Name: Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl: The Accidental Delight
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 4 oz cooked chicken, shredded; 2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce; 1 tablespoon ranch dressing (optional); Chopped celery and carrots for topping; Blue cheese crumbles (optional)

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The kids were skeptical at first (they always are!), but one taste and they were hooked. Even my picky eater devoured it! That night, the buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl went from a random fridge clean-out to a family favorite. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s packed with protein, and it satisfies that buffalo wing craving without all the guilt.

It took a few tries to perfect the recipe. My first attempt was way too watery – rookie mistake! I learned quickly that draining the cottage cheese a bit beforehand is key. And then there was the time I went overboard with the buffalo sauce… let’s just say everyone needed a glass of milk! But hey, that’s cooking, right? We’ve all been there.

Now, this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl is a regular in our rotation, especially on those hectic weeknights when I need something fast and satisfying. It’s a lifesaver when I’m trying to eat healthier too. Plus, it’s super customizable. You can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand, adjust the spice level to your liking, and even swap out the chicken for turkey or chickpeas. It’s all about making it your own! It’s also fantastic for meal prep; I often make a big batch on Sunday to have ready-to-go lunches during the week. It’s a much healthier alternative to fast food, and it keeps me from reaching for those afternoon cookies!

Trust me, once you try this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl, it’ll become a staple in your house too. It’s a game-changer!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your own delicious buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl:

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1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced: I usually bake or grill a big batch of chicken on the weekend to use in recipes like this throughout the week. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great too! You can find nutritional information for chicken breast at the USDA FoodData Central.
16 ounces (2 cups) cottage cheese: I prefer using low-fat cottage cheese to keep the calories down, but feel free to use full-fat if that’s what you like. I always use small curd; it just mixes better, in my opinion.
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: Use your favorite brand! I like Frank’s RedHot for that classic buffalo flavor. But if you want a milder flavor, just use less!
1/4 cup chopped celery: Adds a nice crunch and that classic buffalo wing vibe.
1/4 cup chopped carrots: More crunch and a bit of sweetness.
2 tablespoons chopped green onions: For a little zip and freshness.
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): If you’re a blue cheese fan, this adds a fantastic tang. If not, feta or even a sprinkle of cheddar works too.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season!
Optional toppings: Ranch dressing, avocado slices, hot sauce, chopped tomatoes, cucumber.

When making buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl, you can often find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store. I sometimes get the buffalo wing sauce in bulk from a restaurant supply store to save money.

Here’s a buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl trick I learned from my mom: she always adds a squeeze of lemon juice to the cottage cheese to brighten up the flavor. It works wonders! And for us busy parents, pre-chopped veggies are a great shortcut. I won’t tell if you don’t!

As for storage, leftover ingredients for buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cooked chicken will last for 3-4 days, the cottage cheese for about a week, and the veggies for several days.

How to Make – Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to business and make this amazing buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl!

buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl preparation

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Prepare the chicken: If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, cook it now. You can bake it, grill it, or even use an Instant Pot. Once it’s cooked, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. I’ve been known to poach the chicken to keep the fat content low, and it works just as well!
Drain the cottage cheese (optional but recommended): This is key to preventing a watery bowl. Place the cottage cheese in a fine-mesh sieve and let it drain for about 15-20 minutes. You can gently press it with a spoon to help the process along. Don’t worry if your buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl seems watery at first, this step is designed to help prevent that.
Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, drained cottage cheese, buffalo wing sauce, celery, carrots, and green onions. If you’re using blue cheese, add it now too.
Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that buffalo wing sauce can be quite salty, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed. I learned the hard way with buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl that too much salt can ruin the whole thing!
Mix well: Gently mix all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the buffalo sauce. Be careful not to overmix, as the cottage cheese can become watery.
Serve: Divide the buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl mixture into individual bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Ranch dressing, avocado slices, and extra hot sauce are all great options.
Enjoy!

In my kitchen, this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl usually takes about 15 minutes to make, from start to finish (if the chicken is already cooked). It’s seriously so quick and easy!

While the buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl is coming together, I often chop extra veggies for snacking on later or load the dishwasher. Multitasking is my middle name!

Your buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl should smell like tangy buffalo sauce with a hint of creamy cottage cheese. The colors should be vibrant, with the orange of the buffalo sauce, the white of the cottage cheese, and the green of the celery and green onions.

My family-tested buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl shortcut? Buy pre-cooked, shredded chicken from the grocery store! It’s a total time-saver, especially on busy weeknights.

Serving Suggestions for Your Bowl

Okay, so now you’ve got this delicious buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl ready to go. But how do you serve it? Well, let me tell you, the possibilities are endless!

The kids love our buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl when I serve it with a side of carrot sticks and celery with ranch dressing. It makes it feel like a complete meal and helps balance out the spiciness.

My go-to side dishes that pair with buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl are usually something crunchy and refreshing. Think cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or even a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. The coolness of the veggies helps to counteract the heat of the buffalo sauce. You could also use my low-carb greek chicken bowls,or grilled chicken avocado salad bowl,as a good alternative.

This buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl is perfect for lunch, a quick dinner, or even a party appetizer. I’ve served it at potlucks and game-day gatherings, and it’s always a hit.

For presentation tips, I like to layer the ingredients in a clear bowl so you can see all the colors and textures. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, adds a nice finishing touch.

If you have extra buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl, it makes a fantastic filling for lettuce wraps or tacos. You can also spread it on crackers or toasted bread for a quick and easy snack.

Seasonal buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl variations I’ve tried include adding chopped tomatoes and corn in the summer, or roasted butternut squash in the fall. Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors!

My friends always ask for this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl recipe whenever I make it for them. They’re always surprised at how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will last for 3-4 days. You know what I do when my buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl is prepped ahead? I portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Of course! If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can use feta, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of parmesan. My family prefers feta, actually.

Can I make this spicier?

You bet! Add extra hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some chopped jalapeños to kick up the heat. My husband loves his spicy cottage cheese bowl extra hot!

Can I use a different protein?

Definitely! This recipe works well with shredded turkey, chickpeas, or even tofu. You know what I do when my buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowlis made with chickpeas? I mash some of them for extra texture!

Is this a healthy recipe?

Yes! This healthy buffalo chicken recipe is packed with protein and low in carbs. Cottage cheese is a great source of calcium and protein, and chicken is a lean protein source. You can learn more about the nutrition of cottage cheese:

Can I freeze this?

I don’t recommend freezing this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl. Cottage cheese tends to get watery and grainy when frozen and thawed. I’ve tried it, and it just wasn’t the same.

What if I don’t have buffalo wing sauce?

You can make your own! Just combine hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), melted butter, vinegar, and a pinch of garlic powder. There are plenty of recipes online! You can find more about the history of buffalo sauce at Buffalo Wing Sauce History and Recipe Information.

My Final Thoughts

This buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents so much of what I love about cooking: it’s simple, it’s adaptable, and it brings my family together. It is a perfect high protein buffalo chicken bowl for the whole family. It’s a reminder that even the most basic ingredients can be transformed into something delicious with a little creativity and a dash of love.

buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl final product

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My Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl Pro Tips:

Drain the cottage cheese! Seriously, don’t skip this step. It makes all the difference.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers – the possibilities are endless.
Adjust the spice level to your liking. If you’re not a fan of super spicy food, start with a small amount of buffalo sauce and add more to taste.

Here are a few cottage cheese bowl variations I’ve tried with my family:

Ranch Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl: Add a drizzle of ranch dressing and some chopped bacon for a creamy, smoky twist.
Avocado Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl: Add diced avocado for a healthy dose of healthy fats and a creamy texture.
Jalapeño Popper Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl: Add diced jalapeños and cream cheese for a spicy, cheesy kick.

My husband loves the jalapeño popper version, while the kids prefer the ranch version. I’m a fan of the avocado version because it’s so quick and easy.

I hope you’ll give this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl recipe a try. Make it your own, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! And I think it’s an awesome buffalo chicken bowl meal prep recipe!

Trust me, you won’t regret it. I can’t wait for you to make this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl and share it with your family. Enjoy!

Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl: The Accidental Delight

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Explore the numerous health benefits of incorporating Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowls into your diet. This recipe combines the protein-packed goodness of cottage cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken for a delicious and nutritious meal.