This Buffalo Chicken Dip is creamy, spicy, and totally addicting! Made with Frank’s Red Hot sauce, shredded chicken, and cream cheese, it’s perfect for parties or game day.
Honestly, the hardest part is not licking the bowl clean! I love serving it with crispy tortilla chips or veggies for dipping. It’s so easy to make, you’ll be the star of the snack table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is super convenient and tasty. If you need a healthier option, boiled chicken breast works well too. You can also use leftover chicken from any previous meal!
Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese to make mixing easier. If you want a lighter dip, consider using Greek yogurt, which adds a bit of tang as well.
Frank’s Red Hot Sauce: This gives the dip its classic buffalo flavor. If you prefer less heat, try a milder hot sauce or add a little extra ranch dressing to balance it out.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Ranch is milder, while blue cheese adds a pungent kick. If you’re not a fan of either, a yogurt-based dressing can be a refreshing substitute!
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar adds sharpness, while mozzarella brings creaminess. You can swap in any cheese you love—Pepper Jack would add a spicy twist!
How Do I Mix All These Ingredients to Get the Right Consistency?
Getting your dip just right is all about combining the ingredients smoothly. Start by mixing cream cheese and hot sauce first; this ensures they blend well before adding the other ingredients. Here’s how:
- Use a hand mixer or fork to beat the cream cheese and hot sauce until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the ranch or blue cheese dressing to keep the mixture creamy.
- Next, fold in the shredded chicken and cheeses, mixing gently to maintain a fluffy texture.
- Avoid over-mixing to keep the dip light and airy.
Remember, the dip should feel thick but spreadable! This texture makes it perfect for scooping up with your favorite dippers.
How to Make Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled chicken breast)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Optional: celery sticks and crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and then 20-25 minutes for baking, making this recipe a total of 30-35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to bake your dip perfectly.
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a medium bowl, take the softened cream cheese and mix it with Frank’s Red Hot sauce. Use a fork or a hand mixer to blend until it’s nice and smooth. This is the spicy base of your dip!
3. Add the Good Stuff:
Next, stir in the ranch dressing (or blue cheese if you prefer), shredded chicken, and both types of cheese—cheddar and mozzarella. Mix everything well so that all the ingredients are combined and evenly distributed.
4. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer this delicious mixture into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that it cooks uniformly.
5. Bake It:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You know it’s ready when the dip is bubbly and slightly golden on top. Yum!
6. Add the Finishing Touch:
Once it’s done baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh and tasty garnish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dip warm with celery sticks and crackers for dipping. Everyone will love this spicy, cheesy delight—it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Dip?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it, and you’re good to go. It’s a great way to reduce food waste!
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind it might change the flavor slightly and may not be as creamy!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or heat it gently in the microwave.
