Category: Food

  • Healthy High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Healthy High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip

    If you’re looking for a healthy buffalo chicken dip that’s actually good for you — this one’s a keeper. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and made with light, wholesome ingredients that keep all the creamy, spicy flavor you love without the extra calories!

    Whether you’re hosting a game day party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just want a quick high-protein meal, this dip delivers every time. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.


    Why You’ll Love This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

    • High in protein, low in fat: Made with nonfat Greek yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese instead of cream cheese and sour cream. My version is just as creamy and guilt-free!
    • Quick and easy: Just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven.
    • Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer or turn it into a main dish.
    • Crowd favorite: Perfect for football parties, holiday gatherings, or meal prep.

    This easy buffalo chicken dip recipe is one you’ll come back to over and over again.


    How to Serve This Dip

    As an Appetizer:
    Serve it hot and bubbly with:

    • Celery sticks, carrots, or bell peppers for a low carb appetizer
    • Crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices for a classic crowd favorite

    As a Main Dish:
    Turn this high protein buffalo chicken dip into a meal!

    • Pile it onto a fresh slice of sour dough for a buffalo chicken sandwich
    • Wrap it up in a whole wheat tortilla with lettuce and tomato for an easy lunch or dinner

    No matter how you serve it, this dip brings big flavor and big satisfaction.

    The Star of the Dish

    The real star of this recipe is the Primal Kitchen Original Buffalo Sauce. It’s made with clean, simple ingredients — no dairy, no added sugar, and no unnecessary preservatives — yet it delivers that bold, tangy flavor that makes buffalo chicken dip so irresistible. I love that it keeps this recipe wholesome and flavorful without any compromise, and it’s become a staple in my kitchen for everything from wings to wraps.

    Make-Ahead Tip

    Assemble the dip up to a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, pop it in the oven — just add about 5 extra minutes to the cook time if baking straight from the fridge.


    Final Thoughts

    This easy, healthy buffalo chicken dip proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to eat lighter. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with protein — perfect for anyone looking for a low carb appetizer or high protein comfort food.

    Whether you serve it at your next football party, family gathering, or make it for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will disappear fast — so go ahead and make a double batch!

    Tanya

    Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip (High Protein, Low Carb & Low Fat)

    Swap out traditional ingredients for a lighter take on this classic dish. This high-protein Buffalo Chicken Dip keeps all the creamy, spicy flavor you love — without the extra fat or carbs.
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine: American

    Ingredients
      

    1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded
    ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
    ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
    ½ cup buffalo sauce (Primal Kitchen)
    ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    1 tablespoon Fiesta Ranch Mix
    ¾ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
    Celery, for topping

    Equipment

    • 1 mixing bowl
    • 1 baking dish

    Method
     

    INSTRUCTIONS
      Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
        In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Fiesta Ranch Mix.
          Stir in shredded chicken until everything is evenly coated.
            Spread mixture in a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
              Bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
                Garnish with chopped celery and serve hot.
                  Serves 6.
                    Double the recipe for a larger crowd or big game day gatherings!

                      Notes

                      Serve as an Appetizer or a Main Dish

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                    1. Healthy Crockpot Chili with a cajun Twist

                      Healthy Crockpot Chili with a cajun Twist

                      Fall is in the air, which means it’s time for comfort food and crockpot meals! The season of football and festive gatherings has officially begun. I love the social aspect of this time of year, and I especially love sharing meals with my favorite people that are both delicious and nourishing.

                      Why I Love This Recipe

                      • Perfect for feeding a large crowd (with plenty of leftovers!)
                      • Rich, hearty flavor—the ultimate comfort food
                      • Packed with lean protein and lots of veggies
                      • Make it ahead and let the slow cooker work its magic
                      Jump to Recipe

                      My top priorities in any meal I make are lean protein, plenty of veggies, and bold, robust flavors. This recipe checks all three boxes!

                      While chili has always been one of my favorite go-to recipes, I decided to play with the flavors and add a Cajun twist. The secret ingredient? Andouille sausage!

                      This recipe is big on flavor and also flexible. You can swap out protein choices, beans, or veggies and still end up with a wonderful meal. Plus, it’s naturally gluten free!


                      Recipe Notes

                      Servings

                      I made this chili for my Bible study group, so the portions below will feed a large crowd. It’s ideal for football parties, Sunday suppers, or potlucks. Since chili freezes beautifully, it’s also perfect for meal prep.

                      Protein

                      I used a mix of lean ground turkey (93% lean) and lean ground beef (96% lean). I love the flavor of beef, but the turkey balances it out by cutting fat and calories. Using lean beef also means you don’t have to drain grease. Feel free to mix and match proteins to suit your taste and nutritional needs.

                      Beans

                      For a true Cajun-inspired chili, red beans or kidney beans are traditional. I used what I had in my pantry and loved the mix. A variety of beans adds extra flavor and texture.

