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Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a lighter take on the classic game-day appetizer, made with reduced-fat cream cheese, light ranch dressing, reduced-fat cheddar, canned chicken, and Buffalo wing sauce. If you want the original full-fat version, make my Buffalo Chicken Dip, which includes complete oven and Crockpot directions.
The original dip became one of the most popular recipes on All Things Mamma, so I created this lighter version for anyone who wants the same creamy, spicy flavor with reduced-fat dairy ingredients.
Healthy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
So, what do you do when you have an amazingly popular recipe on a food site? You make more! Buffalo Chicken Nachos, Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Buffalo Chicken Casserole, and Buffalo Chicken Sandwich recipes are all popular recipes that include everyone’s favorite Buffalo Chicken flavor!
This version uses reduced-fat cream cheese, light ranch dressing, and reduced-fat cheddar while keeping the five-ingredient recipe just as easy.
Serve it with celery, carrots, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, crackers, or tortilla chips. The vegetables are especially good with the rich, spicy dip.
It is an easy make-ahead appetizer for game day, holidays, and casual parties. My Buffalo Chicken Wrap is another good option when you want the same flavors in a meal.
Ingredients:
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Canned chicken – Drain it well before adding it. If you substitute chicken breast, cook and shred it first; do not add raw chicken to the slow cooker with these directions.
- Reduced-fat cheddar cheese – I like sharp cheddar for the most flavor.
- One-third-less-fat cream cheese – Soften it first so it blends smoothly.
- Light ranch dressing – Ranch cools down the heat and gives the dip a creamy consistency.
- Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce – This prepared wing sauce gives the recipe the intended Buffalo flavor and texture. Plain hot sauce is thinner and will change the result.
- Blue cheese crumbles – These are optional, but they make a great tangy topping if your family likes blue cheese.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cooked shredded chicken – Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken can replace the canned chicken. Measure it after shredding and make sure it is not heavily seasoned.
- Mozzarella cheese – I’m a fan of adding a bit more cheese on top sometimes!
How to Make Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
This version starts on the stove and finishes in the Crockpot. See the recipe card below for the exact ingredient amounts.
1. Combine
Heat the drained chicken and Buffalo wing sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
2. Mix in cream cheese
Add the softened cream cheese and light ranch dressing. Stir until the mixture is smooth and warm.
3. Add cheddar cheese
Stir in half of the cheddar, transfer the mixture to the Crockpot, and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
4. Enjoy
Cover and cook on Low until the dip is hot and bubbly. Switch the slow cooker to Warm for serving.
Use only cooked chicken in this recipe. Canned chicken, leftover shredded chicken, and rotisserie chicken all work.
This lighter Buffalo chicken dip is creamy, spicy, and especially good with crisp vegetables.
It keeps the classic flavor while using one-third-less-fat cream cheese, light ranch dressing, and reduced-fat cheddar.
How to Store Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Let leftovers cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat gently, stirring as needed, until hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you use to dip into this delicious dip?
You can use celery sticks, carrot sticks, tortilla chips, or anything else that you’d like! This is the perfect snack for football season or your next party.
What are some other healthy appetizers to make?
Buffalo wings and spinach artichoke dip are two of my other favorite things to make for parties!
Make sure to have plenty of veggies on hand to enjoy with this amazing game day recipe!
For more serving ideas and troubleshooting help, read my Buffalo Chicken Dip dippers and tips guide.
For more Game Day Dip Recipes, try these reader favorites!
Need help with this recipe?
Click the buttons below to summarize it, adjust for diets, swap ingredients, or ask your own questions!
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Equipment
- crock pot
Ingredients
- 2 10 ounce cans natural chunk chicken, drained
- 1 cup Frank’s Red Sauce – Buffalo flavor
- 2 8 ounce packages 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup light ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese divided
Instructions
- Heat chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat, until heated through.
- Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm.
- Mix in half of the shredded cheese, and transfer the mixture to a slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and cook on Low setting until hot and bubbly.
- If cooking in the oven, add to a 450-degree oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve with cut up veggies- celery, carrots, green peppers, and cucumbers are our favorites!
So easy to make!! This is my favorite appetizer to serve at parties
Easy simple & healthy too. Loved it!