This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip is a wonderful appetizer or snack that’s made with healthy ingredients but tastes absolutely delicious. Serve it up alongside veggies, tortilla chips, or crackers, and you’re looking at your new favorite snack!
Delicious and healthy buffalo chicken dip
I am a self-titled appetizer queen. I love anything that’s suitable for game day, tailgates, or parties. If it can be eaten like a dip, I’m in! Though a ton of buffalo chicken dip recipes exist, I couldn’t find one that was healthy but still tasted good, flavor is everything!
When I’m at a loss for the exact recipe that I’m looking for, well… I make my own! Low and behold, after hours spent scouring the internet for a buff chick dip that didn’t come with hundreds of calories attached, I made my own, and healthier buffalo chicken dip was born.
Football season may have just come to a close, but that doesn’t mean your appetizer snacking has to! Healthier buffalo chicken dip is a guilt-free option that’s delicious when eaten alongside crackers, tortilla chips, carrots, or celery! Secretly packed with protein – you’re going to love this buffalo dip!
The next time you sit down to watch your favorite Netflix series, you’re going to want a bowl of this on your coffee table.
Ingredients used to make healthy buffalo chicken dip recipe
This buffalo chicken dip recipe is made using real, whole ingredients. In sticking with the “real” stuff, I’m able to achieve a delicious recipe that’s way healthier, but tastes like the real deal!
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make your own dip:
- Shredded chicken
- Cream cheese or Neufchatel
- Hot sauce (Frank’s red hot sauce is a good option)
- Mozzarella cheese
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Chopped green onion
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Optional toppings: Green onion, cheddar cheese, blue cheese
Tools you will need to make buffalo chicken dip
This dip recipe is incredibly simple to make and only requires a bit of shredding, chopping, mixing, and baking! To make this recipe, you’ll need a baking dish, cutting board, chopping knife, mixing bowl, fork, and mixing spoon. That’s it!
How to make healthier buffalo chicken dip
To make this dip, you’ll need no more than 10 minutes for prepping. In total, this recipe takes about 30 minutes.
To begin making buffalo chicken dip, start by preheating the oven to 400F and greasing a baking dish.
You can use any round or square dish. I used an 8×8 dish, but anything around that will work. If using a bigger dish, slightly reduce the cooking time, as you’ll be baking a thinner layer of dip.
In a large bowl, shred the chicken with a fork.
Then, add in the softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, cheese, and Greek yogurt. Stir until combined.
Mix in the green onion, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, pour into the greased baking dish.
Bake in the oven for 16-20 minutes, or until bubbly throughout.
Top with blue cheese, cheddar, and more green onion, and serve immediately. I like to serve mine with veggies and tortilla chips!
How to make buff chick dip ahead of time
If you’d like to make this buffalo chicken dip ahead of time, you can! Pre-making this dish is a great option if you want your dip to be nice and warm when serving. Store in the refrigerator until you are ready to reheat.
To make your dip ahead of time, follow all directions until you get to the baking portion. This means you will prep your chicken, mix your ingredients, and put everything in the baking dish. Then, cover with tin foil or plastic wrap and keep refrigerated for up to two days.
The day of your event, party, or dinner, just bake as directed, and you’ll be good to go!
This recipe can also be made in the slow cooker or crock pot, just add everything in and warm throughout, and then top with cheese for the last thirty minutes.
For serving, tortilla chips are best, but we also love serving this with celery sticks, bell peppers, and carrots.
Buffalo chicken dip pointers
Use these tips to make the most of your delicious buff chick dip!
What type of chicken should I use?
You will need cooked chicken to make this recipe. You can use canned chicken, rotisserie chicken, or you can bake your own ahead of time. I like to use chicken breasts for this recipe, so I usually opt to cook my own.
How to replace mozzarella cheese
If you aren’t a fan of mozzarella, you can instead use your favorite shredded cheese at a 1:1 ratio. Cottage cheese would also be a great addition here!
How to store buffalo chicken dip
Leftover dip can be stored by covering the original container with plastic wrap or foil and storing in the fridge. You can also place any leftovers in an airtight container. Eat refrigerated leftovers within 2-3 days.
How to reheat leftover dip
For best results, I recommend reheating leftover dip in the oven. Place desired amount in a baking dish, and bake at 350F until warm. Check it every few minutes to avoid overcooking.
Craving more appetizers and finger foods?
Below are more of my favorite dip-style recipes that are perfect for gatherings, parties, or at-home Netflix nights! You have to try these… especially the Healthy Seven Layer Dip.
- Easy Avocado Feta Dip
- Healthy Seven Layer Dip
- Savory Pumpkin Hummus
- Lemon Garlic Hummus
- Thai Peanut Hummus
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa
Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip
Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip is a wonderful appetizer or snack that’s made with healthy ingredients but tastes absolutely delicious. Serve it up alongside veggies, tortilla chips, or crackers, and you’re looking at your new favorite snack!