                      Kitchen Tool Spotlight

                      I’m a big fan of cooking efficiently which means using the best tools. For this chili, a few key items make the process so much easier:

                      • My Lodge cast iron skillet is a total game changer. It heats evenly, holds all the ingredients without crowding, and lets me sauté everything in one pan before transferring it to the slow cooker. Fewer dishes = more time saved!
                      • An adjustable measuring spoon makes measuring spices and ingredients a breeze. The smaller end fits right into most spice jars, which means less mess and fewer dishes.
                      • And of course, a reliable Crock-Pot is a must-have. This one is affordable, easy to clean, and looks great on your counter while it works its magic.

                      Using these tools together saves time, minimizes cleanup, and helps you create a flavorful chili every single time.


                      Tanya

                      Hearty Crockpot Chili with a Cajun Spin | Gluten-Free & Packed with Veggies and Lean Protein

                      Prep Time 45 minutes
                      Cook Time 8 hours
                      Servings: 12
                      Course: Main Course
                      Cuisine: American

                      Ingredients
                        

                      • 3 tbsp olive oil
                      • 1 onion
                      • 2 bell peppers
                      • 1 carrot diced
                      • 2 garlic cloves minced
                      • 1 pack andouille sausage
                      • 1 lb lean ground turkey
                      • 1 lb lean ground beef
                      • 4 10 oz cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
                      • 3 16 oz cans beans of your choice black beans, pinto, kidney
                      • Salt & pepper to taste
                      • 1 Tbsp chili powder
                      • 1 Tbsp cumin
                      • 1 Tbsp dried oregano
                      • 1 tsp paprika
                      • 1 tsp cayenne pepper

                      Equipment

                      • 1 Slow Cooker
                      • 1 Large Skillet

                      Method
                       

                      Instructions
                      1. Dice onion, peppers, and carrot. Mince garlic; set aside.
                      2. In a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet, sauté the veggies—start with onions, then add carrot, then peppers.
                      3. While veggies cook, slice sausage into half-moons.
                      4. Transfer sautéed veggies to the slow cooker.
                      5. In the same skillet, brown the sausage, then add it to the slow cooker.
                      6. In the sausage drippings, brown turkey and beef. Stir in garlic at the end, then transfer to the slow cooker.
                      7. Pro Tip:
                        If you have a large Lodge cast iron skillet, you can sauté all your veggies, sausage, and meat at the same time. Total time saver, and less cleanup too!
                        Using an adjustable measuring spoon, measuring spices is quick, precise, and low-mess.
                        Finally, your slow cooker will make this chili effortlessly—my go-to is this sleek Crock-Pot, which is easy to use, clean, and looks beautiful on the counter.
                      8. Add canned beans and tomatoes with green chilies to the slow cooker.
                      9. Stir in spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne). Mix well.
                      10. Cover and cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. The longer it cooks, the bolder the flavor!

                      Notes

                      Topping Suggestions: 
                      • Cilantro 
                      • Cheddar
                      • Sour cream
                      • Fresh jalapenos
                      • Green onions
                      • Corn chips
                      • Avocado

                      Leftovers & Storage

                      One of the best things about chili is how well it keeps! In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to blend.

                      • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
                      • Freezer: Chili freezes beautifully—portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Lay the bags flat in the freezer to save space.
                      • Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it’s a little thick, just add a splash of broth or water.

                      This makes it perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or having a comforting meal ready whenever you need it.

                      Happy chili cooking! I can’t wait to hear how you like this recipe. Share your beautiful bowls on social media with #savoringmomentsofadventure or leave a comment below.

                      Was this post helpful? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
                      Have you visited Rocky Mountain National Park?
                      What were your favorite hikes, views, or hidden gems?
                      Drop your recommendations in the comments—I can’t wait to hear what made your trip unforgettable!

                    2. Lemon Herb Chicken – Easy Sheet Pan Recipe for Healthy Weeknight Dinners

                      Lemon Herb Chicken – Easy Sheet Pan Recipe for Healthy Weeknight Dinners

                      If you’re looking for a quick and healthy dinner that’s bursting with flavor, this Lemon Herb Chicken will become a go-to. It’s a family favorite in my house, and the best part is you can whip it up in about 30–40 minutes. The best part, the oven does most of the work!

                      This recipe uses just a handful of fresh ingredients, making it budget-friendly and perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch — the leftovers taste even better the next day!

                      Jump to Recipe

                      Why You’ll Love This Recipe

                      • Bright, fresh lemon flavor with lots of herbs: Each bite is bursting with citrusy goodness and aromatic herbs, making this chicken both flavorful and refreshing. Using a mix of herbs allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
                      • Ready in under 40 minutes: Most of the time is hands-off, letting the oven do the work while you prep sides, set the table, or take a quick break. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
                      • Sheet pan = easy cleanup: No messy pots and pans, no dirty stove top — everything cooks on a single sheet pan. Just line it with foil, bake, and you’re done!
                      • Great for meal prep and leftovers: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it ideal for packed lunches, salads, wraps, or even a quick risotto.
                      • Healthy and nutritious: A protein-packed, low-carb, moderate-fat meal, it’s full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

                      Fresh Herbs Make the Difference

                      The real stars of this dish are the fresh herbs. I love using herbs from my own garden, but store-bought works perfectly too.

