Guide to Frank's Buffalo Chicken Dip | Recipe, Tips & Variations

When it comes to game day snacks, Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is an absolute must-have. This creamy, spicy dip, made with Frank’s RedHot sauce, is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or just craving something delicious, this Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is sure to be a hit. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, including tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

A Brief History of Buffalo Sauce

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of making the perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip, let’s take a step back and appreciate the sauce that makes this dish so iconic: Buffalo sauce.

Buffalo sauce was first created in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. The owner’s daughter, Teressa Bellissimo, is credited with inventing Buffalo wings when she deep-fried some chicken wings and tossed them in a sauce made of butter and hot sauce. This combination of flavors quickly became a hit, and Buffalo wings were born.

The sauce itself is a simple yet perfect blend of cayenne pepper hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Its tangy, spicy flavor profile has become synonymous with game day snacks and bar food, making it a staple in American cuisine. Frank’s RedHot sauce, the original sauce used at the Anchor Bar, remains the go-to choice for Buffalo sauce to this day.

Why Frank’s RedHot is the Best Choice

When it comes to making Buffalo Chicken Dip, the choice of hot sauce is crucial. Frank’s RedHot is the gold standard for a reason—it’s the original sauce used in the very first Buffalo wings, and it has a perfect balance of heat and flavor that’s unmatched by other brands.

Frank’s RedHot is made from aged cayenne peppers, vinegar, water, salt, and garlic powder. The aging process mellows the heat of the peppers and deepens the flavor, resulting in a sauce that’s spicy but not overwhelming. It’s this complexity of flavor that makes Frank’s RedHot the ideal choice for Buffalo Chicken Dip.

The Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Now that we’ve covered the history and key ingredients, let’s get to the heart of this blog post: the recipe. Here’s how to make the perfect Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip:

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great, but any leftover cooked chicken will do.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: This adds creaminess and richness to the dip.
1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show, this sauce gives the dip its signature heat and tang.
1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Ranch is more mild, while blue cheese adds an extra tangy kick. Choose based on your preference.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey texture.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds sharpness and depth of flavor.

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Mix until well combined.
- Add in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, reserving a small handful of each for topping later. Stir the mixture well.
Transfer to a baking dish:
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a baking dish (an 8×8 inch dish works well).
Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top of the dip.
Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Dip

Making Buffalo Chicken Dip is pretty straightforward, but a few tips and tricks can help you take your dip to the next level:

Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver. It’s already cooked and seasoned, so all you have to do is shred it and mix it into the dip. Plus, the flavor of rotisserie chicken adds an extra layer of deliciousness to the dip.
Soften the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before you start mixing. If it’s too cold, it won’t incorporate well with the other ingredients, and you’ll end up with lumps of cream cheese in your dip. To soften cream cheese quickly, cut it into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Adjust the heat: Frank’s RedHot has a moderate level of heat, but you can adjust the spiciness of your dip to suit your taste. If you like it extra spicy, add more hot sauce or mix in some cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder dip, use a little less hot sauce or add extra ranch dressing to tone down the heat.
Make it ahead: Buffalo Chicken Dip is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Add some crunch: For a fun twist, try adding some crunchy toppings to your dip. Crushed tortilla chips, panko breadcrumbs, or crispy bacon bits can add a delightful texture contrast to the creamy dip.

Variations and Customizations

One of the great things about Buffalo Chicken Dip is how versatile it is. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:

Buffalo Chicken Dip with Blue Cheese: If you’re a fan of blue cheese, you can double down on the flavor by using blue cheese dressing instead of ranch and mixing in some crumbled blue cheese along with the other cheeses.
Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Dip: To make a low-carb version of this dip, skip the crackers and chips and serve it with celery sticks, bell pepper slices, or cucumber rounds. You can also use full-fat cream cheese and dressings to keep the dip rich and satisfying while staying within your carb limit.
Vegetarian Buffalo Dip: For a meatless version, substitute the chicken with cooked and shredded jackfruit, which has a similar texture to pulled chicken. You can also use a plant-based chicken alternative or even cauliflower for a vegetarian take on this classic dish.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Combine the flavors of Buffalo Chicken Dip with creamy mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Just prepare your favorite mac and cheese recipe, stir in some Buffalo Chicken Dip, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out some mini bell peppers and stuff them with Buffalo Chicken Dip for a fun, bite-sized appetizer. Bake until the peppers are tender and the dip is hot and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken Dip is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

With Tortilla Chips: This is the classic way to serve Buffalo Chicken Dip. The salty crunch of the chips pairs perfectly with the creamy, spicy dip.
With Veggies: For a lighter option, serve the dip with an assortment of fresh veggies like celery sticks, carrot sticks, bell pepper slices, and cucumber rounds. The crisp, cool veggies provide a nice contrast to the warm, creamy dip.
As a Sandwich or Wrap Filling: Spread Buffalo Chicken Dip on a sandwich or wrap for a delicious and easy meal. Add some lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado for extra flavor and texture.
On Baked Potatoes: Transform a simple baked potato into a loaded treat by topping it with Buffalo Chicken Dip. Add some extra shredded cheese and green onions for garnish.
As a Pizza Topping: Spread Buffalo Chicken Dip over a pizza crust, sprinkle with additional cheese, and bake until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. You can even add some sliced jalapeños or red onions for extra flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken Dip is rich, creamy, and spicy, so it pairs well with drinks and side dishes that balance out its bold flavors. Here are some pairing ideas:

Beer: A cold, crisp beer is the perfect drink to wash down the spicy, creamy dip. Pale ales, IPAs, and lagers are all great choices. The hoppy bitterness of an IPA can cut through the richness of the dip, while a lighter lager offers a refreshing contrast.
Wine: If you prefer wine, go for a white wine with a touch of sweetness to balance the spice. Riesling, Moscato, or a slightly off-dry Chenin Blanc are all good options. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir or a fruity Zinfandel would work well.
Soda or Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, soda or sparkling water with a hint of citrus can help cleanse your palate between bites. The bubbles also add a refreshing contrast to the creamy dip.
Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a nice balance to the rich, spicy dip. Consider a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette.

The Versatility of Buffalo Chicken Dip

One of the reasons Buffalo Chicken Dip is such a beloved dish is its versatility. It’s not just a game day snack; it’s a dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings and for different occasions.

Game Day: Of course, Buffalo Chicken Dip is a game day classic. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or just watching the game with a few friends, this dip is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Potlucks and Parties: Buffalo Chicken Dip is a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks and parties. It travels well, can be served at room temperature or warmed up on-site, and is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it’s easy to scale up the recipe to feed a larger crowd.
Family Gatherings: This dip is also a great choice for family gatherings. Whether it’s a holiday get-together, a birthday party, or just a casual weekend meal, Buffalo Chicken Dip is a dish that everyone can enjoy. Serve it as an appetizer, or incorporate it into the main meal as part of a sandwich bar or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Lunch or Dinner: Don’t limit Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip to just appetizers—turn it into a main course! Spread it on a sandwich, wrap it in a tortilla, or serve it over rice or pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is more than just a dip—it’s a dish with a rich history, a beloved flavor profile, and endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re making it for a party, a family gathering, or just for yourself, this dip is sure to be a hit. With its creamy texture, spicy kick, and cheesy goodness, it’s no wonder that Buffalo Chicken Dip has become a favorite in households across the country.

So the next time you’re in need of a crowd-pleasing dish, give this recipe a try. And don’t be afraid to get creative with it—Buffalo Chicken Dip is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients, serving options, and pairings. No matter how you serve it, one thing is for sure: this dip is always a winner.

Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip