Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip

Creamy, spicy, and secretly packed with protein, this Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer with a healthier twist. Whether you’re hosting game day, meal prepping snacks, or just craving something bold and comforting, this creamy dip delivers all the classic buffalo flavor with a health-forward spin!

WHAT’S NEW?

Some gal pals and I just returned from an incredible (yet cold!) weekend in New York City. I was a first-timer to the Big Apple! Our primary mission was to participate in a Peloton spin class at their NYC studio. We successfully attended Denis Morton’s double stack on Friday and lucked out big time in sliding into a 30-minute 90’s yoga with Kirra Michel on Saturday AND a 30-minute 80’s ride with Robin Arzon that same afternoon. If you’re totally confused, it’s okay – these instructors are Peloton famous, but may not mean much to others. My fan girl heart was FULL having met and worked out with and met tons of instructors in the beautiful space. I left fully motivated and dreading the 14-week semester that awaits me.

Meanwhile, back in Michigan, Mark and the girls survived without me. Shea got to her first volleyball tournament for the season while Piper had a double-header of basketball games followed by a double-header of soccer practice. Jill and I made it back to Michigan following a runway delay and a snowy trip around the base of Lake Michigan to the blizzard that awaited us back in St. Joe. Here’s to hoping tomorrow is not another snow day. In the meantime, we’ll be cuddled up on this blistery cold day awaiting the College National Championship football game and enjoyment of this healthier buffalo chicken dip!

ROLL CALL FOR THIS RECIPE

• Classsic Fan Fare: This all-American fan favorite is always a crowd pleaser!
• Simple & Easy: This Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Dip comes together quickly with simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
• Perfectly Versatile: Serve it with chips, veggies, crackers, or use it as a sandwich or wrap filling. 

KEY INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Cottage Cheese: When blended until smooth, cottage cheese creates a protein-rich, creamy texture without the use of cream cheese. You can use a combination of cottage cheese and cream cheese or even plain greek yogurt, if preferred.
• Ranch Dressing: Use more or less to your liking. Blue cheese dressing is a fun swap, too!
• Buffalo Sauce: To keep things on the lighter side, use a wing sauce that has a main ingredient of vinegar and is very low in fat (or fat-free) and very low in calories. Some buffalo wing sauces are rich in butter and are high in saturated fat. For reference, I used Frank’s red hot buffalo wing sauce. You can use more or less to adjust the spice level.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is classic, however monterey jack or pepper jack would be delicious! You can certainly use a low fat cheese variety, if preferred.
• Chicken: Leftover shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken work great in this recipe. Using chicken breasts keeps the protein sources lean, but dark meat works too.

NUTRITIONAL MERITS

• High Protein: Provides 12 g protein per serving – 20% higher than regular buffalo chicken dip
• Reduced Fat: Using 1 cup 4% cottage cheese in place of 8 ounce of cream cheese reduces the saturated fat by 80%
• Low Carb: Just over 1 gram of carb per serving
• Lighter Fare: Roughly 30% lower in calories than a traditional recipe using cream cheese
• Gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free 

FAQ

Do I have to blend the cottage cheese?
No, you can mix the wet ingredients by hand. However, blending in a food processor or blender is the best option for a smooth, creamy dip texture. 

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dip up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake or reheat.

Is this dip spicy?
It depends on your buffalo hot sauce. Start with less and add more to taste.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese or is full fat best?

Full fat (4%) cottage cheese has a lower water content that ensures a creamy, rich yet healthy buffalo chicken dip recipe.

VARIATIONS, STORAGE, and TIPS

• Add diced jalapeños for extra heat and diced red bell peppers or green onions for extra flavor and health
• For a bold spin on this traditional buffalo chicken dip, try adding blue cheese crumbles – yum!
• Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
• Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through in a heat safe dish
• Taste and adjust seasoning before baking—buffalo sauces vary in salt and heat. Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or other seasonings, as preferred!
• Serve with celery sticks, tortilla chips, pretzels, or toasted baguette slices

Game day preppin’? Look no further!

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• Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders
• Elote Corn Dip
• Beef and Bean Chili
• Dill Pickle Dip
• Vegetarian Nachos
• Only the Best Guacamole
• Mexican Street Style Cauliflower
• Creamy Radish Dip

Be well,