If you’re looking for the best party appetizer on the planet, then this buffalo chicken dip without cream cheese is the perfect choice. It’s an incredible, easy to make dip that’s just as cheesy, creamy, and spicy as the classic version, but without the heaviness of cream cheese. With just a quick preparation time of about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and meaty dip that’s packed with tangy buffalo flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party, for a super bowl event, or during any casual occasion, your guests will love this dip! It has the perfect balance of spicy heat from Frank’s hot sauce and the richness from cheddar, monterey jack, and sour cream, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Best of all, you can even omit ranch and still enjoy a healthier version that’s lighter on calories but just as satisfying. Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for a tasty and satisfying treat that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Without Cream Cheese-The Short Answer
Why You’ll Love This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Without Cream Cheese
If you’ve ever run out of cream cheese or just don’t want to use it, this buffalo chicken dip still tastes incredibly delicious. It’s creamy, cheesy, and meaty, with the perfect tangy hint of spice that makes it truly amazing. The flavor and texture are irresistible, and it will be a hit at your next party or game night. It’s simple to cook with chunks of chicken and a few easy ingredients, perfect for football season or a special occasion. You can even make it as a main dish! Whether you serve it with celery sticks, tortilla chips, or pita bread, it will definitely disappear fast.
This easy recipe is also quick to prepare. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time, and it works wonderfully with Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute for sour cream. It’s just as good as the traditional version with cream cheese and might even become your new favorite. Whether you’re hosting a super bowl party or a house party, this buffalo chicken dip is the best choice, and it will be coming together in less than half an hour with ingredients from your local grocery store.
Ingredients
When making buffalo chicken dip without cream cheese, you can still achieve a creamy and flavorful dip with the right set of ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: For the best flavor, start with boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lb or 680 gms). If you prefer, you can also use chicken thighs, canned chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even boiled chicken for a quicker option.
- Cooking Method: You can cook your chicken in various ways. Air fryer cooking gives a crispy, juicy result. Alternatively, pan-fry your chicken in neutral cooking oil for a flavorful, tender texture.
- Seasoning: To bring out the best in the chicken, season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This blend of spices adds the right amount of savory heat to complement the creamy dip.
- Garlic: Garlic (1 to 2 cloves, minced or smashed) will add depth of flavor. It’s essential for that mouthwatering richness in the dip.
Base and Creaminess
Instead of cream cheese, you can use the following to create a creamy and tangy base for your dip:
- Sour Cream: Use sour cream (2 cups or 480 gms) for the creaminess you need. This adds a rich texture that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Greek Yogurt: For a healthier alternative, you can substitute Greek yogurt or non-fat Greek yogurt. It will provide the same creamy consistency with an added tang.
- Cottage Cheese: If you prefer a lighter, slightly thicker texture, add cottage cheese as part of your creamy base.
Flavor Enhancements
- Hot Sauce: To achieve that iconic buffalo flavor, use hot sauce (160 ml) like Frank’s red hot sauce. The heat from the hot sauce is what gives this dip its signature kick. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it.
- Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing (4 tbsp) adds a creamy, tangy element that balances out the spice from the hot sauce and gives the dip its creamy texture.
- Cheeses: A mix of cheeses is essential for this dip. Use cheddar cheese (2 cups or 230 gms) and mozzarella cheese (2 cups or 230 gms) to give it a gooey, melty consistency. For extra flavor, you can also add Monterey Jack cheese.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: If you’re a fan of blue cheese, adding blue cheese crumbles gives the dip a tangy and bold flavor. Alternatively, you could use goat cheese or Parmesan cheese for a different twist.
Garnish and Serving
- Green Onions: Finally, top the dip with some freshly chopped green onions for a fresh, crunchy garnish. It adds the perfect balance to the creamy dip.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this dip with your favorite sides such as tortilla chips, carrot sticks, celery sticks, or cucumber slices. These crunchy snacks will help you scoop up the creamy dip and enjoy every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making buffalo chicken dip without cream cheese is simple and incredibly delicious. Here’s how to do it, step by step:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Chicken Options: You can use rotisserie chicken, boiled chicken, or canned chicken. However, chicken breasts will give you the best flavor if you cook it yourself.
- Seasoning: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add your chicken breasts. Season with pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. For a more crispy texture, cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the sides.
- Resting: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a cutting board to cool.
2. Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 ℉ (or 180 ℃) while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Shred the Cheese: Shred your cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses. These cheeses will melt beautifully to create the creamy texture.
- Chop the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooled, either chop or shred it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Buffalo Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, combine buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and sour cream. Add smashed garlic, paprika, and onion powder to the mixture for extra flavor.
3. Assemble the Dip
- Combine Ingredients: Add your shredded chicken and shredded mixed cheese into the buffalo sauce mixture and mix well with a spatula.
- Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly coat your baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into the dish. Top with more shredded cheese.
4. Bake the Dip
- Baking: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is bubbly.
- Broiling: For a golden, crispy top, you can broil the dip for 3-5 minutes after baking.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Garnishing: Once the dip is out of the oven, you can garnish with green onions, chives, or even a bit of blue cheese for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the dip with celery sticks, tortilla chips, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or toast rounds. It’s perfect for parties or a cozy night at home.
Extra Tips for Success
- Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother texture, use a hand mixer or food processor to combine the ingredients.
- Flavor Customization: For extra heat, add more Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce or some black pepper to taste.
This easy recipe is perfect for those who want all the flavor of a traditional buffalo chicken dip but without the cream cheese. The combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Greek yogurt ensures it’s creamy and full of flavor. Don’t forget to broil for that perfect golden-brown finish!
