Description
This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip with Cottage Cheese is the ultimate guilt-free indulgence, packed with protein and flavor. Made with just 4 ingredients – canned chicken, low-fat cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and buffalo wing sauce – this creamy dip is healthier than the traditional version but just as satisfying. Perfect for game day, parties, or as a protein-packed snack, it’s easy to make and sure to be a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
Canned Chicken – 2 (12.5 oz) cans of white premium chunk chicken breast, or about 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Low-Fat Cottage Cheese – 1 cup (smooth, blended)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – ½ cup
Buffalo Wing Sauce – ⅓ cup
Optional Garnishes:
Additional buffalo sauce
Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Chopped green onions
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prep the Chicken:
Add the canned chicken (drained and shredded) to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to break apart any large chunks.
Blend the Cottage Cheese:
Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add a dash of water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Mix Ingredients:
Add the blended cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and buffalo wing sauce to the chicken. Mix thoroughly to combine.
Bake:
Transfer the buffalo chicken dip mixture to a greased large baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Garnish:
Remove from the oven and drizzle with additional buffalo sauce (optional). Garnish with ranch or blue cheese dressing and chopped green onions.
Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the dip with tortilla chips, raw veggie sticks (like celery and carrots), or any dippers of your choice.
Notes
Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations:
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cottage cheese and dairy-free shredded cheese for a completely dairy-free version.
Vegan: Swap cottage cheese with vegan cheese and shredded chicken with shredded jackfruit or soy curls.
Spicy: Add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Lower-Carb: Serve with vegetable dippers like bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, or zucchini sticks for a low-carb option.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip Expert Tips:
Chicken Options: If you’re not using canned chicken, shredded chicken breast works best as it shreds easily. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken breasts.
Consistency: Make sure to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly to achieve a smooth texture similar to cream cheese.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the dip ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. It’s also freezable for up to 1-2 months!
Cheese Tips: Shredding your own cheese is the best way to ensure it melts smoothly, but pre-shredded cheese works too if you’re in a pinch.
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: This dip freezes well for up to 2 months. Simply defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 200-250°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions:
This buffalo chicken dip is perfect for:
Game Day: Pair it with other game-day favorites like parmesan artichoke dip, air-fried ravioli, and charcuterie skewers.
Lunch: Enjoy it with veggies, chips, and crackers, or use it as a topping for whole-grain toast or sourdough.
Creative Leftovers: Use the leftover dip as a spread on sandwiches or in wraps, or serve it with nachos for a quick and tasty meal.
