Upgrade Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip With One Creamy Ingredient For A Higher-Protein Boost

One of the best things about football season rolling back around is the return of game day snacks. Wings, sliders, bacon-wrapped bites — they never really get old, but there are a few ways you can change them up. There are even some tricks out there to make some popular dishes healthier. There's probably not much you can do with anything deep fried, but it is possible to give Buffalo chicken dip a slight protein boost with one common fridge staple: Greek yogurt.

A typical serving of plain Greek yogurt contains around 14 to 21-grams of protein, which is nearly a third of the recommended intake for an average adult, so even a few dollops can make a difference. If you're a fan of a really creamy dip, you can just swirl a few spoons right in your favorite Buffalo chicken dip recipe. Otherwise, just swap it in for the sour cream at an equal ratio. The two ingredients taste alike, and the texture of the dip won't change. Even better, the yogurt will provide more than double the protein, depending on which brand you use.

To make a Greek yogurt-based Buffalo dip, simply combine the yogurt with cream cheese, hot sauce, shredded cheese, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. When everything is combined, add cooked shredded chicken and bake until golden. You can use mayo or ranch dressing if you'd like or keep the sour cream and sub the yogurt for the cream cheese instead. If you like a spicier dip, add cayenne pepper or use paprika for a smoky taste. Then, serve with the usual suspects such as chips, carrots sticks, and celery. Cheese crisps are also a great high-protein snack.

One thing to keep in mind when adding Greek yogurt to this Buffalo dip is make sure you buy plain yogurt. This will help you avoid any strange flavors and will ensure that you don't drastically alter the taste. Full-fat will provide the creamiest texture too. There are so many ways to add a protein boost to your favorite meals — even a dollop of the yogurt on an easy quesadilla recipe or loaded beef enchiladas can work. It won't exactly make up for all that game day bacon, but every little helps.