Skinny Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Whenever I make a successful crockpot meal that we can add to our regular rotation, I consider it a win. As a fan of the slow cooker, I've come to realize that not every meal is fool-proof just because it's easy and convenient. With that said, we do enjoy an AMAZING italian beef (thanks, Mom!) in the crock pot on a regular basis and have now added this skinny crockpot buffalo chicken dip to our favorites list. 

"It's perfect because now I can have a second beer," says my husband...I suppose that's one way to look at a "skinny" recipe. It doesn't use any sour cream and there are plenty of substitutions to keep it low in calories including low fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt and reduced fat mozzarella cheese.
You will need:

4 lbs boneless chicken breasts

1 cup shredded part-skim Mozzarella cheese

         1/2 cup crumbled light blue cheese

       1 Tbsp. ranch seasoning (optional)

       2 cups Franks Red Hot Sauce (HAS to be Franks)

         4 oz. (half a block) reduced-fat (or fat-free) cream cheese, softened

        1 cup plain Greek yogurt (Go with Fage or Oiko's)

Directions (so easy!):

Add all ingredients to the bowl of the slow cooker, and stir until combined.  (You can also stir the ingredients together in a separate bowl, and then transfer that to the bowl of the slow cooker afterwards.)

Cook on high for 1.5 - 2 hours, or until the cheeses are all melted.  (Alternately, you can also cook this on low for 3-4 hours, or until the cheeses are all melted.)  Give the dip a good final stir, then transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra blue cheese and green onions if desired.  Serve with chips or your desired dippers.

This works as a dip with cucumbers or carrots but also serves as a great base for sandwiches on pita bread or flour tortillas with blue cheese crumbles for lunch. 

This was a huge hit at our "friendsmas" get together - I served it warm but my husband and I ate it cold the next day for lunch and it was just as delicious. I love that it works as a side or a meal depending on what you pair it with...definitely a crock pot success!
What are your favorite slow cooker recipes? Please do share, I'm always looking to expand...
Happy Friday!

Recipe: Slow Cooker Cowboy Chicken

There is nothing easier then a great slow cooker recipe. In fact, my husband has taken to the crock pot and now it's his go-to for cooking lately. He stumbled upon this yummy recipe on the Moms Who Think website and decided to make it that night.

Here is what you need to make slow cooker cowboy chicken:

Ingredients:

4-6 Chicken Breasts

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoons Dijon Mustard

2 Cups Salsa (any type)

1 (15 oz.) can corn, drained (we used frozen)

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drain and rinsed

1/2 cup sour cream (plus extra for serving)

Directions:

1. Place chicken in a slow cooker.

2. In medium bowl mix brown sugar, mustard, and salsa.

3. Pour mixture over chicken. Add water to cover chicken if needed. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. 

4. With 30 minutes of cook time remaining remove the lid and shred the chicken using two forks. 

5. Add the beans, corn, and sour cream to the slow cooker and mix together with the chicken. Replace lid and cook for remaining 30 minutes. 

6. Serve over rice with sour cream. (we used minute rice)

This was delicious gluten free meal. The kids loved it, we loved it and that makes for one successful dinner. 

Are you a fan of slow cooker meals? What's your favorite recipe?