Spicy & Creamy Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Creamy cottage cheese brings a surprising twist to this classic buffalo chicken dip that’ll make game night snacking irresistible.

Fresh ingredients combine for a protein-packed appetizer that packs serious flavor.

Tangy hot sauce meets smooth dairy for a crowd-pleasing experience.

Home cooks can whip up this crowd-pleaser in under 30 minutes.

Comfort food meets healthy eating with this protein-rich recipe.

Spicy, creamy, and utterly addictive, you won’t be able to stop at just one bite.

Gather your chips and get ready to savor every delicious scoop.

Variations on Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip

  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced fresh jalapeños or pickled jalapeños to the mixture for an extra spicy version of the buffalo chicken dip.
  • Mediterranean Style: Replace hot sauce with sun-dried tomato paste, swap ranch for tzatziki, and top with crumbled feta and chopped parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
  • Blue Cheese Buffalo: Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing and sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top for a tangy, intense flavor profile.
  • Smoky Southwest: Mix in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, use pepper jack cheese, and garnish with chopped cilantro for a smoky southwestern version of the dip.

Pairing Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Dip

  • Pair with Crisp Beer Companions: Reach for a light, hoppy IPA or a crisp pilsner that cuts through the rich, spicy buffalo chicken dip. The beer's carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Veggie Dippers Delight: Select colorful, crunchy vegetables like bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, and celery sticks. These fresh options provide a cool, healthy contrast to the warm, zesty dip.
  • Chip and Cracker Combo: Mix different textures with sturdy tortilla chips, crispy pita chips, and buttery crackers. These varied vessels offer exciting crunch and help scoop up every delicious bite of the dip.

Storage Advice for Buffalo Chicken Dip

  • Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer dip to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. This method works best for quick reheating.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of hot sauce?

Yes, you can swap out hot sauce brands or adjust the quantity to match your spice preference. Franks RedHot, Tabasco, or sriracha work well.

  • Is cottage cheese a healthy alternative to cream cheese?

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and higher in protein compared to cream cheese. It provides a creamy texture while offering more nutritional benefits.

  • How can I make this dip less spicy?

Reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder variety. You can also add more ranch dressing to help mellow the heat.

  • Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it in the preheated oven for a warm, bubbly appetizer.

Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip Essentials

  • Boost Protein Power: Packed with lean chicken and protein-rich cottage cheese, this dip delivers a nutritious punch perfect for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious eaters.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Star: Guaranteed to be the centerpiece at game nights, potlucks, and social gatherings with its irresistible buffalo-ranch flavor combination.
  • Quick Prep Magic: Blends together in minutes with simple ingredients, making it a stress-free recipe for cooks of all skill levels who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Crunch: Versatile serving options like tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables mean everyone can enjoy this dip according to their dietary preferences and taste.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Dip

For the Protein Base:
  • Cottage Cheese: A creamy and protein-rich base that provides a lighter alternative to traditional cream cheese.
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender, cooked chicken that adds substantial protein and meaty texture to the dip.
For the Cheese Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates a golden, bubbly topping and adds rich flavor.
  • Feta Cheese: Crumbly cheese that provides a tangy garnish and extra flavor complexity.
For the Flavor and Moisture Enhancers:
  • Hot Sauce: Adds spicy kick and signature buffalo-style heat to the dip.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy condiment that introduces herbal and tangy notes.
  • Sour Cream: Provides a cool, smooth drizzle to balance the spicy elements.
For the Garnish and Seasoning:
  • Chives: Fresh, mild onion-like herb that adds a pop of color and light flavor.

How to Prepare Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), getting ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Blend Cottage Cheese

Transform cottage cheese into a silky smooth mixture using a food processor or blender until it becomes creamy and uniform.

Step 3: Create Flavor Fusion

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine these delectable ingredients:
  • Pureed cottage cheese
  • Shredded chicken
  • Hot sauce
  • Ranch dressing
  • Half of the shredded cheddar cheese

Stir everything together until perfectly blended and mouthwatering.

Step 4: Set the Stage

Pour the tantalizing mixture into a cast iron skillet or baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

You’re looking for a heated-through dip with a beautifully melted cheese top.

Step 7: Create a Crispy Finish

For an extra-special touch, pop the dish under the broiler for 5 minutes.

Keep a close eye to prevent any burning – you want golden, not charred.

Step 8: Add Gourmet Touches

Once out of the oven, consider these optional garnishes:
  • Sour cream drizzle
  • Chopped chives
  • Crumbled feta cheese

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Present your masterpiece warm, accompanied by tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.

Tips to Make Buffalo Chicken Dip Perfect

  • Use a high-powered blender or food processor to puree cottage cheese until completely smooth for a creamy texture without lumps.
  • Opt for rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the dip.
  • Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal heat preference – start with less and add gradually to prevent overwhelming spiciness.
  • Broil the dip for an extra 3-5 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crispy cheese layer that adds delightful texture and visual appeal.
  • Replace traditional chips with vegetable sticks like celery, bell peppers, or cucumber for a healthier, low-carb dipping option.
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Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip delivers spicy comfort with a protein-packed twist. Zesty jalapeños and tangy hot sauce make this crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy Components:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • Optional: sour cream
  • Optional: feta cheese

Seasoning and Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup Franks RedHot Original Hot Sauce
  • Optional: chives

Instructions

  1. Pulverize cottage cheese in a food processor until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
  2. Combine the processed cottage cheese with tender shredded chicken, zesty hot sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and half the cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Thoroughly blend all ingredients until they create a harmonious, well-integrated mixture.
  4. Select a cast iron skillet or baking dish and distribute the mixture evenly across the surface.
  5. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, creating a complete coverage.
  6. Slide the dish into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and allow it to bake for approximately 25 minutes.
  7. Verify the dip is thoroughly heated and the cheese has transformed into a melted, bubbling layer.
  8. For an enhanced golden-brown finish, activate the broiler and position the dish underneath for 3-5 minutes, monitoring carefully to prevent scorching.
  9. Extract from the oven and optionally embellish with a delicate sour cream drizzle, freshly chopped chives, and crumbled feta cheese.
  10. Present immediately while warm, accompanied by crisp tortilla chips, crackers, or freshly cut vegetables for dipping.

Notes

  • Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed version that keeps the creamy texture intact.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack that adds extra flavor without additional cooking.
  • Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and gradually increasing for perfect heat level.
  • Make it low-carb by serving with vegetable sticks like celery, cucumber, and bell peppers instead of traditional chips.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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