This cheesy Buffalo chicken dip is bursting with flavor! With Frank’s Red Hot sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken, it’s perfect for game day or any gathering.
You can’t help but love the spicy kick that brings everyone together! I always serve it with crunchy chips or fresh veggies—it disappears fast every time! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and works great here. If you don’t have any, you can easily cook chicken breasts and shred them or even use canned chicken in a pinch.
Frank’s RedHot Sauce: This sauce brings the heat! If you’re looking for less spice, try a milder hot sauce or even a blend of mild sauce with a touch of Frank’s for flavor.
Cream Cheese: The creamy base is essential. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a different twist, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: I love ranch for a smooth taste! However, if you’re not a fan, you can skip it or replace it with a homemade dressing for a fresh touch.
How Do I Ensure My Buffalo Chicken Dip Is Creamy and Unlumpy?
To get that perfect creamy texture, start with softened cream cheese. It should be at room temperature, so mix it easier. Here’s how:
- Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth before adding other ingredients.
- Blend in the hot sauce and dressing gradually for an even mix.
- Add chicken and cheeses last—this keeps the fluffy texture intact.
Don’t rush the mixing! Taking your time will yield a lump-free, delicious dip that everyone will love!
How to Make Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot 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)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Celery sticks (for serving)
- Tortilla chips or crackers (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip will take about 10 minutes to prep and another 20-25 minutes to bake, making it ideal for gatherings. So in just around 35-40 minutes total, you’ll have a creamy, spicy, and cheesy dish ready to impress your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be warmed up and ready for your dip once you’ve mixed everything together.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Frank’s RedHot Sauce, your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded cooked chicken. Use a spatula or fork to mix everything until it’s well blended and creamy. Don’t rush; it’s important to get a nice smooth texture!
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Once everything is mixed, take an 8×8 inch baking dish (or similar). Transfer your dip mixture into the dish and spread it evenly so it cooks well.
4. Add Blue Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly on top of the dip mixture. This adds flavor and a great texture contrast! You can even add a little extra if you love blue cheese.
5. Bake the Dip:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot and bubbly—just keep an eye on it!
6. Add Final Touches:
When it’s done baking, carefully take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. Then garnish with chopped green onions for that fresh pop of color and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Buffalo chicken dip warm with celery sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping. Trust me, it’ll be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! If you use frozen chicken, make sure to fully thaw it first. The best way is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight, but you can also use the quick method: place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Pat it dry before shredding!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat it, warm gently in the microwave or in a baking dish in the oven until heated through. If it seems thick, adding a splash of milk or cream can help with the texture.
Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
Definitely! To amp up the heat, add more Frank’s RedHot Sauce to taste. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust to your spice preference for the perfect flavor!