Buffalo chicken dip is a popular appetizer made with chicken, hot sauce, and creamy ingredients like cheese and ranch dressing. It’s a crowd-pleasing snack, but with all that cream and cheese, it can be high in calories. So how many calories are actually in Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Calories in Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip
The number of calories in Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, here is the nutrition information for a typical serving of buffalo chicken dip made with Franks Red Hot Sauce:
| Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| 2 tablespoons (28g) | 70 |
As you can see, a 2 tablespoon serving of Franks buffalo chicken dip contains about 70 calories. Of course, most people eating this appetizer will likely consume more than a 2 tablespoon portion.
Calorie Range for Buffalo Chicken Dip
Since buffalo chicken dip recipes can vary, the calorie count can range too. Here is an overview of the approximate calorie range per serving:
- 2 tablespoon serving: 70-100 calories
- 1/4 cup serving: 140-200 calories
- 1/2 cup serving: 280-400 calories
The ingredients and portion sizes used will impact where in this range the calories fall. More cheese or heavy cream will mean higher calories. Serving the dip with tortilla chips or crackers will also increase the calorie count.
Low Calorie Buffalo Chicken Dip Options
If you’re looking for ways to lighten up this appetizer, there are some simple substitutions you can make:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream – Plain Greek yogurt has fewer calories and more protein than sour cream.
- Choose reduced-fat cheese – Using reduced-fat versions of cheddar, cream cheese, and ranch dressing can trim calories.
- Add veggies – Mix in chopped celery or carrots to bulk it up with low cal extras.
- Use lean chicken breast – Opt for skinless chicken breast instead of thighs to reduce the fat and calories.
- Easy on the chips/crackers – Stick to a small portion of crackers or veggie dippers instead of chips.
With simple substitutions like these, you can lighten up buffalo chicken dip to save calories. Just be mindful of portion sizes.
Nutrition Benefits of Buffalo Chicken Dip
While buffalo chicken dip is high in calories, it does provide some nutrition when made with quality ingredients:
- Protein – Chicken and cheese provide protein to help you feel full.
- Calcium – The cheese contains bone-strengthening calcium.
- Vitamin A – Ranch dressing and cheese supply this immune-supporting vitamin.
- Potassium – The chicken and some cheeses provide this electrolyte.
So in moderation, buffalo chicken dip can be part of balanced eating plan. Just be mindful of portions.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Dip
To keep calories in check, here are some tips for serving buffalo chicken dip:
- Stick to a 2-4 tablespoon portion size.
- Pair with celery sticks and carrot sticks instead of crackers or chips.
- Use as a spread on a sandwich or wrap instead of mayo.
- Top a baked potato instead of regular sour cream.
Focusing on sensible portion sizes and pairing with veggies can help keep this appetizer from blowing your diet. Buffalo chicken dip is a tasty treat that can be enjoyed guilt-free when paying attention to servings and ingredients.
Conclusion
A 2 tablespoon serving of Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip contains around 70 calories. However, the calorie count can range from 70-400 calories depending on the recipe, ingredients, and portion size. Sticking to lean ingredients like Greek yogurt and chicken breast can help lighten it up. Serving with veggie dippers instead of crackers also cuts calories. Enjoyed in moderation with nutrition-focused preparation, buffalo chicken dip can be part of a healthy eating pattern.