Craving something creamy, spicy, and cheesy without the carb guilt? This Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip Skillet is a delicious low-carb appetizer that’s perfect for game days, parties, or just a cozy night in. It’s rich in protein, loaded with flavor, and takes only a few minutes to prepare. Serve it with celery sticks, cucumber slices, or keto chips for the ultimate indulgent snack that keeps you in ketosis!
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the skillet)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan with butter.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella. Mix until well blended.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared skillet and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Top with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve warm with keto-friendly dippers like sliced cucumbers, celery sticks, or almond flour crackers.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 670mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 20g
Origins of Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is a modern twist on the beloved Buffalo wings, which originated in Buffalo, New York, during the 1960s. While the original version features crispy chicken wings tossed in a spicy vinegar-based hot sauce and butter, the dip version reimagines the flavors in a creamy, scoopable form. Over time, this dip has gained popularity across the United States, becoming a staple at parties, game days, and potlucks. The keto version keeps the same bold flavor while adapting it for a low-carb lifestyle.
What Makes This Dip Keto-Friendly
The keto diet emphasizes low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein consumption. This dip aligns perfectly with those macronutrient goals by using high-fat ingredients like cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese, along with protein-rich chicken. It completely avoids high-carb ingredients such as flour or breadcrumbs, making it an ideal snack or appetizer for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Why It’s a Popular Appetizer
This dish hits all the right notes: creamy, spicy, cheesy, and hearty. It’s quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and appeals to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a snack for movie night, its warm, gooey texture and zesty flavor make it a top pick. Additionally, it’s versatile and pairs well with both traditional and low-carb dippers, which adds to its broad appeal.
Protein-Rich and Filling
One of the biggest benefits of this keto buffalo chicken dip is its high protein content. Each serving contains about 20 grams of protein, thanks to the shredded chicken and cheese. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and satiety, making this dip not just a tasty snack but also a nutritious and energizing option, especially for those with active lifestyles or weight management goals.
Low Carb Without Sacrificing Flavor
Many assume that going low-carb means giving up their favorite comfort foods, but this dip proves otherwise. With only about 3 grams of carbs per serving, this recipe delivers all the indulgence of a traditional dip without sabotaging your carb count. The secret lies in choosing ingredients that are rich in flavor and fat, such as buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheese, which create a rich, full-bodied taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This dip stores well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days and can even be frozen for longer storage. When reheated, it retains its creamy texture and bold flavor, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. It can be reheated in the microwave or oven, and you can even repurpose it into wraps, stuffed peppers, or as a topping for baked vegetables.
Customizable Heat Levels
Whether you prefer mild or fiery, this recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your heat tolerance. Using a milder buffalo sauce creates a more kid-friendly version, while adding extra hot sauce or chili flakes gives it a spicy kick for heat lovers. This flexibility makes it a go-to recipe for mixed groups or family gatherings where different palates need to be accommodated.
Pairs Well with Many Keto Dippers
Traditional dips are often paired with chips or bread, which aren’t keto-friendly. However, this buffalo chicken dip goes beautifully with a wide variety of low-carb alternatives. Celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, pork rinds, almond flour crackers, and cheese crisps are all excellent options. These combinations not only maintain ketosis but also add crunch and texture that complement the dip’s creamy base.
Great for Entertaining
Whether it’s Super Bowl Sunday, a holiday party, or a backyard barbecue, this dish always gets rave reviews. It’s easy to scale up for large groups and doesn’t require constant attention, which allows you to spend more time enjoying the event and less time in the kitchen. Its crowd-pleasing flavor profile and simple preparation make it a host’s dream.
Minimal Cleanup and One-Skillet Convenience
Made in just one skillet or oven-safe dish, this buffalo chicken dip keeps cleanup to a minimum. You mix everything in one bowl, bake it in the same skillet, and serve it hot and fresh from the oven. This convenience not only saves time but also makes it easier for busy individuals or families to prepare a wholesome, homemade dish without the hassle.
Keto Comfort Food at Its Best
One of the hardest parts of following a ketogenic diet is missing out on classic comfort foods. This recipe delivers the soul-satisfying essence of comfort food while sticking to keto guidelines. Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, this dip provides emotional and physical satisfaction, making it a go-to comfort food alternative for those cutting carbs.
Kid-Approved and Family-Friendly
Though keto recipes are typically designed for adults, this buffalo chicken dip can be a hit with kids too—especially if the spice level is toned down. Served with veggies or baked tortilla-style keto chips, it becomes a fun and filling snack that’s perfect for family movie nights or weekend lunches. The creamy texture and cheesy goodness appeal to even picky eaters.
Gluten-Free and Low-Sugar
Beyond being low-carb, this dish is naturally gluten-free and contains minimal sugar, which makes it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. People with gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or those simply avoiding processed sugars will appreciate the simplicity and clean ingredient profile of this recipe. Always double-check the hot sauce and ranch dressing for hidden sugars or gluten.
A Base for Other Creative Dishes
The base recipe of keto buffalo chicken dip is incredibly versatile. You can use leftovers as a filling for keto-friendly wraps, mix it into cauliflower rice, or even spoon it over zucchini boats for a low-carb meal. It also works well as a stuffing for mushrooms or as a baked topping on keto flatbread. This makes the recipe adaptable and useful beyond its original form.
Conclusion
The Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip Skillet is more than just a quick appetizer—it’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing, low-carb staple that fits a wide variety of dietary lifestyles. From its creamy, spicy flavor to its one-skillet convenience, it’s a dish that offers nutritional benefits without compromising on taste. Whether you’re keto, gluten-free, or simply looking for a healthier comfort food alternative, this dip delivers indulgence in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or weekly meal prep, it’s a must-have recipe in any low-carb kitchen.