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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.
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Erin says
Hi Laurie, I’m sorry that you did not like the recipe! I’ve heard tons of good things about this one, bummed it didn’t work out for you. You can always sub ingredients if you need to for your personal diet.
Meg says
Love this lighter version of a classic!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Meg, so happy you enjoyed it!!
Colleen Cluney says
This recipe is so easy to create. It is now my husband’s favorite Buffalo recipe, in fact he has asked me to make it again this Sunday.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Colleen, so happy you both love it so much! 🙂
SY says
This is called buffalo chicken dip but doesn’t involve any buffalo sauce?
Erin says
Hi, yes, it needs 1/2 cup Franks hot sauce which is a bufflo/hot sauce.
Cassy says
Sooooooo good! Thank you.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Cassy, so happy you loved it! 🙂
Madison Gregory says
So delicious!!! Any tips on how to not make it so watery? With the yogurt I figure it might be hard to combat that. Regardless, 10/10!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Madison, so happy you like it and you can try a thicker yogurt like Fage. Let me know how it comes out!
Bianca says
This was such a hit! It was super easy to make and I got so many compliments. I had a little bit leftover and I just put it in a wrap for my lunch the next day. Will definitely be making this again.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Bianca, so glad you loved the dip and great idea!!
Tori says
This is seriously the only recipe I use for buff chic dip. Always a crowd pleaser! We love serving it with carrots and celery preferably when the Birds game’s on!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Tori, so glad it is such a hit!!
Claudia says
The easiest to make and a crowd pleaser. If your looking for an easy appetizer that wont take long and everyone will like, stop searching this is it! 🙂
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Claudia, so glad everyone loved it!!
Taylor says
The only recipe that I even consider when someone says “can you bring an appetizer?” So easy to make and a huge crowd pleaser!
Erin says
Hi Taylor, so happy everyone loves it so much! 🙂
Maddy says
I LOVE this dip! I subbed half of the cream cheese for 3/4 cup blended cottage cheese to add more protein- and it was still delicious!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maddy, so glad you loved it and made it your own!!
Kelly P says
Perfect for an eagles gameday 🦅
My husband and I love it!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelly, so glad you both loved it!! 🙂
Thomas Morrissey says
How about some new recipes with hot dogs and beans?
erin baldwin says
Made this for last years Super Bowl for my boyfriend and his friends. They all loved it and none of them knew it was a healthier lightened up version hehe.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Erin, so glad you all loved it!!
Liz says
This dip deserves all of the five star reviews! I served for a family gathering and adults and kids all raved about it. We dipped chips, crackers, and fresh veggies. I will most definitely be making again for New Year’s. Thanks for another awesome recipe, Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Liz, so happy it is a huge hit!
Ally says
This is so quick to make and it’s always a hit at my parties year round!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ally, so happy everyone loved it! 🙂
Nichole says
We make this many times throughout the football season. I can’t do a ton of spicy stuf and it’s perfect. It is the best and become a Thanksgiving tradition!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nichole, so happy it is a hit! 🙂
Erin E. says
The best buffalo chicken dip ever!! Friends and family beg for me to make this at every gathering, we’re obsessed!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Erin, so happy it is a huge hit!
Vicki says
This dip recipe along with all of Erin’s other recipes are absolutely amazing! Took this dip to a Christmas party and it was devoured in minutes! My husband and I easily make 2-3 of Erin’s recipes weekly! They are balanced, simple, delicious, and loved by our little family! Highly recommend!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Vicki, so glad it is a huge hit!!
Catherine says
Made this recipe for my parents and we all loved it! Even my mom who doesn’t really like Buffalo flavor.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Catherine, so happy it was a hit!! 🙂