This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate guilt free party snack! Made with shredded chicken, creamy Greek yogurt, and tangy cottage cheese, it delivers all the flavor of traditional buffalo dip but with a lighter, protein-packed twist. The perfect balance of heat from Frank’s hot sauce and the richness of melted cheddar and mozzarella makes this dip utterly addictive.
Whether you’re serving it at a football party, a casual get together, or just craving a satisfying snack, this dip is a crowd pleaser! Enjoy it hot with crunchy veggies, tortilla chips, or crispy crackers. Easy to make in under 20 minutes, it’s a must-have for any occasion.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
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½ cup Greek yogurt
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½ cup cottage cheese
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½ cup Frank’s hot sauce (or preferred hot sauce)
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
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¾ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Set aside 2 tablespoons of the cheddar cheese.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, hot sauce, remaining cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well.
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Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe bowl and place it on a baking sheet.
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Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
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Remove from the oven, top with blue cheese crumbles and extra green onions.
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Serve warm with celery sticks, carrots, tortilla chips, or your favorite dippers. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 171 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip: A Guilt-Free Twist on a Classic Favorite
Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd favorite at parties, game days, and casual gatherings. Its creamy texture, spicy kick, and cheesy goodness make it nearly impossible to resist. However, traditional buffalo chicken dip recipes tend to be loaded with high fat ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and excessive amounts of cheese, making it a calorie dense indulgence.
For those who love the classic dish but are looking for a lighter, protein packed alternative, this Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect solution. It swaps out high fat ingredients for nutritious alternatives like Greek yogurt and cottage cheese while maintaining the rich, tangy, and spicy flavors that make buffalo chicken dip so addictive. Whether you’re following a high-protein diet, trying to cut back on unhealthy fats, or simply looking for a wholesome yet delicious party snack, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Why This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip Stands Out
This healthier version of buffalo chicken dip is designed to provide all the flavors you love while incorporating nutritious ingredients that support a balanced diet. Here’s why this dish is a game changer:
1. High-Protein and Low-Calorie
Unlike traditional buffalo chicken dip, which relies on heavy dairy ingredients, this recipe incorporates Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. Both are packed with protein, helping to keep you full longer and support muscle recovery after workouts. Greek yogurt also contains probiotics, which promote gut health. By replacing cream cheese and sour cream with these nutrient-dense alternatives, the dip is lighter in calories without sacrificing flavor.
2. Ideal for Various Diets
This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Additionally, by adjusting a few ingredients, it can be made keto-friendly, low-carb, and even lower in fat, depending on your dietary needs.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, preparing a holiday appetizer, or simply craving a delicious snack, this dip fits every occasion. Its creamy consistency, bold buffalo flavor, and cheesy finish make it an instant crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crunchy vegetables like celery, carrots, and cucumbers for a fresh contrast, or pair it with whole-grain crackers and baked tortilla chips for a heartier option.
4. Easy and Quick to Prepare
One of the best things about this recipe is how fast and simple it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep time, and a short baking time, you can have this delicious dip ready in under 20 minutes. It’s the perfect last-minute appetizer when you need something tasty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Greek Yogurt – A Creamy, Protein-Packed Alternative
Greek yogurt is an excellent replacement for sour cream and cream cheese in this recipe. It provides a tangy flavor and creamy texture while significantly reducing fat content and boosting protein intake. It’s also a great source of calcium and probiotics, which help improve digestion and support bone health.
Cottage Cheese – The Secret to Creaminess Without the Calories
Cottage cheese is often overlooked in dips, but it works wonders in this recipe. It’s naturally low in fat and high in protein, making it a fantastic ingredient for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet. The smooth texture blends perfectly with the Greek yogurt, ensuring the dip stays rich and indulgent without excess calories.
Shredded Chicken – Lean and Satisfying
Using shredded chicken as the base of this dish keeps it filling and protein rich. You can use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken to save time, making this an ideal recipe for meal prep or quick party planning. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, helping to keep you full longer while supporting muscle health.
Frank’s Red Hot Sauce – Classic Buffalo Flavor with a Kick
Buffalo sauce wouldn’t be the same without a generous dose of hot sauce. Frank’s Red Hot Sauce is the go to choice for many buffalo chicken recipes, as it adds the perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and depth. Not only does hot sauce add flavor, but capsaicin, the compound found in spicy peppers, has been linked to metabolism-boosting benefits.
Cheese – The Melty, Irresistible Factor
A combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect balance of sharpness and gooeyness. While this recipe uses less cheese than traditional buffalo dips, it still provides a satisfying, melty texture that makes each bite irresistible. If you’re looking for an even healthier version, you can reduce the cheese amount or substitute it with part-skim varieties.
How to Serve Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
This dip is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy it:
Classic Dipping Options
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Fresh Vegetables: Celery sticks, carrot slices, cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips
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Crunchy Chips: Whole-grain tortilla chips, pita chips, pretzels
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Crusty Bread: Slices of toasted whole-wheat bread, bagel crisps
Other Serving Ideas
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Buffalo Chicken Wrap: Spread the dip onto a whole-wheat tortilla, add fresh greens, and roll it up for a delicious high-protein wrap.
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Stuffed Peppers: Scoop the dip into mini bell peppers for an easy bite-sized snack.
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Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Use romaine or butter lettuce leaves to make a fresh and low-carb wrap.
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Baked Sweet Potatoes: Spoon the dip over roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet and spicy contrast.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time and stores well for future meals.
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dip for up to 2 months, the texture may slightly change upon thawing due to the dairy content. To freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Making Ahead of Time
If you’re preparing this for a party, assemble the dip a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply bake it before serving for a quick and stress free appetizer.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken dip is a timeless classic, and this healthier version allows you to enjoy it guilt free. By making a few simple ingredient swaps like replacing sour cream with Greek yogurt and using cottage cheese instead of cream cheese you can create a dip that’s not only delicious but also nourishing.
Whether you’re looking for a protein packed snack, a game-day appetizer, or a crowd pleasing dish, this Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold buffalo flavor all while being lower in calories and full of good for you ingredients.
Next time you need a quick, easy, and satisfying dip, give this version a try. It’s bound to become a favorite at your gatherings, and your guests won’t even notice it’s a healthier option!