Craving something bold, creamy, and packed with flavor? You’ve just found your new favorite meal! This Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is the perfect combination of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and fresh toppings, all in one delicious bowl. It’s the kind of meal that hits the spot whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something satisfying. Trust me, this one’s going to become your go-to for those days when you need something quick but crave a burst of flavor.
Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
This recipe is more than just a simple meal—it’s a flavor-packed experience! Here’s why this bowl is going to rock your world:
- Zesty and Spicy: The buffalo chicken brings that tangy, fiery heat that buffalo lovers can’t get enough of. The creamy cottage cheese balances it all out perfectly.
- Protein-Packed: This bowl is full of lean protein from the chicken and cottage cheese, making it both filling and nourishing. It’ll keep you full for hours!
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can have this bowl ready in minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week.
- Customizable: Want it spicier? Add more buffalo sauce. Want it milder? Skip the hot sauce and use a mild buffalo sauce. This bowl adapts to your preferences.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Low-carb, high-protein, and loaded with flavor—this is the ultimate feel-good bowl.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty bowl:
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is the perfect base. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.
- Buffalo Sauce: This gives the chicken that signature zesty, spicy flavor we all love.
- Cottage Cheese: The creamy, high-protein base for this bowl, balancing out the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- Celery: Chopped celery adds a nice crunch and freshness to the dish, mimicking the classic buffalo wing sides.
- Green Onions: For a little bite and color, green onions are the perfect topping.
- Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: Optional, but this adds a rich creaminess that compliments the buffalo chicken beautifully.
- Salt & Pepper: To season everything just right.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make this delicious Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl:
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, shred your cooked chicken. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss until fully coated. Add more sauce if you like it spicier!
- Assemble the Bowl: Start with a base of cottage cheese in your bowl. This is the creamy, cool foundation that will complement the hot buffalo chicken.
- Top it Off: Layer the buffalo chicken over the cottage cheese. Add the chopped celery and green onions for crunch and freshness.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle your favorite blue cheese or ranch dressing on top if you’re using it. This is optional, but it brings a rich, creamy element that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Season: Sprinkle a little salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
This bowl is perfect on its own, but here are some ideas for sides and toppings to take it to the next level:
- Fresh Vegetables: Pair it with a side of crunchy veggies like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for added freshness.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with some crunchy tortilla chips on the side for extra texture and a fun dipping option.
- Salad: A light, crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a refreshing contrast to the richness of the buffalo chicken bowl.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: This bowl is great for meal prep. Make the buffalo chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Spice It Up: If you love extra heat, feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for an added kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the dressing or choose a low-carb version for a lighter meal that still has all the flavor.
- Make it Creamier: If you want an even creamier bowl, try mixing the cottage cheese with a little sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cheese instead of cottage cheese?
A1: Sure! You can substitute Greek yogurt or even sour cream if you prefer a creamier base. Cottage cheese gives a nice texture, but other creamy options work well too.
Q2: Can I use frozen chicken?
A2: Yes! Just make sure to cook and shred the frozen chicken before adding the buffalo sauce.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the chicken separate from the cottage cheese if possible to prevent it from getting too soggy.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: Definitely! The buffalo chicken can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. When ready to serve, just assemble the bowl with the cottage cheese and toppings.
Q5: Can I add more veggies?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to add more veggies like diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or even some avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Q6: Can I freeze this meal?
A6: You can freeze the buffalo chicken mixture, but it’s best to keep the cottage cheese and fresh toppings separate until you’re ready to serve.
Q7: How do I make it less spicy?
A7: Use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of hot sauce you add to the chicken. You can also skip the extra drizzle of hot sauce on top.
Q8: Can I use pre-shredded chicken?
A8: Yes! Pre-shredded chicken works great to save time. Just toss it in the buffalo sauce and you’re good to go.
Q9: What can I use instead of blue cheese or ranch dressing?
A9: You can skip the dressing altogether or try a healthier option like plain Greek yogurt or a low-fat ranch dressing.
Q10: How can I make this meal more filling?
A10: Add some cooked quinoa, brown rice, or a whole-grain wrap on the side to make the meal even more hearty and satisfying.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and fresh. It’s a meal that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need a quick and delicious dinner, this bowl will be your new go-to. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family—they’ll love it too!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a bold and flavorful meal combining spicy buffalo chicken with creamy cottage cheese and fresh veggies. A protein-packed, low-carb option that’s perfect for healthy lunch recipes or a quick dinner idea. The spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cottage cheese create the perfect balance of heat and cool, making this bowl a great addition to your healthy dinner recipes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (optional for added flavor)
For the Bowl:
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks and return to the skillet.
- Add buffalo sauce: Pour the buffalo sauce over the shredded chicken and toss until fully coated. Let it cook for 1-2 more minutes to absorb the sauce.
- Assemble the bowl: In each bowl, add a scoop of cottage cheese. Top with the buffalo chicken, diced celery, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded carrots.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add some hot sauce.
- You can swap the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a smoother texture.
- Add extra veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers for more crunch.
- If you prefer more flavor, sprinkle the chicken with ranch seasoning or blue cheese crumbles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 85mg