Cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip is a high-protein, no cream cheese alternative that’s just as creamy and spicy as the original. This lighter twist uses blended cottage cheese instead of traditional dairy blocks, giving you that same crave-worthy flavor with a fraction of the fat. Whether you’re hosting game day, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a healthy buffalo dip with crunch, this one’s a must-try.
It’s made with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, red bell peppers, cheddar cheese, and blended cottage cheese, yes, it melts beautifully! You can bake or air fry it, and it pairs perfectly with celery sticks or crispy pita chips.
Ready to dig into this healthier buffalo dip alternative? Let’s start with why it’s winning fans across the internet.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip is a high-protein, creamy, no cream cheese recipe, perfect for healthy snacking, game day, or meal prep
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup shredded chicken breasts (about ½ lb, cooked)
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. Blend cottage cheese, olive oil, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
2. In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, red bell pepper, and green onions.
3. Pour the blended sauce over the chicken mix and stir well.
4. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to an oven-safe dish. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until bubbling.
6. Garnish with extra green onions or cheddar and serve warm with veggies or chips.
Notes
To make it dairy-free, use plant-based cottage cheese and vegan cheddar.
Stores well in the fridge for 4 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat in microwave or air fryer until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip
Looking for a spicy, high-protein buffalo chicken dip without the heaviness of cream cheese? This cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip delivers all the bold flavor and creaminess you crave—with smart, feel-good ingredients.
High Protein & Easy to Make
With over 11g of protein per serving, this dip is made for snackers who want something more satisfying. Cottage cheese blends into a smooth, tangy base that mimics the texture of melted cream cheese, without the fat bomb. All you need is a blender, a bowl, and your oven or air fryer.
Perfect for Meal Prep or Quick Game-Day Snacks
Whip it up in under 30 minutes and enjoy it warm or cold. You can prep everything ahead of time and bake when you’re ready. Serve it with pita chips, crackers, or celery sticks for a party-ready dip that’s gluten-free and low-carb friendly.
When I tested this recipe, I couldn’t believe how creamy it turned out just from blended cottage cheese, no cream cheese or mayo needed!
Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
This dip uses wholesome, protein-rich ingredients that come together in under 30 minutes. Here’s what you’ll need, and how to customize it for your preferences or dietary needs.
Key Ingredients for the Best Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Cottage Cheese (1 cup): Use full-fat or low-fat depending on your diet. Blended smooth, it mimics cream cheese beautifully.
- Buffalo Sauce (¼ cup): Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand. Adjust to taste.
- Cheddar Cheese (¼ cup, shredded): Adds richness and a melty texture.
- Shredded Chicken (1 cup): Use leftover rotisserie or cook 1 small chicken breast and shred.
- Red Bell Pepper (1 cup, diced): For sweetness, crunch, and added fiber.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps sauté and smooth out the dip without adding dairy.
- Green Onions (2): Adds freshness and a little bite.
- Garlic & Onion Powder (½ tsp each): Layered flavor without chopping.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Start light and adjust after mixing.
Easy Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions
- No Chicken? Try canned white beans or shredded jackfruit for a vegetarian twist.
- Dairy-Free? Use a plant-based cottage cheese and dairy-free cheddar shreds.
- Low-Fat Option? Stick to low-fat cottage cheese and reduce the cheddar.
- Add Heat: Mix in jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra spice.
- Add Texture: Stir in diced celery or top with crushed gluten-free crackers before baking.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cottage cheese | 1 cup | Blended smooth |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | For sautéing or blending |
| Buffalo sauce | ¼ cup | Adjust to taste |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | |
| Cheddar cheese | ¼ cup | Shredded |
| Shredded chicken | 1 cup | Cooked, about ½ lb |
| Red bell pepper | 1 cup | Diced |
| Green onions | 2 | Sliced |
How to Make It Step by Step
This dip comes together quickly using just one bowl and a blender. Whether you bake or air fry it, it’s easy enough for beginners and perfect for a last-minute game-day snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blend the cottage cheese.
In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup cottage cheese with the olive oil, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend until smooth and creamy. - Prep your mix-ins.
