Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

By Jessica Kielman
Published 7/29/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Erin McNamara, RDN, LDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Low Sodium | High Protein | Gluten Free | Diabetic | GLP-1 | Low Fat
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Photo Credit: Jessica Kielman, Baldwin Publishing

This healthy buffalo chicken dip is a creamy, low sodium twist on a game day favorite, made with Greek yogurt, tender shredded chicken, and spicy Tabasco. Lightened up with a whipped cream cheese base, this healthier buffalo chicken dip blends savory flavor with fresh chives, garlic, and a touch of heat. A low carb option for healthy game day snacks, it doubles as a low fat dip or topping for a high protein salad. Brightened with lemon juice and herbs, this recipe features a low sodium salad dressing-style base for a tangy, flavorful finish that fits effortlessly into a GLP-1-friendly lifestyle.

When football season is in full swing, there are never enough snacks to enjoy during the game. Enjoy watching the kick off with any of our delicious and healthy game day recipes that will have your taste buds cheering, “Touchdown!” And to keep your heart healthy during those heartstopping moments during the game, try our low sodium snack recipes that will put you (or at least your taste buds) at ease.

Total Time
45 minutes
Servings
10
Calories
88
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Why This Creamy Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip is Perfect For Game Day

A Lighter Take on Classic Game Day Flavor

If you love buffalo chicken dip but don’t love the heaviness that usually comes with it, this healthy buffalo chicken dip recipe is a game changer. With just 88 calories and only 3 grams of fat per serving, it's a smart option for anyone following a GLP-1 diet, low carb lifestyle, or just trying to eat better. Instead of mayo or heavy cream, we use nonfat Greek yogurt and whipped cream cheese to get that rich texture. Plus, with 12 grams of protein per ¼-cup serving, it's one of those rare healthy football or party snacks that actually fills you up. Whether you're hosting, tailgating, or prepping easy healthy party appetizers, this dip earns a spot at the table.

No Greek yogurt?
Use nonfat plain regular yogurt or fat-free sour cream. You’ll still get a creamy texture with fewer calories than mayo.

Need a substitution for cream cheese?
Low-fat cottage cheese blended until smooth works great as a lighter option.

Looking for a dairy-free version?
Use a plain dairy-free yogurt (like almond or soy-based) and a plant-based cream cheese.

Don’t have chives?
Thinly sliced green onions or a pinch of onion powder can stand in for that subtle bite.

Want more heat?
Swap some of the Tabasco for Frank’s RedHot or a spicier buffalo sauce. Just be sure to check the nutrition label for sodium levels.

  • High in protein from lean chicken and Greek yogurt

  • Low in carbs and sugar for blood sugar balance

  • Low sodium and heart-healthy — just 108 mg per serving

  • Only 88 calories per ¼-cup

  • Dietitian-reviewed and hospital-approved for GLP-1, diabetic, and heart-healthy diets

  • Perfect fit for low sodium appetizers and healthy appetizer boards

Servings: 10
Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 88 per ¼-cup

Dietary Tags: High Protein, Low Carb, Low Sodium, Low Fat, Diabetic-Friendly, Heart Healthy, GLP-1, Gluten-Free

  • Serve warm with fresh veggie sticks, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, or jicama.

  • If you're making a healthy alternative to chips for buffalo chicken dip, try sliced radishes or baked sweet potato rounds.

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • If reheating, stir in a spoonful of yogurt to bring back the creamy texture.

  • Great for meal prep, party spreads, or protein-packed lunchbox sides.

This healthy buffalo chicken dip is versatile enough to pair with just about anything you’d bring to a party or prep for a snack board. Here are some of our favorite pairings to keep things light but satisfying:

Fresh Veggie Dippers:
Celery sticks, carrot coins, cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, or jicama are all crisp, hydrating, and perfect for scooping.

Baked Chips and Crackers:
Look for whole grain or reduced-sodium options. Baked pita chips, brown rice crackers, or lightly salted tortilla chips work great. And while you have the oven hot, try making these homemade chips recipes that are great for dipping:

Toasted Flatbread or Pita Wedges:
Cut whole wheat pita into triangles and toast them for a warm, crunchy option.

Lettuce Wraps:
Spoon the dip into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb, hand-held snack.

Hard-Boiled Eggs (Halved):
A creative twist,  top each egg half with a small dollop of dip for a high-protein bite.

These pairings help keep your snack plate balanced, whether you're going for low carb appetizers, healthy football snacks, or just something delicious you can feel good about.

