This creamy Buffalo chicken dip is perfect for game day or a cozy night in. Made with tender chicken, spicy Frank’s RedHot sauce, and lots of cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
It’s so good, you might end up eating it straight from the bowl! I love serving it with crunchy tortilla chips or veggies for dipping. Trust me, it won’t last long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of the dip, giving it a creamy texture. You can use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option. Just make sure it’s softened so it mixes nicely.
Shredded Chicken: Cooked rotisserie chicken works great here for convenience. You can also use leftover chicken, or for a vegetarian twist, try shredded jackfruit or chickpeas!
Frank’s RedHot Sauce: This is the star and adds that signature buffalo flavor. If you want it milder, mix it with a little ranch dressing, or choose another hot sauce that you like.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but you can mix it up with pepper jack for added spice, or mozzarella for a different meltiness. The blue cheese is optional, but I love its tangy flavor—it really complements the dip!
How Do I Ensure My Dip is Creamy and Well-Mixed?
Getting the right consistency for your dip is key! Start by making sure your cream cheese is soft enough so it can blend easily. Here’s how to get the perfect creamy dip:
- Let the cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing to soften it.
- Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Gradually add the chicken and other ingredients so they incorporate evenly without overmixing.
This will help keep your dip creamy and delicious! Don’t skip letting it cool slightly before serving; it’ll be easier to scoop and enjoy.
How to Make Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious buffalo chicken dip takes about 10 minutes for prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you’ll spend around 35-40 minutes in total. Just a little bit of time for a big burst of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be ready for your dip once you mix everything together!
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or a whisk to mix until it’s all smooth and well blended. This will be the creamy base of your dip!
3. Add the Chicken and Flavor:
Next, stir in the shredded chicken and Frank’s RedHot sauce to bring on the spice! Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese, blue cheese (if you love its tangy flavor), garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks yummy!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Now, transfer your delicious mixture into a medium-sized baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely. It’s looking good already!
5. Bake It Up:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the dip to be bubbly and lightly golden on top—this is when it’s perfect!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, carefully take it out of the oven and let the dip cool slightly. This will help avoid burns when the first scoop is taken!
7. Enjoy:
Serve your warm buffalo chicken dip with tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for dipping. It’s perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Enjoy all the flavors and the smiles it brings!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just shred the meat from the rotisserie chicken and measure out 1 cup for the dip. This will add flavor and reduce prep time significantly!
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier or Milder?
To increase the heat, add more Frank’s RedHot sauce according to your taste, or try incorporating some diced jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce or substitute it with a milder buffalo sauce, and consider leaving out the blue cheese which can add to the spice level.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Simply follow the mixing instructions, transfer it to your baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply put it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating!
