The savory blend of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cottage cheese creates a dip that’s both indulgent and lighter than the traditional version, with melted cheddar adding that perfect gooey pull. Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip comes together quickly, offering a comforting warmth straight from the oven that makes any gathering feel special. Its subtle tang from the hot sauce pairs beautifully with the mild chicken base.
This dip fits seamlessly into busy evenings, ready in under 30 minutes for impromptu family nights or potlucks. I appreciate how it reheats well, keeping its creamy texture for easy leftovers. Guests always rave about the fresh twist that makes it a healthier game-day staple without sacrificing flavor.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Healthier Comfort Food: This dip swaps in cottage cheese for a protein-packed, lower-fat creaminess that feels indulgent yet nourishing for everyday snacking.
- Quick and Easy Prep: With just 10 minutes of hands-on time, it’s perfect for busy moms juggling schedules while still delivering big flavor.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Bake it for parties or serve it warm with veggies for a guilt-free option that appeals to all ages.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake fresh, saving time on hectic weeknights.
Easy Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthier twist on classic buffalo chicken dip, using cottage cheese for creaminess, baked until bubbly and served with chips or veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 2 cups cottage cheese (can be blended for a smoother texture)
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce (or your preferred buffalo sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 green onion, sliced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- If you prefer a smoother dip, blend the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until it’s creamy.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked and chopped chicken, cottage cheese (blended or not), 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, buffalo hot sauce, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a small casserole dish or any oven-safe baking dish. Smooth out the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dip.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
- For a browned and slightly crispy top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with sliced green onion if desired. Serve warm with vegetable sticks, crackers, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Blending the cottage cheese is optional for a smoother texture.
- Garnish with green onions for added freshness.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
Ingredients to make Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
The ingredients in this dip harmonize the bold heat of buffalo sauce with the smooth, tangy cottage cheese, while cheddar provides a melty finish that elevates every bite. Opting for fresh, high-quality components like real shredded cheese ensures a richer taste and better texture overall.
- Cooked chicken breast – provides tender, lean protein as the hearty base; use rotisserie for convenience or swap with canned for even quicker prep.
- Cottage cheese – delivers creamy consistency and subtle tang; blend it smooth if you prefer no curds, or use low-fat for a lighter version.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – melts into gooey layers for that classic dip appeal; choose sharp for more flavor punch.
- Buffalo hot sauce – adds the signature spicy kick; Frank’s is ideal, but any mild buffalo variety works as a substitute.
- Garlic powder – enhances savory depth without overpowering the other flavors; fresh minced garlic can replace it if on hand.
- Green onion – offers a fresh, crisp garnish to balance the richness; optional, or try chives for a milder green note.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
Step 1: Preheat and prepare cottage cheese
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to get it ready for baking. If you want a smoother texture in your Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip, blend the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until creamy, which takes just a minute or two. This step is optional but helps achieve an even consistency without visible curds.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped or shredded cooked chicken breast, the cottage cheese, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, buffalo hot sauce, and garlic powder. Stir everything thoroughly until well incorporated, ensuring the spicy sauce coats all the components evenly. Taste and adjust the heat if needed before proceeding.
Step 3: Assemble in baking dish
Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe casserole or baking dish, then smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the surface to create a bubbly, golden layer. This setup ensures the dip heats uniformly.
Step 4: Bake until bubbly
Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until it’s hot throughout and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra touch, broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes to brown the top slightly, but watch closely to avoid burning. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Blend for Smoothness: Pulse the cottage cheese if you dislike curds, creating a velvety base that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Use Fresh Chicken: Shred warm rotisserie chicken right away to keep the dip moist and flavorful during mixing.
- Watch the Broil: Keep a close eye during the final broil to achieve a crispy, golden top without over-browning the cheese.
- Taste Before Baking: Sample the mixture and add a dash more sauce if you prefer extra spice, adjusting to your heat tolerance.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
Garnishes
I always sprinkle sliced green onions over my Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip for a fresh, bright contrast that cuts through the richness. A handful of chopped cilantro or a dollop of blue cheese crumbles adds another layer of flavor, making each scoop more vibrant. These simple touches keep it looking appetizing and tasting balanced.
Side Dishes
Pair this dip with crisp carrot and celery sticks for a healthy crunch that complements the creamy warmth. Tortilla chips or sturdy crackers provide the perfect scoopable base, while a side of sliced bell peppers adds color and mild sweetness. I find these options make it a complete, satisfying snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the dip into individual ramekins for a personalized touch at gatherings, letting everyone enjoy their own bubbly portion. I like hollowing out a small bread bowl to serve it family-style, where the cozy aroma wafts up invitingly. Layer it in a clear dish to show off the melty cheese layers for visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any extra Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to three days. This method preserves the flavors without sogginess, making it easy to grab for quick lunches. Just cover tightly to avoid absorbing other odors.
Freezing
Portion the cooled dip into freezer-safe bags or containers, flattening them for space efficiency, and it freezes nicely for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy texture. I avoid refreezing once thawed to keep quality high.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring halfway, or bake at 350°F until heated through. Cover with foil in the oven to prevent the top from drying out and losing its gooey appeal. This keeps the dip tasting freshly baked every time.
