There’s something undeniably comforting and celebratory about a warm, bubbling dip, and this Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a true champion. Its creamy, slightly spicy texture, infused with the iconic tang of Frank’s RedHot sauce, makes it an instant favorite for any gathering. The blend of savory chicken, smooth cream cheese, and zesty ranch creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.
This dip is my go-to for game days, holiday parties, or even just a cozy night in. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, making it perfect for busy schedules, and it always disappears quickly. Knowing it’s a guaranteed hit adds to its charm, and the way it stays warm and inviting makes it a centerpiece that everyone gravitates towards.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip is truly a winner in my kitchen, and for good reason! It’s a recipe that consistently delivers big on flavor with hardly any effort. Honestly, its effortlessly easy nature is a huge plus for me on busy weeknights. Plus, knowing it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer means I never stress about bringing a dish to potlucks or parties. It’s incredibly quick to make, which is a lifesaver. And the taste? Oh, it’s just perfectly comforting and flavorful, hitting all the right spicy, tangy, creamy notes. It’s just so deliciously versatile, working for game days or any casual get-together!
Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients
The magic of this Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip truly comes alive through its simple yet incredibly flavorful ingredient list. Each item plays a starring role, building layers of creamy, tangy, and zesty goodness that make this appetizer so irresistible. I find that the balance achieved here is just spot-on, creating a craveable dish every time.
Let’s break down what makes this dip so special:
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: This forms the hearty, satisfying base of our dip. Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is an absolute game-changer for busy cooks like us, saving so much time!
- Cream Cheese: As the unsung hero, softened cream cheese provides the luxurious, creamy foundation. It’s what holds all those bold flavors together beautifully.
- Frank’s RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce: This is the heart and soul of our buffalo flavor, giving the dip its signature kick and tangy zest.
- Ranch Dressing: A dollop of ranch adds a cool, creamy, and slightly herby counterpoint to the heat. It helps smooth out the flavor profile and adds richness.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: For that classic buffalo taste, these crumbles bring a pungent, savory depth that really ties everything together.
Substitutions and Tips
Want to spice things up or tone it down? You can easily adjust the heat by adding more Frank’s RedHot sauce for a spicier kick, or less for a milder dip. If blue cheese isn’t your jam, a shredded mild cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese makes a great alternative. For an ultra-smooth dip, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened – leaving it out for an hour or so usually does the trick. You can also swap some of the ranch dressing for Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter, tangier twist, if you like!
How to Make Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a straightforward joy to prepare. I love how little time it takes from fridge to table. You’ll find that most steps require minimal effort. Let’s get this delicious chicken appetizer into the oven!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, give a shallow 1-quart baking dish a light grease. This helps prevent any sticking later on. This small kindness ensures your Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip slides out perfectly.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl. Add your shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, the trusty Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce, ranch dressing, and blue cheese crumbles. Stir it all together until wonderfully combined. The chicken should be coated nicely. This easy mixing makes it a superb quick chicken appetizer.
Step 3: Bake the Dip
Spoon this delightful mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. Pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll see it’s ready when it’s heated all the way through and gently bubbling at the edges. It smells amazing at this point; that’s normal!
Step 4: Stir and Garnish
Carefully take the dish out of the oven. Give the dip a quick stir. This makes sure it’s hot everywhere. If you like, add some chopped green onions and extra blue cheese. This adds a lovely burst of freshness and color to your fantastic party dip.
How to Store Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Got some Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip leftover? No problem! Simply scoop any remaining dip into an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready for more, just give it a gentle warm-up in the microwave or oven. While this dip can be frozen, the cream cheese might get a little softer once thawed. So, chilling it is definitely the best way to keep its creamy goodness intact!
Tips for Success
Here are a few handy pointers to ensure your Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip is always a triumph:
- Reach for rotisserie chicken. It’s a huge time-saver!
- Make sure your cream cheese is completely soft. This ensures smooth mixing.
- Control the heat by adjusting the Frank’s RedHot sauce amount.
- Avoid overbaking! The dip just needs to be heated through.
- Serve it right away for the ultimate warm, gooey experience.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings before baking.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Whipping up this delicious Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a breeze with just a few basic kitchen essentials. You likely already have most of these on hand, making this recipe even more convenient. Should anything be missing, most are easy to find or substitute.
- A good-sized mixing bowl is key.
- You’ll need a sturdy spatula or spoon for mixing everything together.
- A 1-quart baking dish works perfectly. Any oven-safe dish will do.
- Having measuring cups and spoons ensures accuracy.
- Always keep oven mitts handy for safe removal from the hot oven.
Serving Suggestions
This Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip is so versatile, perfect for any spread! Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with sturdy tortilla chips or warm pita bread.
- Offer crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or bell pepper slices.
- Classic crackers of all kinds make a wonderful pairing.
- Enjoy with a light, crisp beer or refreshing iced tea.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can assemble this dip up to a day before you plan to serve it. Just cover the unbaked chicken appetizer and pop it into the refrigerator. When serving time rolls around, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s perfectly heated through.
What if I don’t have Frank’s RedHot sauce?
While Frank’s RedHot sauce is a classic for this buffalo chicken dip, feel free to use your favorite cayenne pepper hot sauce or another buffalo-style sauce as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the amount to what you prefer for spice level, as heat can really differ between brands.
How can I make this dip spicier or milder?
Making this Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip spicier is as simple as increasing the amount of hot sauce you stir in. For a milder taste, just reduce the hot sauce slightly. You could also add a little more ranch dressing or extra cream cheese to mellow out the heat beautifully.
Can I cook this dip in a slow cooker?
Oh, definitely! Combining all the ingredients right into your slow cooker works wonderfully. Cook it on low for 2-3 hours or on high for about 1-1.5 hours. Give it a stir now and then until it’s all heated through. This makes for a fantastic party option!
PrintFrank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic and crowd-pleasing Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe featuring Frank’s RedHot sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and blue cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Spoon into a shallow 1-quart baking dish.
- Bake 20 minutes or until mixture is heated through; stir.
- Sprinkle with green onions and additional blue cheese, if desired, and serve with chips, crackers and/or cut up veggies.
Notes
- For a spicier dip, add more Frank’s RedHot® sauce.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and more blue cheese before serving if desired.
- Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or crackers.