I’ve always been a huge fan of classic buffalo chicken dip, but I wanted a version I could feel better about eating. My first attempt using cottage cheese was a bit chunky, but I quickly discovered the secret to blending it into a perfectly smooth and velvety base. Now, this cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip is my absolute go-to for game days, and nobody ever guesses it’s made without cream cheese.
You’ll love this dip for its rich, creamy texture that’s surprisingly light and satisfying. Because it’s built on a base of cottage cheese, it’s loaded with protein, making it a snack you can actually feel good about. Plus, it’s unbelievably easy to whip up and has all the tangy, spicy flavor you crave.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce adjust to taste preferences
- 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 or 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast)
- 1 cup red bell pepper diced
- 2 green onions sliced
How to Make Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
This dip is incredibly straightforward and ready for the oven in just a few simple steps.
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Create the Ultra-Smooth Cottage Cheese Base
First, combine the cottage cheese and olive oil in a high-speed blender or food processor. Then, blend on high for 60-90 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth. This step is the absolute key to achieving a velvety texture.
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Combine the Dip Ingredients
Next, in a medium bowl, add your smooth cottage cheese base, the shredded chicken, diced red bell pepper, the white parts of the green onions, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
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Assemble the Dip
Now, spread the mixture into a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. After that, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the baking dish in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the dip is hot and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
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Garnish and Serve Hot
Finally, carefully remove the dip from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved green onion tops over the cheese. This cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip is best served warm.
My Best Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip Tips
These simple tips ensure you get perfect results every single time.
The Secret to a No-Curdle, Silky Smooth Dip
Here’s my most important tip: for the smoothest base, blend the cottage cheese while it’s cold, by itself with just the olive oil. This technique breaks down the curds completely, creating a stable, silky base that won’t separate or become grainy when heated.
For the Best Chicken, Shred it Warm
Chicken is much easier to shred while it’s still warm. You can use two forks or, for a super-fast method, toss the warm chicken in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed for about 20 seconds.
Control the Spice Level
The amount of buffalo sauce in this recipe gives a solid medium heat. If you prefer a milder dip, start with less. Conversely, if you’re a spice lover, feel free to add a bit more.
Choosing Your Dippers
This creamy buffalo chicken dip is quite hearty, so you’ll want dippers that can handle it. Sturdy tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, and thick slices of bell pepper are all fantastic choices.
Variations of Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it. For a classic taste, stir in blue cheese crumbles before baking. To sneak in extra nutrients, add finely riced cauliflower or chopped, squeezed spinach to the mix. If you don’t want to use the oven, you can also heat the dip on the stovetop over low heat or keep it warm for parties in a slow cooker.
If you loved this recipe, check out this comforting Meaty texas trash dip recipe. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors!
FAQs
Can you substitute cottage cheese for cream cheese in a dip?
Absolutely! When you blend cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth, it creates a creamy, tangy base that is a fantastic, high-protein substitute for cream cheese.
What is a good substitute for cream cheese in buffalo chicken dip?
Blended cottage cheese is my top recommendation. Another excellent option is plain Greek yogurt, which also adds protein and a pleasant tang.
Does cottage cheese melt like cream cheese?
Cottage cheese itself doesn’t “melt” like a block of cheese. However, when it’s blended smooth and then heated in a dip, it becomes warm and creamy, perfectly mimicking the texture of a melted cream cheese-based dip.
Why is cottage cheese healthier than cream cheese?
The primary reason is its nutritional profile. Cottage cheese is significantly higher in protein and much lower in fat and calories compared to full-fat cream cheese, making it a more nutrient-dense option.
Print
Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate game-day appetizer without the guilt! This Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip is a game-changer, swapping traditional cream cheese for a high-protein, blended cottage cheese base. The secret is blending the cottage cheese until it’s unbelievably smooth and velvety, creating a rich, creamy texture that perfectly carries the classic tangy and spicy buffalo flavor. It’s an incredibly easy, surprisingly light, and satisfyingly delicious dip that will have everyone reaching for more—no one will ever guess it’s a healthier version!
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese
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 shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded chicken breasts (about ½ lb)
1 cup diced red bell pepper
2 sliced green onions, whites and greens separated
Instructions
Create the Ultra-Smooth Cottage Cheese Base
In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and olive oil. Blend on high for 60-90 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and velvety. This is the key to a perfect, non-grainy texture.
Combine the Dip Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the smooth cottage cheese base, shredded chicken, diced red bell pepper, the white parts of the green onions, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir with a spatula until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dip
Spread the mixture evenly into a small baking dish (an 8×8 inch dish or a small oven-safe skillet works well). Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the dish into an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top.
Garnish and Serve Hot
Carefully remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with the reserved green onion tops and serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
Notes
Silky Smooth Secret:
For the smoothest possible dip, ensure your cottage cheese is well-chilled before blending. Blending it cold with just the olive oil prevents the curds from separating when heated.
Easy Shredded Chicken:
Chicken is easiest to shred when it’s warm. For a quick method, place warm, cooked chicken breasts in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low for 20-30 seconds.
Control the Heat:
This recipe yields a medium spice level. If you prefer a milder dip, start with 3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce. For a spicier kick, feel free to add more.
Stovetop or Slow Cooker:
No oven? No problem! You can heat the dip in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm. To keep it warm for a party, transfer it to a small slow cooker on the “warm” setting.
Tasty Variations:
Stir in ¼ cup of blue cheese crumbles along with the cheddar for a more classic buffalo flavor. To add extra veggies, mix in finely chopped spinach (be sure to squeeze out all excess water first).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about ½ cup)
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 485
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 55
Keywords: cottage cheese dip, buffalo chicken dip, healthy appetizer, high protein snack, game day recipe, easy dip recipe, blended cottage cheese, healthy buffalo dip, chicken dip no cream cheese