Ingredients
- 2 12.5 oz cans of chicken or 2.5 cups of finely shredded chicken breasts (or rotisserie chicken)
- 1 8oz package light cream cheese or Neufchatel, softened.
- 1/2 cup Franks hot sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese for topping
- optional toppings: green onion, blue cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F and grease a baking dish. You can use any round or square dish around 8×8. If using bigger, reduce cooking time.
- In a large bowl, shred chicken with fork.
- Add in softened cream cheese, hot sauce, mozzarella cheese, and greek yogurt and stir until combined.
- Mix in green onion, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour into greased baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake in oven for 16-20 minutes or until bubbly throughout.
- Top with blue cheese and more green onion and serve immediately. I like to serve mine with veggies and tortilla chips.
There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂
Becca says
This recipe was great. I made it for Super Bowl and no one thought it was a healthy version they said it tasted like any other Buffalo chicken dip!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Becca, so happy everyone loved it!!
Ali says
One of the better buffalo chicken dips I’ve had and you don’t even miss the sour cream, ranch, etc. In fact, I think the yogurt and reduced fat cream cheese make it taste even better because it’s not too heavy. Thanks, Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ali, I am so happy you enjoyed the dip!!
Dana R says
Absolutely delish! Made this for the super bowl and everyone gave it rave reviews! Super easy too 🙂
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Dana, I am so glad you liked it!
Madison says
This has been a staple recipe for over 2 years! Love making it over and over!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Madison, so happy you enjoyed it!
Abbey says
Made this dip yesterday and eating it over spaghetti squash for lunch today. 10/10
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Abby, so happy you liked it and great idea!
Meghan says
This was my husband’s first ELW recipe and it did not disappoint! I have made so many of Erin’s recipes and they’re literally all SO good. 10/10 recommend.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Meghan, I am so happy you loved the dip!
Whitney B says
Easy and delicious! Used scallion/onion cream cheese because I didn’t have fresh green onion. Thanks for the recipe Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Whitney, so happy you enjoyed it!!
Monica says
My friends raved about this dip when I made it for them. Definitely a crowd pleaser, easy to make, and without all the guilt of a normal buff chick dip recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Monica, so glad everyone enjoyed it!!
Kelsey Bowen says
An NFL Sunday STAPLE! I love BCD, but usually avoid it because I feel overstuffed afterwards and on dairy overload. However, this recipe leaves me with NO guilt, and my husband can never tell the difference compared to other heavy, full-flat recipes. Such an easy, WINNING recipe in this household!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelsey, I am so glad my dip is part of your football watching tradition!
Beck says
Made this tonight and already can’t wait for the leftovers—ingredients & ratios we’re spot on, love the green onions, Love it! Thanks for sharing
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Beck, so happy you enjoyed it!
Avery says
My go-to game day good! Claiming that it brings me good luck every game that it is made! Indulgent, protein-packed, and macro friendly!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Avery, I am so glad you loved it!
Micaela says
Made this for my bfs family for Sunday football!! Such an awesome, healthier alternative and no one noticed the difference!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Micaela, I am thrilled everyone likes it!
Emily says
So good! Has become a staple in our house during football season.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Emily, thanks for sharing!!
Danielle says
Made this for an Eagles game and it was a HUGE hit! The boys didn’t even know it was a healthy version! I added pickled jalapeños to the top of mine – amazing thanks Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Danielle, thanks for sharing! So glad you and the boys enjoyed it and love the addition of jalapeños!!
Maya says
I made this for New Year’s Eve and it was AMAZING! I’m gluten, dairy, and egg free, and here’s the substitutes I used:
– Kite Hill dairy free cream cheese
– Trader Joe’s almond motz shreds
– Vegan Mayo in place of the Greek yogurt
Turned out amazing with all the substitutes! Even my “normal eater” friends said it was fantastic
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maya, thanks for sharing! I am so happy everyone enjoyed it and you made it your own!!
Ruthie says
I’ll be making this on Sunday for football! Go birds!
Erin says
Hi Ruthie, great plan! How did it come out?
Rachel says
Girlllllllllllll just made this for Super Bowl and it is fireeeeeee!!!!! Thanks so much <3
★★★★★
Erin says
YAY! So glad you liked it 🙂
Carina Vollmer says
This recipe is so yummy and easy!
★★★★★
Erin says
I’m so happy that you loved it!
Erin says
Hi Carina, thank you so much!!
Elena says
I don’t deserve this dip……….. ?? such a game changer I can’t wait to make it again next weekend
★★★★★
Erin says
SO happy that you love it!
Dj says
Do you know what the macros in this recipe are per serving?
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi DJ, I’m working on updating all of my posts to have nutritional information, but for now, you can use an online calculator.
Gina says
In the ingredients for the recipe listed first cream cheese is not listed. If you read the whole recipe it is listed. Does it need cream cheese, I would think it does.
Thanks
Gina
Erin says
Yes – I see it listed in both the recipe and the blog. Can you please let me know where you do not see it?