic Buffalo flavor. Don’t skip softening the cream cheese beforehand; it ensures your dip is smooth and creamy without lumps. Shredded chicken can come from a rotisserie chicken for convenience or cooked fresh chicken breasts or thighs.
Bake the dip until it’s bubbly and lightly browned on top to develop that irresistible texture contrast. Garnishing with fresh green onions or parsley adds a fresh note and a pop of color that elevates the presentation.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Dip reheats very well, making it an ideal make-ahead dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
If you want to freeze the dip, it’s best to do so before baking. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Conclusion
Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a timeless, flavorful dish that combines creamy, cheesy richness with a spicy kick, creating an addictive appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation, versatility, and crowd-pleasing taste make it a staple at parties and casual get-togethers.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it to suit your dietary needs and flavor preferences, this dip promises to bring warmth, zest, and comfort to your table. So next time you’re planning a gathering, consider adding this fiery, creamy dip to your menu — your guests will thank you!