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Lighter Jack-O-Lantern Buffalo Chicken Dip | Easy Halloween Appetizer

Lighter Jack-O-Lantern Buffalo Chicken Dip - featured image
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A lighter, healthier version of classic buffalo chicken dip made with Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese, shaped into a festive jack-o-lantern for Halloween parties or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for face background)
  • Black olives, sliced (for eyes, nose, mouth)
  • Red bell pepper strips (for mouth)
  • Corn chips or tortilla chips (for serving)
  • Celery sticks and carrot sticks (for serving)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let cream cheese soften for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add buffalo wing sauce, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix on low speed until well combined.
  5. Fold in shredded chicken, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese using a spatula.
  6. Transfer mixture to a 9-inch cast iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  7. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes until hot and bubbly with a slightly golden top.
  9. While dip bakes, prepare jack-o-lantern face using black olive slices and red bell pepper strips on a small plate.
  10. Remove dip from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Place olive and pepper face pieces on top. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella around the face for white background.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve immediately with chips, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.

Notes

For best texture, use full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt (not nonfat). Shred your own cheese for smoother melting. Let dip rest 2-3 minutes before adding face so olive slices don’t sink. To make ahead, prepare dip base without baking, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add 5-7 minutes to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, lighter dip, Halloween appetizer, game day dip, Greek yogurt dip, jack-o-lantern dip

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/lighter-jack-o-lantern-buffalo-chicken-dip-easy-halloween-appetizer/