It feels like just yesterday – probably because it basically was yesterday – when I was staring into the abyss of my refrigerator, trying to figure out what to do with the remains of Sunday’s roasted chicken. Sound familiar? You know those days when inspiration is MIA, and you just need something quick, easy, and satisfying? That’s how the buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl became a star in our house.
I’ll never forget the first time I made this. I was trying to be “healthy” but still craving that classic buffalo chicken kick. I thought, “Why not try cottage cheese as a base?” My family looked at me like I had three heads, but one bite, and they were sold. Now, even my pickiest eater, my son, begs for this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl at least once a week.
What I love most about this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl is how incredibly versatile it is. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Plus, it comes together in literally minutes – perfect for those chaotic weeknights when you barely have time to breathe, let alone cook! And believe me, I’ve had my share of those. You know, the ones where homework, soccer practice, and trying to find a matching pair of socks all collide at once? This buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl is my sanity-saver on those nights.
The creamy, tangy cottage cheese combined with the spicy buffalo chicken is a match made in heaven. Then you add your favorite toppings – a little crunch from some celery, maybe some creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of blue cheese if you’re feeling fancy. It’s pure comfort food, but with a healthy twist. I even make a big batch of this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl for lunch during the week. Keeps me full and satisfied without any of that afternoon slump.
Now, I know some people might be skeptical about cottage cheese. Trust me, I get it! It’s not everyone’s favorite. But in this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl, it acts as the perfect blank canvas for all those bold flavors. It’s also packed with protein (more on that later), which makes it a surprisingly filling meal.
One of my favorite memories is when I brought this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl to a potluck, and everyone raved about it. They couldn’t believe how delicious and healthy it was. I even had one friend ask me for the recipe five times because she kept forgetting to write it down.
This buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution to those “what’s for dinner?” dilemmas. It’s a way to use up leftovers, a quick and easy meal, and a surprisingly healthy and delicious option that the whole family will love. I can’t wait for you to try this – it’s become such a staple in our house! I am positive your family will enjoy this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl.
Ingredients
Okay, let’s gather our ingredients! The beauty of this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl is that it’s super adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Here’s what I usually use:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken. I prefer using chicken thighs because they tend to be more flavorful and moist, but breast meat works just fine too.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: I usually go for the low-fat version, but you can use whatever you prefer. I’ve found that using a small curd cottage cheese gives the bowl a better texture.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: My family prefers Frank’s RedHot, but feel free to use your favorite brand. Just be mindful of the spice level, especially if you have kids.
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing: This adds a nice creamy element to the bowl. You can also use blue cheese dressing if you prefer.
- 1/4 cup celery, diced: This adds a nice crunch and freshness to the bowl. Don’t skip it! Celery not only adds a refreshing crispness but also contains vitamins and minerals like Vitamin K and potassium.
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced: For a little bit of bite. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes to mellow it out. Red onions contain antioxidants and quercetin, which are beneficial for your health.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Or your favorite cheese. I sometimes use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra flavor. My kids prefer mild cheddar, but you can absolutely use sharp cheddar for more flavor.
- Optional toppings: Avocado, blue cheese crumbles, chopped green onions, tortilla chips, or anything else your heart desires. I love adding a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness to balance out the spice in my buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl. Avocado provides healthy fats, while green onions add a mild, fresh flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A little goes a long way, especially with the buffalo sauce already adding a good amount of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is always a plus!
A little tip from my kitchen to yours: I like to buy a rotisserie chicken on Sunday and use half of it for dinner that night and save the other half for this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl later in the week. Saves me so much time! It’s also a great way to ensure I always have chicken ready to go for quick and easy meals. It’s the best way to make a fast and easy buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl.
If you’re looking to cut down on sodium, you can find low-sodium cottage cheese and buffalo sauce. And for those who are dairy-free, there are some great dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives on the market now. They might not taste exactly like the real thing, but they work well in this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl.
Another great thing about this recipe is that you can easily double or triple it to feed a crowd. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or even just a big family dinner. I’ve even made a giant buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl for game night!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – putting this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl together! Don’t worry, it’s seriously easy. I promise!
- Prepare the chicken: If you’re using leftover chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using canned chicken, drain it well. I usually give it a quick rinse under cold water to get rid of any excess saltiness.
- Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing. Whisk until smooth. This is where you can adjust the spice level to your liking. If you want it milder, add more ranch dressing. If you want it spicier, add a dash of hot sauce. Blending these sauces perfectly creates a harmonious balance of heat and creaminess that elevates the dish.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Add the shredded or diced chicken to the bowl with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece of chicken is covered in that delicious buffalo sauce.
- Assemble the bowl: In a bowl, add the cottage cheese. Then, top with the buffalo chicken mixture. Don’t be shy! Load it up!
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, diced celery, and diced red onion. Add any other toppings you like, such as avocado, blue cheese crumbles, or green onions. I love a good sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on my buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl right away! It’s best served fresh, but you can also store it in the refrigerator for later.
See? I told you it was easy! And the best part is, you can customize this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl to your heart’s content. Don’t like celery? Leave it out! Love blue cheese? Add a ton! The possibilities are endless. Customization is key to making this dish a family favorite.
One little tip I’ve learned over the years: If you’re using really cold cottage cheese, it can make the buffalo chicken mixture cool down too quickly. To prevent this, you can let the cottage cheese sit out at room temperature for a few minutes before assembling the bowl. Or, you can even microwave it for a few seconds to warm it up slightly. That way, you’ll be sure to keep that buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl just the right temperature for maximum enjoyment.
