Buffalo chicken dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—creamy, cheesy, and packed with the perfect balance of heat and tang. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, need a quick appetizer, or just craving a bold and comforting snack, this Franks Buffalo Chicken Dip comes together in just 15 minutes. Made with tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, and the unmistakable kick of Franks RedHot, it’s a guaranteed hit. Grab your tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers, and get ready to dig into a dip that’s irresistibly gooey, spicy, and downright delicious!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness, this Franks Buffalo Chicken Dip is about to become your go-to appetizer. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – A rich blend of cream cheese, melted cheddar, and Franks RedHot creates the perfect spicy, tangy bite.
- Versatile & Dippable – Serve it with tortilla chips, celery sticks, crackers, or even as a spread for sandwiches.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Easily prepared in advance and reheated when needed.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap out cheeses, or make it lighter with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a snack-worthy evening, this dip is guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
To make this creamy, spicy, and cheesy dip, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups of shredded, fully cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option!)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup Franks RedHot sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing for extra tang)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Crackers
Optional Add-Ins:
- Chopped green onions – adds a bright, zesty flavor
- Crumbled blue cheese – for an extra bold flavor
- A dash of garlic or onion powder – enhances the overall taste
Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s dive into how to bring this delicious dip together!
The Directions
Making this Franks Buffalo Chicken Dip is as easy as mixing, heating, and serving. You can whip this up in just 15 minutes!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking the dip.
- If using a stovetop or microwave, skip this step and proceed to mixing.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, Franks RedHot sauce, and ranch dressing until smooth.
- Fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese, ensuring everything is well combined.
Step 3: Heat the Dip
- Oven Method: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and melted.
- Microwave Method: Place the mixture in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot and gooey.
- Stovetop Method: Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until everything is melted and well combined.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once heated, give it a good stir, top with extra cheese or green onions if desired, and serve warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers.
Pro Tip: Want an extra-crispy cheese topping? Broil the dip for 1-2 minutes after baking until golden brown!
Variations and Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Here are some easy ways to customize your franks buffalo chicken dip:
Make It Lighter:
- Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt or light sour cream for a healthier twist.
- Use low-fat cheese to cut down on calories without losing flavor.
Spice It Up:
- Add extra Franks RedHot or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Change Up the Cheese:
- Try pepper jack cheese for a spicier, meltier dip.
- Add crumbled blue cheese for a classic buffalo flavor boost.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Want a hands-off version? Mix everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Perfect for keeping warm at parties!
No matter how you make it, this dip is always a winner. Now, let’s talk about servings and how to store any leftovers!
Servings and Timing
This Franks Buffalo Chicken Dip is designed to be the perfect party appetizer, and it’s easy to scale up or down based on your needs.
Serving Size:
- This recipe makes about 4 cups of dip, which serves 6-8 people as an appetizer.
- For larger gatherings, simply double the ingredients and use a bigger baking dish or slow cooker.
Timing Breakdown:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (mixing ingredients)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (baking, microwaving, or stovetop)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Hosting Tip: Keep the dip warm in a slow cooker on low heat for hours, so guests can enjoy it throughout the party!
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case!), here’s how to store and reheat your franks buffalo chicken dip to keep it tasting fresh and delicious.
How to Store:
- Refrigerator: Transfer the dip to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight before warming it up.
How to Reheat:
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm and creamy.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and hot.
Pro Tip: If the dip thickens after refrigeration, add a splash of milk or extra Franks RedHot sauce to bring back its creamy texture.
Now that you know how to make, customize, and store this irresistible dip, let’s wrap things up!
Conclusion
Franks Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate appetizer—creamy, spicy, and packed with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a party, game day, or just a cozy night in, this quick and easy recipe is always a hit. With just 15 minutes of prep and endless serving possibilities, it’s no wonder this dip is a fan favorite!
The best part? You can customize it to your taste, from adjusting the spice level to trying different cheeses or even making it in a slow cooker. And if you happen to have leftovers, they store and reheat beautifully for another delicious snack.
So grab your chips, celery, or crackers and dive into the bold, irresistible flavors of this Franks Buffalo Chicken Dip. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
1. Can I make Franks Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix all the ingredients ahead of time and store the dip in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
2. What’s the best way to make this dip less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Franks RedHot sauce and add extra ranch dressing or sour cream to balance the heat.
3. Is canned chicken a good substitute for shredded chicken?
Absolutely! While freshly shredded or rotisserie chicken adds the best texture, canned chicken works in a pinch—just drain it well before mixing.
4. What are some good low-carb dipping options?
If you’re watching your carbs, try serving this dip with celery sticks, bell pepper slices, or cucumber rounds instead of chips.
5. Can I freeze buffalo chicken dip?
Yes! Keep it in a sealed container and freeze for up to two months. When it’s time to enjoy, defrost it in the fridge overnight and heat it up in the oven or microwave.
Do you have questions about franks buffalo chicken dip? Drop them in the comments and let’s get cooking!