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Pour the blended mixture over top and stir well. - Add cheddar cheese.
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Bake or air fry.
Transfer to an oven-safe dish or small cast iron skillet.
• For oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
• For air fryer: Cook at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until hot and bubbling. - Top & serve.
Garnish with more green onion or extra cheddar. Serve warm with celery sticks, pita chips, or even homemade cottage cheese chips (Try this recipe)!
I found this step tricky at first: blending cottage cheese thoroughly is key, don’t stop too early or it’ll stay grainy. Let it run until silky smooth!
Tips for Success
Want the best cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip every time? These tips help you master the perfect texture, flavor balance, and reheating results.
Pro Tips for Texture & Flavor
- Blend long enough.
The secret to a creamy cottage cheese base is blending until completely smooth. Pulse for 30–60 seconds and scrape the sides. - Use warm shredded chicken.
Cold chicken can stiffen the dip. Lightly warm it before mixing for better texture. - Roast the red bell pepper.
For a smoky twist, roast your peppers first, like we do in our cottage cheese chicken patties. - Double the batch.
This buffalo dip disappears fast! Double the recipe and save half for later. It reheats well. - Top with extra cheddar.
A light sprinkle before baking gives that bubbly, melty finish just like a classic baked buffalo chicken dip.
What to Avoid for Best Results
- Skipping the blending step.
Leaving the cottage cheese unblended gives you a lumpy, grainy texture, not ideal for dipping. - Overbaking.
If the dip looks dry or crusty, it’s been in too long. Pull it once it’s hot and slightly golden. - Using watery buffalo sauce.
Thinner sauces may separate when baked. Stick with thicker, traditional brands. - Not adjusting spice.
Everyone’s heat tolerance is different. Taste the blended sauce before mixing and add more buffalo sauce or cayenne as needed.
Topping Ideas & Customization
The best part about this cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip? You can make it your own, whether you’re going bold, keeping it light, or adding seasonal crunch.
Classic & Bold Toppings
- Extra cheddar cheese – Sprinkle before baking for that golden bubbly finish.
- Crumbled blue cheese – A tangy topping for those who love traditional buffalo flavor.
- Sliced green onions or chives – Adds a fresh, oniony crunch on top of warm dip.
- Crushed gluten-free crackers or tortilla chips – Great texture boost just like our baked potato and cottage cheese combo.
Want to impress on game day? Serve your cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip in a bread bowl or cast iron skillet with crispy pita chips tucked around the edges.
Light & Healthy Options
- Chopped celery or cucumber – Adds freshness and makes it even more hydrating.
- Diced avocado – Creamy and rich, it pairs perfectly with the spice.
- Sprinkle of smoked paprika – A flavorful boost without extra heat.
- Shredded carrots or cabbage – Think buffalo chicken slaw vibes.
Flavor + Texture Combos
| Texture Boost | Flavor Match |
|---|---|
| Toasted breadcrumbs | Roasted garlic drizzle |
| Crispy chickpeas | Ranch seasoning |
| Sliced jalapeños | Lime zest or juice |
For a fun twist, turn this blended cottage cheese dip into individual ramekins for easy portion control, or top it with grilled corn like we do in our summer chicken salad with cottage cheese (try it here).
How to Store, Reheat, or Freeze
Whether you’re prepping ahead for game day or storing leftovers, this cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip holds up surprisingly well. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh and creamy.
Fridge
- Store leftover cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip in an airtight glass container.
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For best texture, reheat in small portions rather than all at once.
Reheat
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time.
- Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until warm.
- Air Fryer: Heat in an oven-safe ramekin at 330°F for 5–6 minutes.
Reheating in the air fryer is especially great if you like crispy edges, just like our cottage cheese bagels!
Freeze
- Yes, you can freeze this dip! Freeze in portioned silicone trays or freezer bags.
- To serve: thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently to maintain texture.
- Avoid freezing if you’ve already reheated it once, quality drops on second thaw.
Meal Prep Tip
Make a double batch of cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip and freeze half for a future party or snack night. It’s a great time-saver and reheats beautifully.
