Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip is about to become your new go-to appetizer for game days, parties, or just a cozy night in. Forget the guilt that often accompanies creamy, cheesy dips, because this version packs all the flavor you crave with a surprising, lighter twist. We all adore the tangy, spicy kick of classic buffalo chicken dip, don’t we? It’s that irresistible combination of tender shredded chicken, fiery hot sauce, and rich, creamy goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more. But what if you could achieve that same crowd-pleasing taste while making it a bit more wholesome? That’s where our star, the cottage cheese, comes into play. It provides an incredible creaminess and a good dose of protein, making this Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip a delightful and satisfying treat that won’t weigh you down.
Why We Love It
This isn’t just another dip; it’s a revelation! The magic lies in how beautifully the mild, creamy cottage cheese transforms when blended with the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo sauce and other savory seasonings. It creates a dip that is wonderfully smooth, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making it addictive. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative or simply want to experiment with new textures and taste profiles, this recipe is designed to impress. Get ready to dip your favorite chips, veggies, or even crackers into a bowl of pure joy!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken breast
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot® Origin extractal Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Dill Weed
- 1/4 teaspoon Parsley Flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon Pure Ground Black Pepper
- Green onions, optional, for garnish
- Blue cheese crum extractbles, optional, for garnish
Making the Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip is a fantastic way to enjoy all the bold, spicy flavors of traditional buffalo chicken dip with a lighter, protein-packed twist. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, making it perfect for a quick appetizer, a potluck contribution, or even a satisfying snack. The cottage cheese acts as a creamy, subtly tangy base, allowing the heat of the hot sauce and the savory seasonings to really shine.
Preparation Steps
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Before we even think about mixing, let’s get our oven ready. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating up, take a small (approximately 8×8 inch) baking dish or an oven-safe skillet and lightly grease it. You can use a cooking spray or a little bit of butter or oil. This step is crucial to prevent the dip from sticking to the dish once it’s baked, ensuring a clean presentation and easy serving. A well-greased dish makes all the difference when it comes time to scoop out every last delicious bite.
Combine the Base Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken breast and the cottage cheese. Now, here’s where the magic of cottage cheese comes in. Its mild flavor and creamy texture create a wonderful foundation without overpowering the other ingredients. Give it a good stir to ensure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the cottage cheese. Don’t worry if the cottage cheese is a little lumpy; as it bakes, it will meld beautifully with the other components, and any remaining texture adds a pleasant complexity.
Incorporate the Flavor Boosters
Next, we’ll add the ingredients that give this dip its signature buffalo chicken flavor. Pour in the Frank’s Redgin extract® Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce. The amount of hot sauce can be adjusted to your preference – if you like it spicier, feel free to add a tablespoon or two more. Then, add the garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, parsley flakes, and black pepper. These seasonings are key to building a well-rounded flavor profile. Stir everything together thoroughly. Make sure every piece of chicken and every bit of cottage cheese is coated in the sauce and seasonings. It’s also a good idea to taste a small spoonful at this point and adjust seasonings if needed. Perhaps you want a little more garlic or a touch more heat.
Add the Cheesy Goodness and Bake
Now it’s time for the cheese! Sprinkle in the shredded Cheddar cheese and stir it into the mixture. The Cheddar cheese will melt and bind everything together, adding that classic cheesy, gooey element we all love in a dip. Once everything is well combined, transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish or skillet. Spread it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the dip to be heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top to be melted and slightly golden. The aroma that will fill your kitchen during this time is absolutely mouthwatering!
Garnish and Serve
Once the Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip is out of the oven and looking (and smelling) fantastic, it’s time for the final touches. If you’re using green onions, chop them finely and sprinkle them generously over the top of the hot dip. Their fresh, slightly sharp flavor provides a lovely contrast to the richness and spice. For an extra layer of classic buffalo flavor, you can also scatter blue rum extractese crumbles over the top. The combination of creamy, spicy chicken, melted cheese, fresh herbs, and tangy blue cheese is irresistible. Let the dip cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid any accidental burns. Serve hot with your favorite dippers like celery sticks, carrot sticks, tortilla chips, crackers, or pieces of toasted baguette. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dip!
Conclusion:
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this delicious Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip! This recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy the classic buffalo chicken dip flavors with a lighter, protein-packed twist thanks to the humble cottage cheese. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next game day, party, or even as a satisfying snack. The creamy texture and zesty kick make it incredibly addictive.
For serving suggestions, consider offering a generous platter of tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, and even some cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast. You could also spread it on toasted baguette slices for a more elegant appetizer. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a less intense variety. You could also mix in some shredded cheddar cheese for extra gooeyness. I encourage you to give the Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip a try – you might just find it becomes your new go-to appetizer!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip:
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until warm and bubbly. You might need to add a splash of milk or a little extra hot sauce if it thickens too much.
What kind of cottage cheese is best for this recipe?
For the smoothest texture, I recommend using full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese. If you have a high-powered blender or food processor, you can also blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure there are no curds and create a truly creamy dip.
Can I use this dip for something other than an appetizer?
Definitely! The Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip is versatile. It makes a fantastic filling for quesadillas or even stuffed bell peppers. You could also serve it over baked potatoes or as a protein-rich topping for a salad.
Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip – Easy & Creamy
A lighter, protein-packed twist on classic buffalo chicken dip, this cottage cheese version is incredibly easy to assemble and bursting with bold, spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken breast
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Dill Weed
- 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Parsley Flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Ground Black Pepper
- Green onions, optional, for garnish
- Blue cheese crumbles, optional, for garnish
Instructions
-
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a small (approximately 8×8 inch) baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. -
Step 2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken breast and the cottage cheese. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly distributed. -
Step 3
Pour in the Frank’s RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, parsley flakes, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined. -
Step 4
Sprinkle in the shredded Cheddar cheese and stir it into the mixture. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish or skillet and spread it out evenly. -
Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. -
Step 6
Garnish with chopped green onions and blue cheese crumbles, if desired. Let the dip cool for a few minutes before serving hot with your favorite dippers.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.