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