If you love flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizers but want to keep things on the healthier side, this Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a perfect choice. Made with lean chicken breast and protein-packed Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, it delivers that classic spicy buffalo flavor without the heavy calories and fats of traditional recipes.
Why We Love This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
This dip is a game changer because it combines your favorite buffalo wing spices with wholesome ingredients that support your health goals. You get plenty of protein to keep you satisfied, and it’s gluten-free and low-calorie, making it suitable for many diets. The creamy texture, cheesy top, and spicy kick hit all the right notes for a flavorful, comforting treat. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, fitting into your busy schedule seamlessly.
Ingredients for Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ⅔ cup hot sauce (choose your favorite brand or heat level)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅔ cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 green onions, diced
How to Make Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip Directions
You can prepare this dip in multiple ways, depending on what equipment you have and how much time you want to spend.
Oven Method:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce until well combined. Pour this mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When done, garnish with diced green onions and, if you like, drizzle a bit of ranch or more hot sauce on top before serving.
Slow Cooker Method:
Place all ingredients except the cheese and green onions into your slow cooker. Set it on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks. Stir well, then add the shredded cheese on top. Cover and cook until the cheese melts. Sprinkle green onions before serving. This method is great for keeping the dip warm throughout your event.
Instant Pot Method:
Add chicken breasts, hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 14 minutes. Once finished, release the pressure manually and shred the chicken inside the pot with forks or a mixer. Stir in the Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes to melt the cheese. Garnish with green onions before serving.
How to Serve Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
This dip shines best when served warm. It pairs wonderfully with crunchy vegetable sticks like celery, carrot, or cucumber for a light, fresh contrast. You can also enjoy it with whole-grain crackers, baked pita chips, or even spoon it over a fresh salad for a spicy protein boost. If you’re hosting a party, keep it in the slow cooker on the warm setting to ensure it stays ready to enjoy all event long. Serving size is about one-third of a cup, making it easy to portion and share.
Expert Tips for Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
To get the best results, use cooked chicken breast that’s shredded finely but still moist. If you don’t have leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked packs from the store work perfectly. Adjust the heat level by varying the amount and type of hot sauce you use. For milder flavor, try a buffalo sauce with less heat or add a splash of honey to balance the spice. When baking, watch the cheese carefully to avoid over-browning. Finally, adding fresh diced green onions right before serving boosts the flavor with a crisp, oniony bite.
How to Store Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you have leftovers, simply place the dip in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also store the dip without cheese and add it fresh before reheating to keep the cheese gooey and melty. This dip freezes well too — freeze it in portions for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations of Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Feel free to customize this dip to your taste and dietary preferences. Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor twist. For an extra creamy texture, stir in a bit of cream cheese or avocado. You can add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for crunch and heat. If you want to make it dairy-free, try using dairy-free yogurt and cheese alternatives. For a lower sodium option, pick a hot sauce with less salt or reduce the amount used. This recipe also works great with turkey breast or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
What is the main ingredient in Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip?
The main ingredient is cooked, shredded chicken breast combined with Greek yogurt and cottage cheese to create a creamy, high-protein base.
Can I make Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, then bake or heat it just before serving.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Absolutely, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies if needed.
How spicy is the dip?
The heat depends on the hot sauce you use. You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover shredded chicken works perfectly, making this a great recipe for using up cooked chicken.
What can I serve with this dip?
Try raw vegetables like celery, carrots, cucumber, or gluten-free crackers. It’s also delicious with baked pita chips or tortilla chips.
Is this dip suitable for a high-protein diet?
Yes, it’s high in protein thanks to chicken breast and Greek yogurt, making it a good choice for those focusing on protein intake.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 2/3 cup hot sauce (your favorite brand or heat level)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2/3 cup low-fat cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 3 green onions (diced)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with diced green onions before serving.
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