                      In Texas, rosemary and oregano grow year-round, so they’re always part of the mix. In winter, I add Italian parsley and thyme, and in summer, lemon verbena and basil.

                      👉 Feeling inspired to grow your own? Check out my post: How to Start a Garden for Beginners in 12 Easy Steps.

                      You don’t need to be precise here — mix and match what you like. I recommend at least three fresh herbs for the best flavor.

                      Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts

                      For this recipe, I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy, absorb the lemon and herb flavors beautifully, and taste even better as leftovers.

                      You can definitely use chicken breasts, just be sure to pound them to about ½ inch thickness using a rolling pin or meat tenderizer. This will ensure even cooking. watch your bake time closely to prevent chicken from drying out. Reduce the cook time to about 20 minutes and always use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit.

                      Ingredient Prep

                      One of the best things about this Lemon Herb Chicken is how simple it is to prep — Here are a few key process photos to help you visualize each step.

                      Wash Herbs and Lemons and lay out to dry

                      Layer the lemons in neat rows to create a citrus “bed.” This not only keeps the chicken juicy but infuses it with bright lemon flavor as it cooks.

                      Place seasoned chicken thighs directly on top of the lemons, then sprinkle with plenty of fresh herbs.

                      These simple steps set the stage for all that bright flavor!

                      Once the chicken is in the oven, most of the work is done! Use this time to prep your sides, set the table or snap a few photos for your social media!

                      Serving Suggestions

                      This Lemon Herb Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a full, flavorful meal:

                      • Roasted green beans or seasonal veggies: Quick, simple, and they soak up some of the lemony chicken juices.
                      • Rosemary potatoes or other roasted root vegetables: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside — a comforting side everyone will love.
                      • Fresh salads: A crisp lemon Caesar or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette complement the rich flavors of the chicken.
                      • Pasta or risotto: Toss sliced chicken into your favorite pasta or a creamy risotto for a heartier meal.
                      • Fresh sourdough or crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up the delicious lemon-herb juices.

                      Leftover Ideas

                      One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile the leftovers are — they taste just as amazing the next day:

                      • Salads and wraps: Chop or shred the chicken and add it to a fresh salad or wrap for a quick lunch or dinner.
                      • Grain bowls: Pair with quinoa, farro, or rice for a balanced, flavorful meal.
                      • Pasta or risotto: Leftover chicken is perfect for tossing into a creamy risotto or a light pasta dish — it adds instant flavor and protein.
                      • Quick reheats: Warm in the oven or microwave for a fast, healthy meal on busy nights.
                      Tanya

                      Lemon Herb Chicken

                      An easy and healthy sheet pan chicken recipe bursting with lemon and fresh herbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and leftovers!
                      Prep Time 10 minutes
                      Cook Time 30 minutes
                      Total Time 45 minutes
                      Servings: 6
                      Course: Main Course
                      Cuisine: American, French

                      Ingredients
                        

                      • 2-3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
                      • 4-5 large lemons
                      • 2 tbsp fresh oregano
                      • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary
                      • 2 tbsp fresh herb of your choice: thyme, parsley, basil, or lemon verbena
                      • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
                      • salt and pepper to taste

                      Equipment

                      • Sheet Pan

                      Method
                       

                      1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup.
                      2. Slice lemons into rounds and lay them in rows on the pan to create a citrus bed.
                      3. Season lemon slices with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Roast for 8–10 minutes to release juices.
                      4. While lemons roast, mince fresh herbs and place in a small bowl.
                      5. Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
                      6. Remove lemons from oven. Place chicken thighs on top of the lemon slices and sprinkle herbs over both sides.
                      7. Pro tip: For picky eaters, use fewer herbs on a couple of pieces to avoid complaints about “too much green stuff.”
                      8. Bake chicken for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
                      9. For serving, place roasted lemon slices on top of chicken. The softened lemons create a fragrant sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

                      Notes

                      Notes

                      • Serving ideas: Pairs well with roasted veggies, potatoes, pasta or a fresh salad.
                      • Leftover tip: Chop into wraps, grain bowls, or toss into risotto for a quick second meal.
                      • Herb flexibility: Feel free to mix and match your favorite fresh herbs — at least three gives the best flavor.
                      • Chicken tips: For breasts, pound to ½ inch thickness and watch cook time to prevent drying.

                      Final Thoughts

                      This recipe is simple, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or Hosting a large group, it’s one you’ll come back to again and again.

                      Have you tried this Lemon Herb Chicken? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @savoringmomentsofadventure so I can see your beautiful creations.

                      Was this post helpful? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
                      Have you visited Rocky Mountain National Park?
                      What were your favorite hikes, views, or hidden gems?
                      Drop your recommendations in the comments—I can’t wait to hear what made your trip unforgettable!