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lightened up buffalo chicken dip with crispy cheese - featured image

Lightened Up Buffalo Chicken Dip with Crispy Cheese


  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A lighter, brighter version of the classic buffalo chicken dip with a crispy cheese top that delivers all the tangy, spicy flavor without the heavy feeling. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for game day or a weeknight treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 cups)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 4 ounces Neufchâtel cheese, softened
  • ½ cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 34 green onions, sliced
  • Celery stalks and carrot sticks for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
  2. Soften the Neufchâtel cheese (microwave 10-15 seconds if needed).
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened Neufchâtel and Greek yogurt until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute.
  4. Stir in the hot sauce and ranch dressing mix until well combined.
  5. Fold in the shredded chicken and ½ cup of the cheddar cheese. If using blue cheese crumbles, fold them in now.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar and the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until edges are bubbly and cheese is golden. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions.
  10. Serve with celery sticks, carrot chips, or your favorite dippers.

Notes

Don’t overmix the chicken to keep texture. Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning. Let dip rest 5 minutes before serving. Use room temperature ingredients for smoother texture. If dip is too thin, use thicker Greek yogurt and pat chicken dry.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¼ cup
  • Calories: 185
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 480
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 4
  • Protein: 16

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, lightened up, healthy appetizer, game day, crispy cheese, easy dip