Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl – Creamy, Spicy, and Protein-Packed Comfort
There’s something so satisfying about a meal that’s both fiery and refreshing, creamy yet light. The Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl checks all those boxes and more. It’s the kind of dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to mean boring food. With its creamy cottage cheese base, spicy shredded chicken, and crisp, cooling toppings, it’s a crave-worthy combination that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful.
If you’re a fan of classic buffalo wings but wish they came in a lighter, more meal-prep-friendly form, this bowl is your dream come true. It has all the kick of your favorite hot sauce, mellowed by the cooling creaminess of cottage cheese and the freshness of crisp celery and avocado. It’s a balanced, high-protein meal that feels indulgent without weighing you down.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even post-workout fuel, this recipe takes minutes to make and can be easily customized. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick lunch, you’ll love how the spicy tang of buffalo sauce meets the creamy cottage cheese base in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
- 1 teaspoon melted butter (optional for richer flavor)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ avocado, diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ranch dressing (optional drizzle)
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the buffalo chicken: In a small bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and melted butter until evenly coated. Warm gently in a skillet or microwave for 1–2 minutes if desired.
- Assemble the bowl: Spoon cottage cheese into a serving bowl as the creamy base.
- Add toppings: Top with warm buffalo chicken, diced avocado, chopped celery, and sliced green onions.
- Finish and garnish: Drizzle lightly with ranch dressing or extra buffalo sauce. Sprinkle with parsley or chives and a touch of black pepper.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy warm or chilled for a refreshing, protein-packed meal.
Tips & Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Adjust the heat: Add more or less buffalo sauce depending on your spice preference.
- Add crunch: Toss in shredded carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for extra texture.
- Make it portable: Pack in a mason jar with layers — cottage cheese at the bottom, buffalo chicken in the middle, and toppings on top — for a grab-and-go meal.
Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and melted butter until coated.
- Warm the chicken briefly in a skillet or microwave if desired.
- Spoon cottage cheese into bowls as the base.
- Top with buffalo chicken, avocado, celery, and green onion.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and garnish with parsley or chives.
- Serve immediately, warm or chilled.
Notes
Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Wrap: Wrap all the ingredients in a whole-grain tortilla for a portable version.
- Greek Twist: Swap cottage cheese for plain Greek yogurt and top with crumbled feta.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace avocado with extra celery and cucumber for a lighter bowl.
- Vegetarian Version: Use buffalo-style roasted chickpeas instead of chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bowl as a high-protein lunch or light dinner. It pairs perfectly with a side of mixed greens or a crisp cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, serve with brown rice, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes.
It’s also a great choice for gatherings — set up a “Buffalo Bowl Bar” where everyone can customize their own toppings. It’s colorful, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Storage Information
- Store: Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Meal Prep: Store chicken, cottage cheese, and toppings separately for best freshness, then assemble when ready to eat.
- Reheat: Reheat buffalo chicken gently before adding to cold cottage cheese if you like a warm-meets-cool contrast.
FAQ
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes! It’s a quick and easy option. Just drain and mix with buffalo sauce as usual.
What’s the best cottage cheese for this recipe?
Small-curd or whipped cottage cheese works best for a smooth, creamy texture.
Is this bowl keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein — ideal for keto or low-carb diets.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative and skip the butter for a fully dairy-free option.
History / Fun Facts
The buffalo chicken craze started in Buffalo, New York, in 1964 when Teressa Bellissimo created the now-famous Buffalo wings at the Anchor Bar. What began as a bar snack quickly became a global sensation. Over the years, those same tangy, spicy flavors have found their way into dips, pizzas, and even pasta.
The cottage cheese revival is a more recent trend — thanks to health enthusiasts rediscovering its creamy texture and high-protein benefits. Combining the two — fiery buffalo sauce and cool, creamy cottage cheese — makes for a modern mash-up that perfectly balances indulgence and nutrition.
This bowl is the best of both worlds: nostalgic buffalo heat meets today’s health-forward food culture.
