Did you say "Skinny Buffalo Chicken"...?

Easy Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip or Casserole

Yes, I said it! And this isn't your average "light" buffalo chicken recipe. Its even better. What's the average recipe? Shredded Chicken, Full Fat Cream Cheese, Ranch Dressing, Buffalo Sauce, Full fat Cheese. A skinnier version you may find on Pinterest probably uses Reduced Fat or Fat Free Cream Cheese, Light Ranch Dressing, and Reduced Fat, Fat Free, or 2% Cheese. Well I hate to burst your Weight Watchers recipe bubble, but there's an even skinnier way that tastes amazing and isn't filled with a bunch of tasteless ingredients!

What's the difference?

Okay, lets compare. Here's the info for a regular buffalo chicken dip that you'd find at a gameday party:

For a small square (about 1/8 of an 8x8 pan), one serving of Buffalo Chicken Dip using the full fat ingredients listed above (recipe found on Pinterest and calculated, no chips) is 14 Weight Watchers SmartPoints, has 438 calories, and has 13.7 grams of saturated fat. And let's be honest, who just eats a 1x1 inch square...? Let me remind you this doesn't include chips...

For one serving of my Buffalo Chicken Dip (without chips, 1x1 square), it's weighing in as (wait for it...) 4 Weight Watchers SmartPoints. Yes. The other recipe is 3.5 times as much. Let's continue. It is also only 252 calories and has 0.7 grams of saturated fat.

Are you sold yet?

What it Takes:

So what's making this magic? Here's the trick. Ditch the chalky fat free cream cheese and light or fat free ranch dressing (which in my opinion tastes nothing like the real thing). Instead, try Fat Free Sour Cream and Hidden Valley Ranch Dip mix. Okay, don't let me lose you here. I know it sounds like it can't possible replace the creamy and rich goodness of cream cheese and ranch. But it sure can! Here's what I used for a single serving:

• 3 oz Shredded Chicken Breast (I used Rotisserie)
• 2 oz (1/4 cup) Fat Free Sour Cream
• 1 Tbs Ranch Dip mix
• 2 Tbs Frank's Buffalo Sauce (measure at own discretion for desired hotness!)
• 1 1/2 oz Kraft Fat Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese 
  

1.  If you haven't already, shred the chicken breast into small strips  and place into microwave safe bowl
2.  In a separate container, combine the Sour Cream and Ranch Mix and mix until well blended
3. Combine the Sour Cream Ranch mixture, Shredded Chicken, Buffalo Sauce, and Cheese in the bowl and stir until ingredients are uniform
4. For easy cooking, use the microwave and heat for approximately 1 minute. Stir and put back into microwave until the mixture is heated throughout (microwave times may vary). 
5. Top with any additional cheese and enjoy!

***For a casserole consistency, increase the amount of chicken or reduce the amount of the Sour Cream Ranch mixture

***To make for a crowd or bake, either multiply the microwavable recipe or use an 8x8 pan to bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes!