Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe – Bet You Can’t Taste the Difference
This recipe is a take on everyone’s favorite game-day dip and gives it a nutritious spin without sacrificing the rich, bold flavors we all love. Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness that’ll make your next gathering or weeknight snack feel just a bit more guilt-free.
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Unlike the traditional version of Buffalo Chicken Dip, which is often loaded with high-fat cheeses and heavy creams, this recipe swaps in a few healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt and Neufchâtel cheese. It’s every bit as good as the original (and I bet no one will be able to tell the difference!), with a fraction of the calories and fat.
Best of all, this dip comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Whether you’re serving it for a crowd or just enjoying a night in with the family, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
What You’ll Need to Make Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
- 2 ½ cups finely shredded chicken breasts
- 1 (8 oz) package of light cream cheese or Neufchâtel, softened
- ½ cup Frank’s RedHot sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced green onions or chives (optional)
How to Make the Best Ever Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F.
Next, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, hot sauce, mozzarella cheese, Greek yogurt, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. (You can use a wooden spoon to stir everything if you like, but my favorite trick when making this dish is to use my mixer—it combines everything together beautifully in about a minute.)
Next, spoon the mixture into a medium-sized baking dish or oven-safe skillet and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
Finally, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
When the buffalo chicken dip is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with diced green onions or chives, if desired.
Serve warm with celery sticks, crostini, crackers, or tortilla chips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Whether you’re a fan of buffalo wings or just love a good dip, this Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip offers all the flavor of the classic dish with none of the heaviness. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that feels indulgent without being overly rich, making it the perfect addition to your game-day lineup or anytime you need an appetizer.
It’s the perfect way to indulge in that crave-worthy buffalo flavor while enjoying a lightened-up version of the recipe.
- By using Greek yogurt and Neufchâtel cheese instead of heavy cream and full-fat cheeses, you’ll get a creamy, decadent texture without the excess calories and fat.
- Thanks to the shredded chicken and Greek yogurt, each serving of this dip is loaded with protein. This makes it a delicious and filling snack that can also easily double as a light meal.
- This recipe comes together in just over 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. You can even prep it ahead of time and bake just before serving.
- While it’s traditionally enjoyed with chips, this dip also pairs well with a variety of dippers like fresh veggies, whole grain pita, or even as a spread for wraps or sandwiches.
Suggested Pairings
Want to turn this Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip into a whole spread? Here are a few ideas for side dishes and dippers that’ll elevate your snacking experience:
- Set out a platter of celery sticks, carrot sticks, sliced bell peppers, cucumber rounds, and cherry tomatoes.
- Offer whole-grain crackers or pita chips to make scooping up every delicious bite even easier.
- For a heartier option, spoon the warm dip over a bed of quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice.
Tips & Tricks
- If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Just make sure to remove the skin and shred the meat finely for the best texture. You can also make sure you always have shredded chicken breasts on hand by keeping Instant Pot Shredded Chicken in your freezer at all times.
- Frank’s RedHot sauce provides a nice amount of heat without overwhelming the other flavors, but feel free to use a milder hot sauce if you prefer.
- You can mix the dip ingredients and place it in the baking dish up to a day in advance. When ready to serve, simply top with cheddar and bake as directed. This is also a great way to travel with the dip – just pop it in the oven when you get to your destination and are ready to serve it.
This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be laden with guilt. This healthy recipe lets you enjoy the zesty, creamy flavors you love while staying mindful of nutrition.
Serve it at your next gathering, bring it to a tailgate, or enjoy it as a treat during family movie night. It’s sure to be a hit, no matter the occasion.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love
- Pork Free Charcuterie Board
- Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board
- 3-Ingredient Lawson’s Chip Dip
- 3-Ingredient Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- Everything But the Bagel Pigs in a Blanket
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups chicken breasts finely shredded
- 1 (8 oz) package light cream cheese or Neufchâtel softened
- ½ cup Frank's RedHot Sauce
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- diced green onions or chives optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F.
- Next, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, hot sauce, mozzarella cheese, Greek yogurt, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. (You can use a wooden spoon to stir everything if you like, but my favorite trick when making this dish is to use my mixer—it combines everything together beautifully in about a minute.)
- Next, spoon the mixture into a medium-sized baking dish or oven-safe skillet and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
- Finally, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- When the buffalo chicken dip is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with diced green onions or chives, if desired.
- Serve warm with celery sticks, crostini, crackers, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Just make sure to remove the skin and shred the meat finely for the best texture.
- Frank’s RedHot sauce provides a nice amount of heat without overwhelming the other flavors, but feel free to use a milder hot sauce if you prefer.
- You can mix the dip ingredients and place it in the baking dish up to a day in advance. When ready to serve, simply top with cheddar and bake as directed. This is also a great way to travel with the dip – just pop it in the oven when you get to your destination and are ready to serve it.
