Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip – The Best Creamy Party Appetizer

If you’re searching for the perfect party dip that combines spicy flavor, creamy texture, and crowd-pleasing comfort, look no further than Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip. This easy-to-make appetizer brings all the bold flavors of buffalo wings—without the mess—and it’s a guaranteed hit whether you’re hosting a football party, a potluck, or just a cozy family night in.

Made with five simple ingredients, this creamy, cheesy dip packs a punch of tangy buffalo sauce and satisfying shredded chicken. Whether served bubbling hot from the oven or made in a slow cooker for stress-free snacking, you’ll find yourself coming back to this dip again and again. Learn more about what makes this dish a fan-favorite and how to prepare it perfectly every time.

Looking for inspiration? Try our slow cooker chicken and gravy for another comforting, hearty favorite.

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Why Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip Is the Ultimate Crowd Pleaser

Flavor Profile: Spicy, Creamy, Cheesy Perfection

Buffalo chicken dip hits that sweet spot between comfort food and bold, crave-worthy flavor. The tang of Frank’s RedHot Sauce, mixed with cool ranch dressing and rich cream cheese, makes every bite velvety and balanced. Sharp cheddar adds a touch of saltiness and gooey melt that keeps guests diving back in for more.

Even spice-averse eaters can enjoy this dip—thanks to its customizable heat level. Whether you like it mild or mouth-on-fire, adjusting the amount of hot sauce is easy.

Versatility for Parties, Potlucks, Game Nights, and Holidays

This is a dip you’ll find yourself whipping up all year long. It’s portable, quick to prepare, and tastes just as good reheated the next day. From Super Bowl spreads to holiday appetizers, there’s never a wrong time to serve buffalo chicken dip.

Even better? It fits any serving style. Serve it warm in a baking dish, spooned into a bread bowl, or kept hot in a mini slow cooker.

Don’t miss our Christmas appetizer deviled eggs—another hit for festive gatherings.

Kid-Friendly Tweaks and Heat Level Control Tips

Have picky eaters or little ones? Simply reduce the amount of Frank’s RedHot sauce and boost the ranch dressing. For an ultra-mild version, try a 3:1 ratio of ranch to hot sauce. You’ll keep the iconic flavor while toning down the heat.

Kids also love dipping in with celery, crackers, or even just a spoon. It’s creamy enough to stand on its own and mild enough to serve as a full dinner in some households.

Ingredients Breakdown for the Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip

Choosing the Right Frank’s RedHot Sauce Version

You’ll find a few varieties of Frank’s in stores, but the most commonly used in this recipe are:

Frank’s RedHot Sauce	Flavor Profile	Best For
Original Cayenne	Classic tangy heat	Balanced spice lovers
Buffalo Wing Sauce	Milder, buttery flavor	Kid-friendly version

Both work beautifully—just adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance.

Chicken Choices: Canned, Rotisserie, or Freshly Cooked?

Convenience is key in this recipe. You can go with:

• Canned chicken breast: Drains quickly, shreds easily, and saves time.
• Rotisserie chicken: Adds extra flavor and richness.
• Boiled chicken breast: Great for meal preppers.

Whatever option you choose, just make sure the chicken is well-drained and shredded finely for even mixing.

Check out our cranberry pecan chicken salad for another smart use of shredded chicken.

Cream Cheese and Ranch: Balancing Richness and Tang

Full-fat or low-fat cream cheese both work, though Neufchâtel offers a lighter option with minimal flavor sacrifice. For the dressing, bottled ranch is quick, but homemade adds an elevated touch.

Stick to a base ratio of:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup ranch
• ⅓ cup Frank’s RedHot

Double these amounts for a party-sized tray.

Best Cheeses for Topping and Blending

Shredded cheddar gives the best melt and bite, but here are some flavorful upgrades:

• Mozzarella for stretchiness
• Monterey Jack for smooth, mild melt
• Blue cheese crumbles for boldness

Use a mix for complexity—or keep it classic. Add half to the dip and save the rest for a golden top layer.

Discover great ideas like our cheesy root vegetable gratin for more gooey cheese inspiration.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Quick Microwave Method for Last-Minute Prep

In a rush? You can whip this up in under 10 minutes:

1. Microwave 8 oz cream cheese until soft (about 1 minute).
2. Stir in ⅓ cup Frank’s RedHot and 1 cup ranch.
3. Add shredded chicken and half the shredded cheese.
4. Microwave 8 minutes or until bubbly.
5. Garnish and serve immediately.

This is perfect for unexpected guests or game-day cravings.

Classic Oven-Baked Method for Golden Bubbly Finish

For the classic hot and bubbly finish, use this method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine all ingredients in a baking dish.
3. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Optional: Garnish with parsley, blue cheese, or a drizzle of ranch.

Looking for something baked and savory? Don’t miss our stuffed pepper casserole—a family-friendly comfort dish.

Set-and-Forget Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Methods

Slow Cooker Variation for Stress-Free Hosting

Hosting a party or feeding a crowd? The slow cooker is your best friend. It keeps the dip warm and gooey for hours without overcooking it.

Here’s how:

1. Cube 8 oz cream cheese and add to the slow cooker.
2. Top with shredded chicken, ⅓ cup Frank’s RedHot, 1 cup ranch, and ½ cup shredded cheese.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 90 minutes.
4. Stir until creamy, add remaining cheese, and cook an additional 15–20 minutes.

