Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip
- By Amy Dong
- Updated May. 22, 2024
This Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is ultra easy and perfect for the big games and all the parties. It’s creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious.
In This Article
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VIDEO: WATCH US MAKE THIS RECIPE
Why This Recipe Stands Out
We love a good party appetizer, especially when it’s as flavorful as this Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Disappears at Parties: This dip is the perfect appetizer for gatherings, just like our Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip.
- Cheesy and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and cheddar cheese in this recipe makes it super cheesy and delicious.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of Frank’s Hot Sauce, ranch dressing, and garlic and onion powders provide bold, irresistible flavor.
- Serve With Anything: This dip is perfect with corn chips, tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks. It’s a versatile recipe, like our Black Bean Dip.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Cream Cheese – Regular cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture that is essential for a creamy dip.
- Frank’s Hot Sauce – Frank’s Hot Sauce adds the perfect level of heat and a tangy kick to our dip.
- Shredded Chicken – We use cooked shredded chicken; use rotisserie chicken for ease.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some of our favorite variations and substitution ideas for this recipe:
- Cheese: Smoked gouda would add a deliciously smoky flavor, or try blue cheese for a more traditional buffalo wing flavor.
- Protein: You can substitute with canned chicken, or you can season/cook ground beef.
- Spice Level: Change up the kick level by adding red pepper flakes, more Frank’s sauce, or add a few dashes of Sriracha. Our Sriracha Buffalo Chicken Dip is delicious!
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- In a pot, whisk softened cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and whisk until heated through.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake until cheese is melted and lightly brown. Serve hot with crackers and vegetable sticks.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our favorite prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge in advance to allow it to soften for several hours. I also like to microwave the cream cheese in 30-second increments before using it.
- Shred the Chicken: If you’re using rotisserie chicken, you can shred it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Mix the Ingredients: Mix the ingredients in advance. Store this mixture in the fridge and heat it through when you’re ready to serve.
What To Serve With Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip
Chips and Crackers
- This creamy, spicy dip is perfect for scooping up with your favorite chips. Tortilla chips, bagel chips, and pita chips are all great choices.
- Crackers are another great option for serving with this dip. Choose sturdy, crunchy crackers that can stand up to the thick, creamy texture of the dip.
Veggies
- Serve this dip with a variety of fresh veggies. Carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips all pair well with the tangy, spicy flavors of the dip.
Pretzels
- Soft pretzels or pretzel bites are a classic choice for serving with buffalo chicken dip.
- Salty, crunchy pretzels are also a perfect match for the spicy, cheesy flavors of the dip.
Commonly Asked Questions
The level of spiciness in the dip depends on the amount of Frank’s Hot Sauce you use. You can start with ¼ cup for a milder version and increase up to ½ cup for a spicier kick. We recommend tasting the mixture before baking and adding more hot sauce if you desire more heat.
The dip is ready to be served when the cheese on top is melted and lightly brown at the edges. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes in the oven.
This dip can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Yes, you can reheat buffalo chicken dip. Place it in the oven at 350F for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s heated through. If needed, cover with lightly-greased foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
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Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz regular cream cheese, very soft
- ½ cup Ranch dressing, good quality
- ¼ to ½ cup Frank’s Hot Sauce, depending on desired spice level
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, extra sharp, best if you shred it yourself – divided
- 1 ½ lbs shredded chicken, cooked, rotisserie works great
- corn chips, tortilla chips, crackers, or celery/carrot sticks for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F with rack on upper middle position.
- In a heavy medium pot, whisk softened cream cheese on low heat until completely smooth. Add Ranch dressing, hot sauce, garlic and onion powders, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, and chicken.
- Using a fork, whisk mixture on medium-low heat until mixture is heated through. Taste and add a bit of water if needed to dilute. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese on evenly over top.
- Bake uncovered 5-10 min or just until cheese is melted and lightly browned at edges. Serve hot, with crackers, chips, and/or vegetable sticks.
Notes
- I like to soften cream cheese in the microwave prior to using, as it helps ensure the dip is super creamy and not lumpy.
- Depending on the brand of dressing and style of chicken used, the dip may be more or less salty – if it’s too salty, you can dilute it with a bit of water.
- Start with ¼ cup of hot sauce and add more to reach your desired level of spiciness.
- Extra sharp cheddar cheese works best for this recipe. Shred a block of cheese yourself for the best texture and flavor.
- Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving and delicious option for this dip. It’s already cooked and packed with flavor.
- Serve your Buffalo Chicken Dip with thick corn chips, tortilla chips, crackers, or celery and carrot sticks. The dip can be served hot or at room temperature. Leftovers can be wrapped airtight and chilled for several days.
Nutrition (per serving)
More to Cook and Eat
- Black Bean Dip – This Black Bean Avocado Dip is super easy and perfect for all those times you need a healthy snack or party appetizer in a jiffy! It’s delicious, nutritious, and versatile.
- Jalapeno Popper Party Dip – This Jalapeño Popper Party Dip is just what the party or game day calls for. It’s crispy, cheesy, kicked-up, and pretty much ensures an empty bowl at the end of the night.
- Homemade Nacho Queso Dip – This Homemade Nacho Queso Dip blows away any store-bought cheese dips. No processed anything here. Just real, natural ingredients that taste unbelievably delicious!
- Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip – This easy Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip is the perfect recipe for game day, Super Bowl, or any get-together.