This Healthy High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip is your new secret weapon for game day, snack attacks, or quick weeknight cravings. Creamy, spicy, and absolutely packed with flavor, it offers all the indulgence of classic buffalo dip—without the guilt. Thanks to a smart mix of lean protein and lighter ingredients, it delivers that rich, tangy kick while keeping things wholesome. Best of all? It comes together in no time and can be made ahead for ultimate convenience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed Goodness: Lean chicken, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese pack this dip with satisfying protein to keep you full longer.
- Flavor Without the Guilt: It has all the creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness of the original version—but made lighter and healthier.
- Super Quick & Easy: No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just stir, bake, and enjoy.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s served hot out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, this dip disappears fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this crave-worthy buffalo dip, along with why each ingredient matters:
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience—moist, flavorful, and ready to go.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Replaces sour cream for creaminess and boosts the protein content. Go for full-fat for the best texture.
- Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: Adds a luscious texture and a surprising amount of protein. Blend if you want a smoother dip.
- Buffalo Sauce: This is where the magic happens—zesty, spicy, and tangy. Choose your favorite brand, but Frank’s RedHot is a classic.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Add savory depth without overpowering the buffalo flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings the bold cheesy element we all expect in a buffalo dip.
- Green Onions: Stir in or sprinkle on top for freshness and a little bite.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Here’s how to customize your dip:
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or extra hot sauce if you’re feeling bold.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt, cheese, and cream cheese to make it suitable for lactose-free diets.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a couple tablespoons of light cream cheese or whipped cream cheese for extra richness.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for canned white beans or jackfruit for a meat-free protein punch.
- Baked or Cold: While this is often served warm, it’s equally tasty served chilled with veggie sticks.
How to Make Healthy High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip
Step 1: Blend the Base
In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth. This step makes sure your dip is creamy, not chunky.
Step 2: Mix It All Up
In a large bowl, stir together the blended base, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Transfer and Top
Spread the dip into a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is bubbling around the edges.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve immediately with celery sticks, sliced bell peppers, whole grain crackers, or even pita chips.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Warm Chicken: Mixing in warm chicken helps everything blend better and heat through evenly in the oven.
- Don’t Skip the Blend: If you’re using cottage cheese, blending it first ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Make It in a Skillet: Using a cast iron skillet means fewer dishes and it stays warm longer when served.
- Double the Batch: It disappears fast—if you’re serving a crowd, you’ll be glad you made more.
How to Serve
This dip is a hit at parties, game nights, or as a fun twist on weeknight snacking. Here are some ways to enjoy it:
Classic Pairings:
Serve with crunchy celery sticks, cucumber rounds, carrot chips, or sliced bell peppers to keep things light and fresh.
Dippables Galore:
Whole grain crackers, tortilla chips, baked pita wedges, or even pretzel thins work beautifully.
Meal Style:
Use it as a filling in a whole wheat wrap with lettuce or spoon it onto a baked sweet potato for a high-protein lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze it! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of buffalo sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I make this dip in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.
Is there a way to make it smoother?
Yes—blend the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt together before mixing in the other ingredients. You’ll get a silky, creamy texture without extra fat.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect here. You can also cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs for a leaner option.
Can I serve this dip cold?
Definitely! It’s delicious both warm and cold. For a picnic or no-bake version, just mix everything and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip checks all the boxes—easy, tasty, protein-rich, and endlessly snackable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for yourself, it’s a flavorful way to enjoy something indulgent without straying from your goals. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to dip forever!
PrintHealthy High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthier twist on the classic buffalo chicken dip, packed with protein and made with lighter ingredients while still delivering bold, spicy flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cream cheese, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and optional blue cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Serve warm with veggie sticks, whole grain crackers, or pita chips.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Adjust hot sauce to taste for milder or spicier dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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