Garnish and serve directly from the slow cooker—it’ll stay warm all night.

Don’t miss our crockpot kielbasa and green beans for another effortless slow-cooked recipe.

Instant Pot Shortcut (for Pressure Cooker Lovers)

Pressed for time but still want that bold flavor? Use the Instant Pot:

1. Use sauté mode to melt cream cheese.
2. Stir in ranch, hot sauce, and chicken.
3. Pressure cook on LOW for 3 minutes.
4. Quick-release, stir, and top with cheese to melt.

Perfect for weeknights or last-minute guests.

Tips for the Creamiest and Most Flavorful Dip

How to Prevent Separation or Greasy Texture

Greasy dips happen when oils separate from the cheese. Avoid this by:

• Using block cheese shredded at home (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents).
• Ensuring even mixing before heating.
• Not overcooking—especially in the microwave.

Keep an eye out for bubbles and pull it as soon as it’s hot and creamy.

Ingredient Ratios That Work Every Time

Stick to these golden proportions for balance:

Ingredient	Amount
Cream cheese	8 oz
Ranch dressing	1 cup
Frank’s RedHot Sauce	⅓ cup (adjust to taste)
Shredded chicken	~2 cups (19 oz can)
Shredded cheese	1–2 cups

Doubling or tripling the batch? Keep the same ratio and use a larger dish.

Looking for inspiration? Try our creamy scalloped potatoes recipe for another comfort food hit that uses dairy-rich ingredients.

How to Reheat Leftovers Without Losing Flavor

Buffalo chicken dip stores well for up to 5 days. To reheat:

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
• Oven: Bake at 325°F for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil.
• Avoid over-stirring to keep the texture smooth.

Skip the freezer unless necessary—cream cheese doesn’t thaw well and may break.

Best Dippers to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Dip

Chips, Crostini, Crackers: Picking the Perfect Crunch

The right dipper makes all the difference. Popular options include:

Dipper Type	Examples
Chips	Tortilla, pita chips
Bread	Toasted baguette, crostini
Crackers	Wheat thins, club crackers
Flatbreads	Warm naan, lavash

Want something low-effort? A bag of sturdy tortilla chips works every time.

Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Serving Ideas

For guests with dietary restrictions, try:

• Celery sticks
• Sliced cucumbers
• Bell pepper strips
• Gluten-free crackers
• Pork rinds (for keto)

This dip is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your ranch and hot sauce labels to be safe.

Discover great ideas like our easy Mexican cucumber salad—a refreshing, light side to pair with spicy dips.

Creative Presentation Tips for Your Party Tray

Go beyond the bowl! Here’s how to elevate your dip:

• Hollow out a bread bowl and pour the dip in.
• Serve with a ring of colorful veggies and chips on a large tray.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, crumbled blue cheese, or a ranch drizzle.

For smaller gatherings, try serving dip in individual ramekins—cute and portion-controlled.

Popular Variations on the Classic Recipe

Blue Cheese Swap for a Traditional Buffalo Wing Vibe

If you’re a fan of classic buffalo wings, swapping out the ranch for blue cheese dressing gives this dip an authentic twist. Try mixing in:

• ½ cup blue cheese dressing
• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles

This variation adds tang and depth. Serve with celery sticks to complete the experience.

Adding Heat with Jalapeños or Sriracha

Looking to turn up the heat? Try:

• Diced pickled jalapeños mixed into the dip
• A drizzle of sriracha on top before baking
• Using Frank’s Extra Hot Sauce or Buffalo ‘n Ranch blend

You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top for a spicy finish.

Buffalo Chicken Dip with Bacon or Ranch Mix

Want even more flavor? Mix things up with:

• Cooked, crumbled bacon for a salty, smoky bite
• A packet of ranch seasoning mix for stronger ranch flavor
• Diced green onions or chives folded in before baking

Check out our chicken tacos with grilled pineapple salsa for another bold-flavored meal idea.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Instructions

How Long It Lasts in the Fridge

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s great for next-day snacking or spreading on sandwiches.

Reheat gently using the microwave or oven (details above) to avoid breaking the sauce.

Freezer-Friendly? Yes, But With One Key Adjustment

You can freeze buffalo chicken dip, but be aware: cream cheese can separate upon thawing. To help prevent that:

• Use full-fat cream cheese (it freezes better than low-fat)
• Let thaw in the fridge, not at room temp
• Stir thoroughly before reheating

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Make-Ahead Prep for Stress-Free Hosting

Buffalo chicken dip is perfect for prepping ahead:

1. Assemble all ingredients in a baking dish
2. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days
3. When ready, bake as directed

This method is ideal for holidays or game-day gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Dip

Conclusion: Why You’ll Make This Dip Again and Again

Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip is more than just a party appetizer—it’s an easy, addictive, and versatile dish that brings the bold flavor of buffalo wings into every bite. Whether you like it mild or spicy, baked or slow-cooked, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or even casual dinners, this creamy, cheesy dip will quickly become a go-to recipe in your rotation. You can customize it endlessly with toppings, cheeses, and add-ins—or just enjoy it as-is. Either way, it’s always a winner.

Looking for more bold comfort foods? Try our chicken breast with white wine cream sauce—a rich and satisfying main dish.

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