Health Benefits & Storage Tips
This cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip isn’t just a crowd-pleaser, it’s also a better-for-you option for everyday snacking or meal prep. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
Why It’s a Smarter Dip Choice
- High in protein: Each serving of this high-protein buffalo chicken dip packs around 11g of protein, helping to keep you fuller longer.
- Lower in fat: Thanks to the cottage cheese base, you get a creamy texture without the saturated fat of cream cheese or mayo.
- Gut-friendly: Cottage cheese provides probiotics (if using live cultures) and supports digestion.
- Gluten-free and low-carb: Perfect for dipping with veggies or pita chips, especially for those avoiding wheat.
- Vitamin-rich: Red bell pepper adds Vitamin C, while chicken adds iron and B vitamins.
Compared to traditional dips made with sour cream and cheese blocks, this cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip clocks in at just 167 calories per serving, with no flavor sacrifice.
Bonus Storage Tips
- Label your containers with the date for better tracking.
- Use freezer-safe silicone molds for individual portions.
- If prepping ahead, leave out the shredded cheddar until right before baking for best texture.
Need more ideas for healthy, high-protein snacks? Try our cottage cheese avocado toast or cottage cheese egg muffins for portable options!
Other Recipes You May Like
If you loved this cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip, you’ll want to bookmark these easy, protein-packed favorites too:
- Cottage Cheese Chicken Patties: High-protein, pan-seared, and great for meal prep. Pair it with a dipping sauce for a full buffalo chicken vibe.
- Cottage Cheese Chips (Crispy + Crunchy): These crispy baked chips are the perfect scoop partner for your next dip night.
- Spinach Cottage Cheese Pasta: A creamy, veggie-packed dish using blended cottage cheese in the sauce, just like this dip.
- Cottage Cheese Wrap: For a low-carb, high-protein lunch option, this wrap is filled with fresh veggies and cottage cheese.
- Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad: Another buffalo-friendly favorite, this is light, crunchy, and perfect for lunch meal prep.
Every one of these recipes uses wholesome ingredients, minimal prep, and that same creamy cottage cheese twist that makes this buffalo chicken dip so craveable.
FAQ : cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip
Can you use cottage cheese in Buffalo chicken dip?
Yes! Cottage cheese is a fantastic high-protein swap for cream cheese or sour cream. When blended, it becomes ultra-smooth and creamy, making it the perfect base for cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip, without the extra fat.
Can you mix chicken and cottage cheese?
Absolutely. Shredded chicken pairs well with cottage cheese in both cold and hot dishes. In this buffalo chicken dip, the cottage cheese adds creaminess while the chicken provides heartiness and texture.
What is a substitute for cream cheese in Buffalo chicken dip?
Blended cottage cheese is one of the best substitutes for cream cheese. It gives the same creamy consistency with fewer calories and more protein. You can also try Greek yogurt or mashed white beans for dairy-free options.
Can I use cottage cheese as dip?
Yes! Blend it with spices, herbs, or sauces for a savory snack. Our cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip is just one example, try blending it with salsa or pesto for a fresh variation.
Will cottage cheese melt in sauce?
Blended cottage cheese doesn’t “melt” like cheddar but it integrates beautifully into sauces. When baked in a dish like this buffalo dip, it creates a smooth, creamy texture without separating.
What can I mix with cottage cheese to taste better?
For savory dishes, mix cottage cheese with buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, or taco seasoning. For sweet options, try cinnamon, honey, or berries. You can also explore our cottage cheese chocolate mousse for dessert inspiration!
f you’re looking for a lighter game-day snack or a high-protein dip that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip delivers on every level. It’s creamy, spicy, and satisfying, without the usual dairy overload.
Serve it with veggie sticks, chips, or spread it inside a wrap for quick lunches. However you enjoy it, this dip is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Want more cottage cheese magic? Try our cottage cheese pizza crust for a high-protein dinner idea that actually tastes amazing.
Now it’s your turn, tag @TryItTasty on social media and show us how you dip it!
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