Introduction

Remember those days of craving a flavor explosion that felt both indulgent and surprisingly light? I certainly do! That’s exactly the feeling I get every time I whip up this Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, and that sometimes, the most delicious things come together in just a few minutes. Seriously, this is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you just need a quick, satisfying meal that tastes like pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Ready in under 10 minutes – perfect for when hunger strikes suddenly!
Easy: No fancy techniques required, just simple mixing and topping.
Giftable: Okay, maybe not to give as a gift, but it’s so easy to make a batch for a friend who’s feeling under the weather or needs a quick meal solution.
Crowd-pleasing: Even picky eaters often love the classic buffalo chicken flavor!

Ingredients

Gather ’round, friends! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful bowl:

1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, bake your own, or even use pre-cooked chicken strips. Whatever’s easiest for you!
2 tablespoons buffalo sauce: Use your favorite brand! From mild to extra spicy, you can tailor the heat to your liking.
1/2 cup cottage cheese: This is the secret creamy, dreamy base. Full-fat or low-fat, it works beautifully!
1/4 cup celery, diced: For that essential crisp crunch and fresh flavor.
1/4 cup carrots, shredded: Adds a touch of sweetness and beautiful color.
2 tablespoons ranch dressing: The perfect cooling, tangy drizzle to finish it all off.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness assembled! It’s so straightforward, you’ll be enjoying it in no time.

Get Your Chicken Spicy: Grab a medium-sized bowl. Toss in your shredded chicken breast and pour over the buffalo sauce. Give it a good stir with a spoon or spatula until every piece of chicken is wonderfully coated in that irresistible spicy sauce.
Bring on the Creaminess: Now, add the cottage cheese right into the bowl with your buffalo chicken. This is where the magic starts to happen, blending that creamy texture with the tangy chicken.
Add Some Crunch & Color: Sprinkle your diced celery and shredded carrots over the top of the chicken and cottage cheese mixture. These veggies add such a delightful texture and a burst of freshness.
The Grand Finale: Finish it all off with a generous drizzle of ranch dressing. Make sure to get it all over the top – it’s the perfect complement to the spice!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Chicken: If you’re not a fan of chicken, cooked and shredded turkey breast works great, or even some crumbled firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Buffalo Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different hot sauces! A drizzle of sriracha or your favorite smoky BBQ sauce could also be delicious.
Cottage Cheese: If cottage cheese isn’t your jam, plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic creamy substitute. It will be tangier but still delicious.
Veggies: Love blue cheese? Crumble a little on top! Other great additions include diced red onion for a little bite, chopped fresh chives for a mild oniony flavor, or even some crunchy tortilla strips for extra texture.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to ensure your bowl is absolutely perfect every single time:

Prep Ahead: Shred your chicken and dice your veggies a day or two in advance. Keep them stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This makes assembling the bowl even quicker when you’re ready to eat.
Control the Heat: Start with a smaller amount of buffalo sauce if you’re sensitive to spice, and you can always add more if you like it hotter.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the cottage cheese, you don’t need to blend it in completely. A few swirls here and there are perfect for pockets of creamy goodness.

How to Store It

This bowl is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

Store any leftover components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The assembled bowl can be stored for up to 1-2 days, though the veggies might lose a bit of their crispness. I find it’s best to keep the dressing separate and drizzle it on just before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Q: Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture and chop your veggies ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble your bowl when you’re ready to eat. Add the dressing right before serving.

Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: It’s packed with protein from the chicken and cottage cheese, and gets some healthy fats and nutrients from the veggies and dressing. It’s a fantastic way to get a satisfying meal that’s also nourishing!

Q: What if I don’t like cottage cheese?
A: No problem! Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute and provides a similar creamy texture and protein boost.

Spicy & Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

A quick, easy, and satisfying lunch option that combines spicy buffalo chicken with creamy cottage cheese and fresh vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Servings 1 serving

Equipment

Medium-sized bowl
Spoon or spatula

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded leftover rotisserie chicken, baked, or pre-cooked chicken strips
2 tablespoons buffalo sauce favorite brand, adjust to spice preference
0.5 cup cottage cheese full-fat or low-fat
0.25 cup celery, diced
0.25 cup carrots, shredded
2 tablespoons ranch dressing for drizzling

Instructions

Grab a medium-sized bowl. Toss in your shredded chicken breast and pour over the buffalo sauce. Give it a good stir with a spoon or spatula until every piece of chicken is wonderfully coated in that irresistible spicy sauce.
Now, add the cottage cheese right into the bowl with your buffalo chicken. This is where the magic starts to happen, blending that creamy texture with the tangy chicken.
Sprinkle your diced celery and shredded carrots over the top of the chicken and cottage cheese mixture. These veggies add such a delightful texture and a burst of freshness.
Finish it all off with a generous drizzle of ranch dressing. Make sure to get it all over the top – it's the perfect complement to the spice!

Notes

This bowl is best enjoyed fresh. If storing leftovers, keep components separate and assemble just before serving. The veggies might lose some crispness if stored assembled.