BEST TIPS FOR MAKING BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP WITHOUT CREAM CHEESE
When it comes to making the best buffalo chicken dip, the texture and taste really stand out. You can choose between chunks of meaty chicken or shredded chicken, depending on your preference. If you’re in a hurry, using rotisserie, boiled, or even canned chicken can save a lot of time while still delivering incredible flavor. For a healthier twist, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or cottage cheese—full-fat versions give the dip a rich texture, but you can opt for non-fat Greek yogurt if you’re aiming for something lighter. Freshly shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese are key for an amazing, creamy dip, as they melt beautifully and provide the perfect cheesy texture.
If you like your dip extra spicy, feel free to add more buffalo sauce, and for an added kick, try chili powder or even chopped chilies. You can adjust the heat level by using paprika for a milder version. The slow cooker or crock pot is perfect for keeping the dip warm while serving, ensuring that the cheese stays gooey and delicious. Alternatively, an instant pot can be used, though I personally prefer the classic crock pot method. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. Just reheat on low heat in a saucepan, and you’re all set! And for those looking to balance out the heat, honey, brown sugar, or roasted garlic are great ways to add depth to the flavor.
Notes & Nutrition
Notes on Making the Dip
- Extra Heat: If you prefer a spicier version of the dip, drizzle on extra hot sauce before serving.
- Milder Version: For those who like it less spicy, you can reduce the hot sauce to 1/3 cup for a milder flavor.
- Storage: Leftover dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but make sure to cover it to keep it fresh.
- Slow Cooker Option: Instead of baking it, you can make the dip in a slow cooker. Add all ingredients (except blue cheese and green onions) to the cooker and cook on HIGH for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or on LOW for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Once it’s bubbly and hot, top with blue cheese and green onions before serving.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: One serving of the dip typically contains around 489kcal.
- Carbohydrates: The dip has approximately 6.3g of carbs per serving.
- Protein: You’ll get about 34g of protein, making it a solid source of this macronutrient.
- Fat Content: The dip contains 36g of fat per serving, which is quite high.
- Cholesterol: It has 149mg of cholesterol, so consider this if you’re watching your intake.
- Sodium: The sodium content is significant at 725mg, which is something to keep in mind for those monitoring sodium.
- Potassium: You get around 461mg of potassium per serving, which is beneficial for maintaining electrolyte balance.
- Fiber: The dip contains 0.5g of fiber, so it’s low in that aspect.
- Sugar: There’s 2.6g of sugar in each serving, keeping it relatively low-sugar.
Lighter Version and Serving Suggestions
- Lighter Option: A lighter version of this dip may contain around 223kcal, with 23g of protein and 14g of fat.
- Ideal Pairings: The dip is best served with carrot sticks, celery sticks, grape tomatoes, crackers, or tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
Nutritional Considerations
- Recipe Variations: Keep in mind that depending on the brands, sizes, and specific products you use, the nutrition may vary slightly.
- Calculate Independently: Always calculate nutrition independently to ensure the values match your specific ingredients and serving sizes.
How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Dip in Advance?
To make buffalo chicken dip in advance, cook the chicken beforehand, chop or shred it, and let it reach room temperature. Store the chicken and cheeses in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready, assemble the ingredients in a large baking dish, leaving out the last layer of shredded cheese, and wrap with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator and bake when ready, adding the remaining shredded cheese before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the dip and store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, then reheat in the oven, microwave, or toaster oven until warm and fresh.
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip?
If you have leftover buffalo chicken dip, you can easily turn it into a flavorful lunch the next day. Use it in wraps, pinwheels, or fill phyllo cups or wonton cups for a tasty treat. Just reheat and enjoy! This recipe is perfect for keeping the fun going throughout the football season.
Variations You Can Try
As a food enthusiast, I am trying my best to tell you all homemade recipes that you can enjoy at minimum cost and hygienic. I am giving you my other recipes which are related to Chef’s Special. Some other recipes are giving below:
Flavor-Packed Panko Chicken Breasts Recipe You’ll Love
Say Goodbye to Dry Chicken with This Baked Breast Recipe
Unlock the Secret to Perfect Korean Soy Garlic Chicken!
The Secret to Crispy Fried Chicken Breast – Try This Recipe!
I hope you will visit all these recipes and enjoy my recipes because it will boosts your craze for homemade products which are better than restaurant products. I also bet that when you try first time it will boost your taste and you will become addictive to these recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does buffalo chicken dip still taste creamy without cream cheese?
Yes, buffalo chicken dip remains creamy without cream cheese by using sour cream, which gives it a thick, creamy texture. Ranch dressing and cheese add extra richness and creaminess.
What can I use instead of sour cream in this buffalo chicken dip?
You can substitute sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt, non-fat Greek yogurt, or even cottage cheese. Cream cheese can also be used if available.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making this buffalo chicken dip no cream cheese recipe?
Avoid using a baking dish that’s too small to prevent cheese from overflowing, always cook the chicken before adding it, and use fresh cheese that you grate yourself instead of pre-shredded cheese.
Can the chicken be prepared ahead of time for this buffalo chicken recipe?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time to make the dip quicker and easier to assemble.
How do you store this buffalo chicken dip without cream cheese? How long does it last in the refrigerator and how do you reheat it?
Store the dip in an airtight container or wrap with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or toaster oven until it’s warm.
Can You Freeze Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes, you can freeze buffalo chicken dip after it cools. Store it in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator when ready to eat.
What Do You Dip in Buffalo Chicken Dip?
You can dip veggies like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or grape tomatoes, or go for crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted bread like a baguette.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip in Crock Pot Instead
Combine sour cream, Frank’s hot sauce, cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and chicken in a crockpot. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Canned Chicken?
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of canned chicken. Fresh rotisserie chicken makes the dip even more flavorful.
