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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
Courtesy of Amy Dong
In a pot, whisk softened cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and whisk until heated through.
Courtesy of Amy Dong
Courtesy of Amy Dong
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake until cheese is melted and lightly brown. Serve hot with crackers and vegetable stick.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins Cook Time: 5 minutes mins Total Time: 15 minutes mins Servings: 12 servingsIngredients
- 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
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.
