Introduction
Transform leftover chicken into a ridiculously easy and flavorful buffalo chicken dip that’s perfect for game day, a casual get-together, or even a cozy night in! This recipe is low-carb and high-protein, making it a guilt-free indulgence you can feel good about. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing snack that’s as delicious as it is simple to make.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it hits all the right notes: creamy, spicy, cheesy, and satisfying. The combination of buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and shredded chicken creates a dip that’s both rich and flavorful, while the addition of protein keeps you full and energized. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or game day frenzy.
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 🧀 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 🌶️ 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (your favorite brand!)
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 🧀 ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 🧅 ½ cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, and buffalo wing sauce. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
3️⃣ Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Mix gently until the cheeses are evenly distributed.
4️⃣ Pour the mixture into an oven-safe dish (approximately 8×8 inches).
5️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and heated through, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
6️⃣ Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately with your favorite low-carb dippers like celery sticks, bell pepper slices, or pork rinds.
Handy Tips
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat cream cheese.
- If you like a spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Don’t overbake the dip! Overbaking can dry it out.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the dip heats through evenly and the cheese melts perfectly without burning. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Crunch Factor
The crunch comes from your choice of dippers! Celery sticks, bell pepper strips, and even baked tortilla chips offer a delightful contrast to the creamy, spicy dip. Pork rinds add a unique crunchy, savory element.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.
- For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the dip.
- To make it ahead, prepare the dip up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Storage Tips
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dip makes a fantastic game day gift! Package it in a small, oven-safe dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and tie a ribbon around it. Add a small bag of your favorite dippers for a complete gift.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Ranch: Add ½ cup of your favorite ranch dressing for a creamy, tangy twist.
🌟 Garlic Parmesan: Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
🌟 Bacon Ranch: Add ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon for a salty, smoky kick.
🌟 Jalapeño Popper: Add ½ cup chopped pickled jalapeños and ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese for a fiery flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Dip is too dry: Add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to the dip before baking.
- Dip is not hot enough: Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for a few more minutes.
- Cheese is burning: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and cover the top of the dish loosely with foil.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time? A: Yes! Prepare the dip up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: What kind of cheese can I use? A: Feel free to experiment! Other cheeses that would work well include Colby Jack, Mexican blend, or even a sharp cheddar.
Q: Can I freeze this dip? A: While freezing is possible, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this dip fresh.
Q: What are some other low-carb dippers? A: Try cauliflower “rice” , zucchini slices, or even baked broccoli florets.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve? A: This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people, depending on serving size and how many dippers each person eats!
Conclusion
This High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Its creamy texture, spicy kick, and ease of preparation make it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and share your delicious creations with us on RatemyRecipes.com! Enjoy!
Game Day Winning Buffalo Chicken Dip (High Protein!)
A delicious, creamy, and spicy buffalo chicken dip packed with protein, perfect for game day gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Tortilla chips or celery sticks for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and blue cheese crumbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving with tortilla chips or celery sticks.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference.