Description
This high-protein buffalo chicken dip is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic flavor profile while keeping your nutrition goals in mind. It’s incredibly satisfying, whether you’re looking for a hearty snack, a game-day appetizer, or a simple, flavorful meal component. This recipe focuses on simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for even the busiest weeknights. You’ll find this dip to be creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious, without relying on heavy, calorie-dense ingredients. Each serving provides about 25 grams of protein. It’s a versatile dish that can be adjusted to your preferred spice level and served with a variety of dippers, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 375 F (190 C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish (an 8×8 inch square dish or a similar oval dish works well) with cooking spray. This prevents the dip from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This is a crucial step for a smooth, lump-free dip. You can leave it on the counter for about 30 minutes, or gently microwave it for 15-20 seconds if you’re short on time.
3. Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and ranch dressing. Use a spatula or a sturdy spoon to mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and relatively smooth. Don’t worry if there are still small chunks of blue cheese; they will melt into the dip.
4. Add Seasonings and Chicken: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste a tiny bit of the mixture and adjust seasonings if needed. Then, fold in the shredded or diced cooked chicken. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with your spatula so it forms a consistent layer. This ensures even heating and browning.
6. Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly around the edges, and slightly golden brown on top. You should see steam rising from the center when it’s ready.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with additional blue cheese crumbles and fresh chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent burns and allow the dip to set slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: appetizer
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Protein: 25
Keywords: buffalo chicken, high protein, dip, appetizer, game day, snack, easy, creamy, spicy, chicken