Is there a healthy buffalo sauce?
Yes. Look for hot sauces with no added sugars and low sodium. Tabasco is a solid option with just a few ingredients. You can also make your own with vinegar, cayenne, and garlic powder.

What is a healthy alternative to chips for buffalo chicken dip?
Raw veggie dippers like celery, carrots, cucumber rounds, and bell peppers work great. Baked zucchini chips or roasted chickpeas are fun too if you want a crunch.

Is buffalo chicken dip high protein?
Definitely. This version has 12 grams of protein per ¼-cup thanks to lean chicken and Greek yogurt.

Can you make buffalo chicken dip in a slow cooker?
Yes. After mixing everything together, just transfer to a slow cooker and heat on low for 2 to 3 hours. It’ll stay warm for serving too.

Want to keep things hands-off? This recipe also works great as a Crockpot buffalo chicken dip. It’s the same creamy, high-protein dip, just made easier with a slow cooker. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or when you want to keep the dip warm and ready to serve.

How to Make Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip:

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, stir together the whipped cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and 2 teaspoons of Tabasco until smooth. Fold in the shredded chicken, garlic powder, and chives. Taste and add more Tabasco, ½ teaspoon at a time, until you hit your desired heat level. Transfer the mixture to the Crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until hot and bubbly. Stir halfway through if possible. Once it’s warmed through, switch to the warm setting and serve straight from the slow cooker!

Love the heat but want to keep it light? These healthy spins on buffalo favorites bring the bold flavor without being overloaded with calories, fat and sodium.

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Recipes

  • Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Baked instead of fried, these crispy tenders are coated in whole grain breadcrumbs and tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce. They’re heart-healthy, high in protein, and kid-approved.

  • Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A lighter take on game-day pizza, this version uses a whole wheat crust, reduced-fat cheese, and lean shredded chicken. Perfect for sharing — or not.

  • Buffalo Chicken Wrap: This wrap is loaded with crunchy veggies, grilled chicken, and a yogurt-based buffalo sauce. It’s a great grab-and-go lunch that satisfies with fewer calories.

Healthy Buffalo Cauliflower Recipes

  • Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these cauliflower bites are made in the air fryer with just a touch of oil. An easy meatless appetizer or side dish.

  • Buffalo Roasted Cauliflower: Simple, oven-roasted florets tossed in a spicy buffalo glaze. It’s a great alternative to wings and works as a hearty snack or topping for grain bowls.

  • Buffalo Roasted Cauliflower Tacos: These veggie-packed tacos are layered with spicy roasted cauliflower, crunchy slaw, and a creamy avocado drizzle. Totally plant-based and full of flavor.

These dips prove you don’t need loads of cheese or salt to make a crowd-pleasing snack. Whether you're hosting a party, packing lunch, or just want something tasty to scoop up with veggies, these better-for-you dips bring bold flavor with feel-good ingredients.

  • Taco Dip: A lighter take on a classic crowd-pleaser. This taco dip is made with layers of seasoned Greek yogurt, salsa, veggies, and cheese. It’s low in fat and sodium but still delivers bold, zesty flavor. Perfect with baked tortilla chips or sliced bell peppers.

  • Spinach Cheese Dip: This creamy spinach dip skips the heavy cream and mayo in favor of reduced-fat cream cheese and yogurt. It’s warm, cheesy, and secretly packed with veggies. A great option for healthy game day snacks or a cozy movie night dip.

  • Seven Layer Dip: All the flavor, none of the overload. This layered dip has fiber-rich beans, fresh veggies, light sour cream, and shredded cheese, with way less sodium than store-bought versions. A solid pick for easy healthy party appetizers.

  • Beet Dip: Earthy, vibrant, and surprisingly creamy. This roasted beet dip blends beets with garlic, lemon, and low-fat yogurt for a colorful and nutrient-packed spread. Serve it with whole grain crackers or cucumber rounds for a low carb appetizer that’s anything but boring.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 10 servings

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How to Make Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

  2. Step 2

    In a mixing bowl, mix cream cheese and Greek yogurt together until smooth. Add 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce and mix until well combined.

  3. Step 3

    Add shredded chicken and gently fold into cream cheese mixture. Add remaining Tabasco, a ½ teaspoon at a time, until desired heat level is reached.

  4. Step 4

    Transfer to prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Alternatively, transfer chicken mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours.

  5. Step 5

    Serve warm with fresh crudités. Store any leftover buffalo chicken dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1/4 cup

88
Calories
3
g
Fat
31
mg
Cholesterol
108
mg
Sodium
3
g
Carbs
2
g
Sat. Fat
0
g
Fiber
12
g
Protein
1
g
Sugars
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