(The Original 3-Ingredient Classic Recipe)
Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. This Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is proof of that. With just three ingredients, you can create a dip so delicious that people will think you spent hours in the kitchen. It is creamy, spicy, and completely addictive the kind of dip that disappears in minutes at any gathering.

I created this recipe because I wanted something that was foolproof and fast. No complicated steps, no long ingredient lists, just pure buffalo chicken dip perfection. This is the original version that started it all, and it remains my go-to for lazy dinners and last-minute parties.
If you love bold flavors, you will enjoy this simple classic as much as my creamy slow cooker version, my quick canned chicken version, or even my spiced meatballs. Serve it alongside crispy wings or savory pinwheels for the ultimate buffalo feast.
Why This Three-Ingredient Dip Rules
I make this dip constantly, and here is why it never fails.
- No Fuss: Three ingredients. That is it. No measuring spoons, no whisking, no stress.
- Always a Hit: People are always shocked when I tell them how simple it is. They think there must be more to it.
- Perfect Every Time: There is no way to mess this up. Even a beginner cook can make restaurant quality dip.
The Three Magic Ingredients
That is all you need for this classic franks red hot buffalo chicken dip.
The Chicken
Use cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is perfect. You can also use canned chicken or leftover cooked chicken from dinner. Any cooked chicken works beautifully here.
The Heat
Frank’s RedHot Original sauce is essential. This is not a substitute it is what gives this dip its signature flavor. The tangy heat is what makes it so special.
The Cream
Cream cheese is the binding ingredient. It makes everything creamy and smooth. Use the block style, not whipped. Softened cream cheese works best because it melts evenly.
That is it. Three simple ingredients, and you have a dip that tastes like you are a professional cook.
How to Make It: Three Easy Steps
This is so simple, it feels like cheating.

Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese
Take your block of cream cheese out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before you start. Let it sit on the counter so it becomes soft. Soft cream cheese mixes smoothly without lumps.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, and Frank’s RedHot sauce. Use a spoon or an electric mixer. Stir until everything is combined and smooth. There should be no lumps of cream cheese.
Step 3: Warm and Serve
Transfer the mixture to a small slow cooker, baking dish, or even a small pot on the stove. Heat on low until it is warm and starting to get bubbly. This usually takes 20-30 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees F, or about 1-2 hours on low in a slow cooker.
Serve hot with crackers, tortilla chips, celery sticks, or bread.
Easy Ways to Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is.
Add More Flavor
Stir in a few tablespoons of ranch dressing for creaminess, or add blue cheese crumbles for tang.
Make It Spicier
Use more hot sauce if you like more heat. You can also add cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
Make It Less Spicy
Use less hot sauce, or mix in some sour cream to cool down the heat.
Add Veggies
Stir in diced celery, chopped green onions, or even diced tomatoes for extra texture and nutrition.
Add Cheese
Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra cheesiness. It makes it richer and creamier.
Use Different Proteins
Try ground cooked chicken, shredded turkey, or even cooked ground beef for a different twist.

Pro Tips for Success
- Softening Cream Cheese: If you forget to soften your cream cheese ahead of time, microwave it for 15-20 seconds. It will be soft and easy to mix without getting hard again.
- No Lumps: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese creates lumps that do not mix in smoothly.
- Consistency: If your dip seems too thick, add a splash of milk or sour cream to thin it out. If it is too thin, add more cream cheese.
- Keep It Warm: Use a slow cooker to keep the dip warm during your party. It will stay the perfect temperature for hours.
- Make Ahead: You can mix this dip the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving.
- Oven vs. Slow Cooker: For quick heating, use a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes. For parties, use a slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours so it stays warm all evening.
- Double the Batch: This recipe doubles easily if you are feeding a crowd. Just multiply the amounts and use a larger baking dish.
- Canned Chicken Works: If you do not have rotisserie chicken, canned chicken works great. Just drain it well before mixing.
- Storage: Keep leftover dip in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm before serving again.
- Party Ready: This dip is perfect for potlucks, game day, or any gathering. People always ask for the recipe!
A Dip So Simple, It Is Genius
There is something beautiful about a recipe this simple. No fancy techniques, no long ingredient lists, just three things that come together to create pure magic. This Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip proves that you do not need complicated recipes to impress people. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best ones.
Whether you are hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just making a snack for yourself, I hope this classic dip becomes a permanent part of your cooking routine.
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Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip (The Original 3-Ingredient Classic Recipe)
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 Servings
Description
The ultimate simple buffalo chicken dip made with just 3 ingredients! Cream cheese, cooked chicken, and Frank’s RedHot sauce come together to create an addictive party dip that tastes gourmet.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works best)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce
- Optional: tortilla chips, celery, carrots, and crackers for serving
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes until soft. This ensures it mixes smoothly without lumps.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, and Frank’s RedHot sauce. Stir until well combined and smooth. Use an electric mixer if you prefer a fluffier texture.
- Heat the Dip: Transfer to a slow cooker (cook on LOW for 1-2 hours) or a baking dish (bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes) until warm and bubbly.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl or keep warm in the slow cooker. Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrots, or crackers.
Notes
Make Ahead: Mix the dip the night before and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
Canned Chicken: If using canned chicken, drain it well before mixing. Pat it dry to remove excess liquid.
Customize It: Add ranch dressing, blue cheese, or jalapeños for your own twist.
Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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