Another thing I like to do is to toast some tortilla chips and use them to scoop up the buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl. It adds a nice crunch and makes it feel a little more like a party snack. My kids love it! Sometimes I’ll even add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
If you happen to have any leftover buffalo chicken mixture, it’s also great in quesadillas, wraps, or even on top of a salad. So don’t be afraid to make a big batch!
And don’t worry if it looks a little messy at first – mine always does too! The important thing is that it tastes amazing. That is why I keep making this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl again and again!
Serving Ideas
Okay, now that you’ve made your delicious buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl, let’s talk about how to serve it. This is where you can really get creative and make it your own.
For a casual weeknight dinner, I love serving this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl as is, with a side of tortilla chips or some crusty bread for scooping. It’s also great with a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the buffalo sauce. I might put out some extra toppings, like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips, so everyone can customize their own bowl.
If you’re having guests over, you can turn this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl into a fun and interactive appetizer bar. Set out all the ingredients in separate bowls and let everyone assemble their own creations. This is a great way to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
For a more formal presentation, you can serve this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl in individual ramekins or small bowls. Garnish with a sprig of parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
Another fun way to serve this is to make a buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl stuffed bell peppers. Cut the bell peppers in half, remove the seeds, and fill them with the buffalo chicken cottage cheese mixture. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can serve this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
And of course, this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl is also great for meal prepping. Simply divide the ingredients into individual containers and store them in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just assemble the bowl and enjoy! The chicken and cottage cheese mixtures will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
My family loves this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl so much that they often request it for lunch as well. It’s a great way to get a protein-packed and satisfying meal on the go. I usually pack it in a thermos to keep it cold. I sometimes add a little bit of milk or cream to my buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl to make it a bit creamier when serving.
You could even use this mixture as a buffalo chicken cottage cheese dip, and serve with raw veggies and tortilla chips!
No matter how you choose to serve it, this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl is sure to be a hit!
FAQs
Okay, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl. I’ve gotten a lot of questions about this over the years, so I thought I’d address them here.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just assemble the bowl with the cottage cheese and toppings. I don’t recommend assembling the entire bowl ahead of time, as the cottage cheese can get a little watery.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Of course! Cheddar cheese is my go-to, but you can use any cheese you like. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack would be delicious. I’ve even used crumbled goat cheese for a tangy twist. The type of cheese you use will depend on your personal preference and what you have on hand.
Q: Can I make this spicier?
A: You bet! If you like things hot, feel free to add extra buffalo sauce, a dash of hot sauce, or even some chopped jalapeños to the buffalo chicken mixture. You can also use a spicier variety of buffalo sauce. Just be careful not to overdo it!
Q: Can I use a different type of protein?
A: Yes, you can. While this is called a buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl, you can easily substitute the chicken with other proteins, such as shredded turkey, ground beef, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. I’ve even made it with shrimp before, and it was surprisingly delicious!
Q: Is this healthy?
A: This buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl can be a healthy meal option, depending on the ingredients you use. Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while chicken is a lean source of protein. However, buffalo sauce can be high in sodium and fat, so be mindful of the amount you use. You can also use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese and a lower-sodium buffalo sauce to make it even healthier. You can check the Cottage Cheese for detailed nutritional information.
Q: Can I freeze this?
A: I don’t recommend freezing this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl. Cottage cheese tends to get watery and grainy when frozen and thawed. The buffalo chicken mixture can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.
Q: What if I don’t like cottage cheese?
A: Okay, I get it. Cottage cheese isn’t for everyone. If you really can’t stand it, you can try substituting it with Greek yogurt or sour cream. However, keep in mind that these substitutes will change the flavor and texture of the dish. If you are looking for other ideas of what to make with cottage cheese you could look at this Cottage Cheese Bread Recipe.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! There are some great dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives available now. You can also use a dairy-free ranch dressing and cheese substitute. Just be sure to check the labels to ensure that they are truly dairy-free.
Also, you could learn more about the benefits of cottage cheese if you read this: Is Cottage Cheese Good for Baking?
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! My go-to recipe for buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl. It’s a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart – not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s a symbol of those crazy, beautiful, and often chaotic weeknights that make up family life. It is a fun way to switch up your usual protein bowl. My main goal is that you try this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl.
What started as a way to use up leftovers quickly transformed into a family favorite. This dish is so adaptable. From rotisserie chicken to canned chicken in a pinch, and a thousand different toppings to make everyone happy. That’s why I love it!
- Always taste as you go! This is especially important with the buffalo sauce, as some brands can be spicier than others. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings. The possibilities are endless! Try adding avocado, blue cheese crumbles, green onions, or even a drizzle of honey.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-shredded cheese and pre-cut veggies. Every little bit helps when you’re trying to get dinner on the table quickly.
My husband loves his with a ton of red onion, while my daughter prefers hers with extra cheese. I, personally, love a little drizzle of honey on mine.
This buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl has truly become a staple in our house. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying – everything a busy mom could ask for. And the fact that my family actually enjoys it is just a bonus! Plus, cottage cheese is such a great source of protein to keep you full and is healthy. The Protein fact sheet provides more information on the importance of protein in our diets.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own. Don’t be intimidated by the cottage cheese – trust me, it’s the perfect complement to the spicy buffalo chicken. And who knows, it might just become a new family favorite in your house too! I’d love to hear how it turns out for your family – drop me a comment and let me know what you think. I hope you will also love this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl.
Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!
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