Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip (High Protein & Creamy)

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip (High Protein & Creamy)

Hi, I’m Hannah! We all love a good party spread, but heavy, greasy appetizers often leave us feeling sluggish before the halftime show even starts. However, I refuse to live in a world where I have to skip the dip just to stay on track. In fact, I wanted a recipe that delivered all that classic, spicy, cheesy satisfaction but with a nutritional profile that actually fueled my body. Consequently, this Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip has become my ultimate party trick. It tastes exactly like the indulgent restaurant version, but it swaps half the mayo and heavy cream cheese for protein-rich Greek yogurt. Furthermore, it is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. It is the ‘good habit’ of enjoying your favorite comfort foods without the guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

  • High in Protein: First of all, by using shredded chicken and Greek yogurt, this dip packs a serious protein punch. It keeps you full and satisfied.
  • Lighter & Creamy: Additionally, we lighten up the calories significantly without sacrificing texture. It is still rich, velvety, and totally scoopable.
  • Keto & Gluten-Free: Moreover, this recipe fits perfectly into almost any diet plan. Serve it with celery or cucumber slices for a purely low-carb snack.
  • Ready in 25 Minutes: Finally, it comes together in one bowl and bakes quickly. It’s the perfect last-minute addition to a New Year’s Eve or Super Bowl party.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip (High Protein & Creamy) ingredients

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a few smart swaps to maximize flavor and nutrition.

  • Cooked Chicken: To start, use cooked, shredded chicken breast. A rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver here, or you can use drained canned chicken breast.
  • The Hot Sauce: Next, for that authentic flavor, you must use Frank’s RedHot Original. It provides that signature vinegar tang and heat without added sugar.
  • Cream Cheese: In addition, we use a little light cream cheese (or Neufchâtel) to ensure the dip is stable and creamy.
  • Greek Yogurt: This is the secret weapon! Plain non-fat Greek yogurt replaces the mayonnaise and sour cream found in traditional recipes, adding tanginess and protein.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Furthermore, sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor punch. Shred it yourself for the smoothest melt.
  • Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder round out the savory flavors.
  • Green Onions: Finally, a sprinkle of fresh green onions on top adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

This process is incredibly simple: mix, bake, and eat. The full, detailed recipe is in the recipe card below.

  1. Prep the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix the Base: Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add Chicken & Cheese: Then, fold in the shredded chicken and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Transfer to Dish: After that, spread the mixture into a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great).
  5. Top & Bake: Subsequently, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted.
  6. Garnish: Finally, remove from the oven and top with sliced green onions. Serve hot with your favorite dippers.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip (High Protein & Creamy) processing

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Dip

  • Softened Cheese is Key: Most importantly, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If it’s cold, you will end up with lumpy dip.
  • Adjust the Heat: Specifically, if you love spice, add an extra splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer it mild, use a little less Frank’s and add a splash of milk.
  • Don’t Use Fat-Free Cheese: For instance, while we use low-fat yogurt, try to use real cheese. Fat-free cheese doesn’t melt well and can make the texture rubbery.
  • Make Ahead: You can mix everything together and spread it in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it in the fridge, then just pop it in the oven when your guests arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What should I serve this with? To keep it healthy, I love serving this with celery sticks, carrot chips, and sliced bell peppers. However, it’s also delicious with tortilla chips or whole-grain crackers.
  • Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! simply add all the ingredients to a crockpot. Cook on LOW for 1.5 – 2 hours, stirring occasionally until melted and hot.
  • Can I use blue cheese? Absolutely. If you are a blue cheese fan, swap half of the cheddar for crumbled blue cheese for that classic “Buffalo wing” flavor profile.

More Healthy Party Appetizers

Build Your Healthiest Habit

End the “what’s for dinner?” stress. Get my free guide with 5 Healthy Dinners in Under 30 Minutes, plus simple weekly recipes to help you feel good, consistently.

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip (High Protein & Creamy)

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip! This creamy, spicy dip uses Greek yogurt for a high-protein, low-carb appetizer that tastes just like the classic.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Small Baking Dish (8×8 or Pie Dish)
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded (rotisserie works best)
  • 4 oz light cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded (divided)
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • For Dipping: Celery sticks carrots, tortilla chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Combine Base: Next, in a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
  • Add Mix-Ins: Fold in the shredded chicken and 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese.
  • Assemble: Then, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
  • Bake: Bake for 20 minutes until the dip is hot and the cheese is bubbly.
  • Serve: Finally, garnish with green onions and serve immediately with veggies or chips.

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating