This Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese is a fun twist on classic comfort food! It blends spicy buffalo chicken with creamy cottage cheese for a tasty snack or meal.
It’s like a party in a bowl! I love how easy it is to make, just mix the ingredients and enjoy. Perfect for game days or when I crave something zesty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is key here for that classic buffalo flavor. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or swap it for shredded rotisserie turkey for a lighter option. Leftover cooked chicken works too!
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese is great for creaminess without the extra calories. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using dairy-free cottage cheese or a thick dairy-free yogurt instead.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a favorite, but any hot sauce you enjoy works. If you like it milder, look for a mild buffalo sauce. For a different twist, you can mix in a hint of BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
Cream Cheese: For a smoother texture, cream cheese is perfect. If you want to keep it lighter, Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative can work well too. Just make sure to soften it for easy mixing!
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Ranch dressing adds a cooling flavor, while blue cheese brings richness. You can make a homemade version using yogurt, herbs, and spices. Alternatively, enjoy a vegan dressing to keep it plant-based.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture?
The texture is what makes this dish delightful! To get that creamy and slightly chunky mix, it’s important to combine the ingredients thoughtfully:
- Start by mixing the shredded chicken with the cottage cheese until combined.
- Soften your cream cheese properly; use a microwave for 10-15 seconds if needed.
- Add the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing gradually, stirring gently to keep some texture in the chicken.
- If you use mozzarella, gently fold it in at the end to maintain that chunky feel.
Remember to adjust the seasoning after mixing everything, as the flavors can change slightly. Making sure everything is well-blended is key to enjoying every bite!
Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Blue cheese crumbles for garnish (optional)
- Celery sticks (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s super quick! Just mix everything together, and you’re ready to enjoy a delicious snack or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the chicken is cooked and shredded, and that the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing. A microwave can help with softening if needed.
2. Combine Chicken and Cottage Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken and cottage cheese. Mix them together gently until they are well combined. This will be the base of your Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese.
3. Mix in Cream Cheese and Buffalo Sauce
Add the softened cream cheese and buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is blended together, creating a creamy, slightly chunky texture. Taste the mixture to see how spicy it is—you can add more buffalo sauce if you like it fiery!
4. Stir in Dressing and Seasonings
Next, pour in your ranch or blue cheese dressing and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. This will enhance the flavor beautifully. Mix it well!
5. Add Mozzarella and Chives
If you’re using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it in and fold it into your mixture gently to keep some of that wonderful chunkiness. Then, add chopped fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
6. Serve It Up
Transfer your Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese to a serving bowl. If you’d like, sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles on top for an extra touch of flavor. Serve it up with celery sticks, crackers, or pita chips for a delicious dip!
Enjoy this zesty, creamy Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese as a flavorful snack or appetizer that everyone will love! Happy snacking!
Can I Use Canned Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is a convenient option and can save you time. Just drain and shred it before mixing with the other ingredients. Make sure to taste for seasoning since canned chicken can sometimes be pre-seasoned.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to turn up the heat, consider adding more buffalo sauce or mixing in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. A dash of hot sauce can also enhance the spiciness perfectly!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying again!
