Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
My mission as a home cook (and the recipe creator for Real and Rustic) is to create healthy and simple meals that make cooking from scratch super easy. One of my husband’s FAVORITE game-time foods is dips. He loves spinach artichoke, queso, and basically everything in between. When I told him I made a Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip that I needed him to test, he gawked at the word healthy.
His argument is that not every single thing has to be healthy. I get it, I really do. But if it was a healthy version, we could have it much more often. After a bit of pleading on my end, hubby tried this healthy buffalo chicken dip. Guess what? He is obsessed. He even went as far as to say it is his new favorite game-day dip! That’s a massive win in this household 🙂
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Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Dip
This healthy buffalo chicken dip is about to become your go-to for game days, parties, and even casual snacking. Here’s why:
Make-Ahead Friendly
This dip reheats beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance and warm it up when you’re ready to serve. When you. If you plan on making it in advance, stir in the green onions when reheating, right before serving (I will remind you that in the notes section of the recipe.)
Packed with Flavor
The combo of Franks Hot Sauce, marinara, cheddar cheese, and green onions hits all the right notes for bold, zesty flavor in every bite. Thanks to Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, this dip packs all the creamy goodness without relying on loads of heavy ingredients.
Two Ways To Prepare It
Whether you’re a slow cooker fan or a stovetop master, this recipe comes together with minimal effort and cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
I have used shredded rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, and even cubed chicken breast in this recipe. Our family’s favorite texture is shredded.
Green Onions
Fresh green onions give this buffalo chicken dip a fresh onion-y flavor without being overpowering. I like to reserve a half tablespoon of sliced green onions for the top of the dip when serving.
Marinara Sauce
I don’t know if adding marinara sauce to buffalo dip is considered weird, but this is what I have always done and it is really noticeable in the final flavor if I forget to add it. It does not give a pasta flavor, I promise!
Hot Sauce
Franks Hot Sauce is our (and I think the worlds) go-to for buffalo sauces, and this recipe is no exception!
Mayonnaise
We use full-fat mayo, either homemade or store-bought, which works fine. I don’t use low-fat and fat-free products in our home due to the unnecessary added ingredients, so I am unsure if that would work in this buffalo chicken dip.
Greek Yogurt
Same with mayo, we use full fat yogurt for this recipe. It is SOOO easy to make in the instant pot. You can check out my instant pot Greek Yogurt recipe here.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is my not-so-secret secret ingredient that helps make this dip super creamy without a ton of mayonnaise.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar might be my favorite cheese of all time. We use Tillamook block cheddar cheese that we shred.
Seasonings
This healthy buffalo chicken dip recipe calls for salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Mix it up
Add all the ingredients (except for the reserved ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and green onion tops) directly into your slow cooker. Grab a sturdy spoon and stir everything right in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken, cheeses, sauces, and seasonings are fully combined. It’s okay if it’s not perfectly mixed, everything will come together as it cooks.
Let it cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 2–3 hours or high for 1–1½ hours. While it’s cooking, stir every so often to make sure it is mixed evenly
Add the toppings
Once the dip is warm, bubbly, and smelling amazing, sprinkle on that reserved ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover it again for another 10–15 minutes to let that cheesy goodness melt perfectly on top.
Top and Serve
Sprinkle with your green onion tops for a little flair, and you’re ready to serve. This dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, carrot sticks, and celery sticks. Go ahead, dig in and enjoy every creamy, tangy, cheesy bite!
Stovetop Instructions
Combine Ingredients
Place all the ingredients (except for ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and those green onion tops) into a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Give everything a good stir until it’s all mixed together.
Heat Buffalo Chicken Dip
Stir the dip frequently to make sure it doesn’t stick or burn. Let it warm through and start to bubble, this should only take about 8–10 minutes.
Serve The Dip
Carefully pour the hot dip into your serving bowl. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the sliced green onion tops over the top for a perfect finishing touch. Place the bowl on the table alongside your favorite dippers—tortilla chips, carrot sticks, and celery sticks—and enjoy the deliciousness while it’s warm!
What to serve with Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Vegetables
- Celery Sticks & Carrot Sticks: A classic for balancing the spicy, creamy dip with a fresh crunch.
- Bell Pepper Strips: Red, orange, yellow, or green, sweet and crisp options for scooping.
- Cucumber Rounds: Light, refreshing, and sturdy enough for dipping.
- Zucchini Chips: A baked or dehydrated option for a fun twist on veggies.
Other Options
- Tortilla Chips: The ultimate classic! Choose whole grain for a healthier crunch.
- Pita Chips: Heartier than regular chips, making them perfect for heavy scooping.
- Crackers: Whole-grain, seeded, or gluten-free options add variety and texture.
- Pretzel Crisps or Sticks: Salty and crunchy, great for game days!
Turning Buffalo Chicken Dip into a meal
I love that this dip is a healthier option and we can feel really good about using it in other ways to make a quick and delicious lunch! If I have leftovers, I love making these things with our Buffalo Chicken Dip:
Lettuce Wraps: Scoop a little dip into large romaine or butter lettuce leaves for an easy low-carb snack.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches: Slather the dip onto whole-grain slider buns or wraps for a quick and flavorful sandwich option.
Stuffed Potatoes: Spoon a dollop of warm buffalo chicken dip over baked sweet potatoes or russets for a comfort food win.
Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: Spread it on top of a toasted flatbread and sprinkle with extra cheddar for a fun twist on pizza night.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate creamy, flavorful game-day appetizer made lighter with Greek yogurt and cottage cheese.
Ingredients
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cans chunk chicken breast, drained or 3.5 cups cooked, shredded
- ½ cup (125 g) marinara sauce
- 3 tablespoons (45 g) hot sauce (use ¼ cup, or 60 ml, to make it spicier)
- 1 tablespoon (12 g) salt
- 2 teaspoons (5 g) onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup (115 g) mayonnaise
- 1 (240 g) cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1¼ cups (145 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method
- Combine all the ingredients (except ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the green onion tops) in the slow cooker and spread evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours or on high for 1–1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once heated through and bubbling, sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of cheddar cheese on top. Cover and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with the reserved green onion tops and serve warm with tortilla chips, carrot sticks, and celery sticks for dipping.
Stove Top Method
- Add all ingredients (except ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and green onions) to a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Stir well to combine.
- Cook, stirring often, for 8–10 minutes until the mixture is heated through and bubbling slightly.
- Reduce heat to low, sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of cheddar cheese over the top, cover with a lid, and let the cheese melt for 3–5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with the reserved green onion tops, and serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: This dip reheats beautifully. If you’re making it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, stir in the green onions just before serving to keep their flavor fresh.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Freezing: This buffalo chicken dip can be frozen! Transfer the cooled dip to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or in a slow cooker until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
20Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 78Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 175mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 11g
