Your guests will adore this savory and wholesome appetizer.
This mouthwatering appetizer perfectly combines the bold flavors of jalapeño, buffalo sauce, and tender chicken breast. That alone will have you and your guests falling in love with it! The added bonus? Our keto-friendly jalapeño buffalo chicken dip is made with highly-nutritious, wholesome ingredients that keep it low carb and packed with protein!
Buffalo Chicken Dip: The Perfect Low-Carb Appetizer
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s briefly discuss the ketogenic diet. This low-carb, high-fat diet has gained popularity for its potential benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and increased mental clarity. By reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with healthy fats, the body enters a metabolic state called ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel.
More Keto Recipes
If you’re following the keto diet or simply exploring low-carb options, check out these recipes!
- Cheesy Keto Pan Pizza
- Jalapeno Popper Zucchini Boats
- Korean BBQ Cabbage Cups • KETO Recipes
- Life-Changing Keto Bread
- 28 Keto-Friendly Dinners You Have To Try
Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Dip: Key Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this chicken dip a delicious combination of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits.
Jalapeño Peppers
Jalapeño peppers not only add a spicy kick to the recipe but also provide essential vitamins A and C. These antioxidants support a healthy immune system and contribute to vibrant skin. Adjust the heat level by removing the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor or keeping them intact for an extra fiery experience.
Chicken Breast
Lean and protein-packed, chicken breast is the foundation of this buffalo chicken dip. It offers a host of nutrients, including high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and important minerals like phosphorus and selenium.
Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo sauce is the star of this recipe, delivering that signature tangy and spicy flavor we crave. Check the ingredients and nutrition label to ensure the sauce is low-carb and sugar-free to keep it keto-friendly. Alternatively, you can easily prepare your own buffalo sauce using a combination of hot sauce, melted butter, and a pinch of seasonings for a customized taste.
Creams & Cheese
To make this recipe ultra-creamy and gooey, there is a blend of creamy ingredients and cheeses. Mayo and sour cream add a creamy richness to the casserole while ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful. Meanwhile, blue cheese and cheddar cheese add rich flavor and gooey texture, as well as some protein and fat!
Customize Your Chicken Dip
Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients, let’s explore some customizations to make this jalapeño buffalo chicken dip your own.
Make this Chicken Dip Vegetarian
If you follow a vegetarian diet, you can easily adapt this recipe by replacing the chicken breast with firm tofu or cooked chickpeas. Marinate the tofu or chickpeas in buffalo sauce to infuse them with flavor before adding them to the dip. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is heated through.
Add Extra Flavor
While the jalapeño buffalo combination is already a winner, you can experiment with different flavor profiles to suit your preferences. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cumin to impart a smoky twist. Alternatively, incorporate herbs like fresh cilantro, green onion, or parsley for a vibrant and refreshing touch.
You could even add other proteins like bacon, steak, or turkey for a richer flavor.
Make it Spicier
For those who love a fiery kick, feel free to crank up the heat by adding extra sliced jalapeños or incorporating spices like cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice level to your desired intensity, keeping in mind your own tolerance for heat.
Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Dip Preparation and Storage
This jalapeño buffalo chicken dip is not only a delectable appetizer but also a fantastic choice for a healthy low-carb meal. It also happens to be a great option for meal prepping. Prepare it in advance, divide it into individual portions, and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer. They will last in the fridge for up to 4 days or the freezer up to 6 months (although freshest is always best!) Reheat single servings throughout the week for quick and satisfying keto-friendly lunches or dinners.
Want to prep a simple keto meal plan? Try this 7-Day Lazy Keto Meal Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat chicken wings on the keto diet?
Yes! Chicken wings can be a great keto-friendly option, especially when they are grilled or air-fried without breading. Pair them with a low-carb buffalo sauce or dry rub to keep them keto-compliant. Just be mindful of any added sugars or high-carb ingredients in store-bought wing sauces.
Is Frank’s Buffalo Sauce keto?
Yes, Frank’s Red Hot Original Buffalo Sauce is generally considered keto-friendly. It has a minimal carb content and no added sugars, making it a popular choice for those following a ketogenic diet. However, always double-check the label to ensure you’re selecting the original flavor without any hidden ingredients that may hinder your ketosis.
Can I freeze jalapeños?
Yes, jalapeños can be frozen for later use. Wash them, remove the seeds and membranes, and slice them before freezing. Store the sliced jalapeños in airtight freezer bags or containers. Frozen jalapeños work well in cooked dishes, such as stews, soups, or casseroles.
Do you keep the seeds from jalapeños?
The heat of jalapeños primarily comes from their seeds and membranes. If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds and white membranes before using them in the dip. However, if you enjoy the fiery kick, leave the seeds in for an extra spicy experience. Adjust the amount of jalapeños according to your heat preference.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar and blue cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences. Some delicious alternatives to cheddar and blue cheese for this casserole include Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan. Just make sure to choose cheeses that melt well so the mixture stays gooey.
Can I make this chicken dip ahead of time and bake it later?
Absolutely! This chicken dip can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake it. Simply cover the assembled recipe in the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can place the mixture into an airtight container and then move to an oven-safe dish for cooking. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap or foil and follow the baking instructions as directed in the recipe. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be slightly adjusted if the casserole is chilled before baking.
Can I use cooked chicken for this buffalo chicken dip?
Yes! Dips and casseroles are a great way to cook leftover chicken. I recommend using diced or shredded chicken that isn’t heavily spiced. Just replace it with the uncooked chicken in this recipe. The cook time will be shorter at about 15 to 20 minutes, to melt the cheeses.
How do you de-seed a jalapeño?
To de-seed a jalapeño pepper, slice off the stem end, cut the pepper in half lengthwise, and use a spoon or your fingers to gently scrape out the seeds and white membrane. Rinse the pepper halves if you prefer a milder flavor. Remember to handle jalapeños carefully and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
See How It’s Made!
Keto-Friendly Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
- 3 jalapeño peppers
- 2 pounds chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mince and remove the seeds of two jalapeño peppers. Thinly slice and remove the seeds from the third.
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken, buffalo sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced jalapeño peppers, blue cheese, salt, and pepper together.
- Spread the chicken mixture out in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture. Lay the jalapeño slices over top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool before serving, and enjoy with chips, crackers, or veggies.
Nutrition Information
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Delish! I’ve made this numerous times and love it every time.