Introduction
Meet a bowl that fits into busy days and hungry tummies alike. The Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a bright, high-protein option that comes together in minutes. Picture creamy cottage cheese, zippy buffalo chicken, and crunchy veggies all in one satisfying bite. This recipe is perfect for busy parents and anyone new to cooking who wants bold flavor with minimal effort. With simple ingredients and fast prep, you get a delicious lunch or light dinner without the overwhelm.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Simple, minimal ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
- Lightning-fast prep that keeps weeknights moving.
- Creamy texture meets a bold buffalo kick for big flavor.
- Versatile and easy to customize for meal prep or extra toppings.
Ingredients + Notes/Substitutions
- Boneless chicken breast: 1 large, split, cooked and shredded
- Buffalo wing sauce: 1.5 tbsp
- Cottage cheese (4% fat): 0.25 cup
- Celery: 1 small stalk, finely diced
- Carrots, raw: 0.5 small (about 2.5″ to 3″), shredded
- Ranch dressing: 2 tbsp, for dressing
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or leftover cooked chicken work beautifully.
- Buffalo sauce: Adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Cottage cheese: Use low-fat or fat-free if you like lighter macros.
- Ranch dressing: Homemade ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a light vinaigrette all pair well.
- Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado for extra crunch and color.
Instructions
- Place the chicken breast submerged in water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Boil until the chicken is tender, then shred with a fork.
- Dice the celery and shred the carrot. Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
- In a bowl, layer cottage cheese, buffalo chicken, celery, and carrots.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and serve immediately.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Pro Tips
- For ultra-tender shredded chicken, simmer gently until just cooked through.
- Tailor heat: start with less buffalo sauce and add more after tasting.
- Use fresh vegetables for crisp texture and bright flavor.
- Assemble just before eating to keep textures distinct and creamy.
- Prep components in advance: cook the chicken and chop veggies ahead of time.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking chicken, which dries it out.
- Adding too much buffalo sauce, overpowering the other flavors.
- Not draining cottage cheese well, which leaves a watery base.
- Adding soft toppings too early, leading to soggy textures.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
- Serve with celery sticks or bell pepper strips for extra crunch.
- Pair with whole-grain crackers or low-carb chips to add texture.
Storage Instructions
- Store buffalo chicken and vegetables separately.
- Keep cottage cheese and ranch dressing separate.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers up to 3 days.
- Reheat chicken and veggies before combining if desired.
Variations
- Protein: Shredded turkey or plant-based chicken can replace the chicken.
- Sauce: Swap in BBQ sauce, sriracha mayo, or a creamy avocado dressing.
- Toppings: Crumbled blue cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or everything bagel seasoning.
- Format: Serve in large lettuce wraps or over mixed greens for a lighter bowl.
Nutrition Information
This Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl packs a strong protein punch with balanced fats and minimal carbs. See the table for a quick snapshot, and note that values can vary with brand choices.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 433 kcal |
| Net Carbs | 5.3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Total Carbs | 6.4 g |
| Protein | 48.1 g |
| Fats | 21.8 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition estimates are for general guidance and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
FAQ
Is cottage cheese suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes. Cottage cheese is naturally lower in carbs, and the 4% fat option adds a creamy, satisfying feel without loading up on sugars.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely. Cook and shred the chicken, chop the veggies, and portion cottage cheese separately. Assemble just before eating to preserve texture.
How can I make this dish spicier or milder?
Increase or decrease buffalo sauce to taste. For more kick, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl proves you can have big flavor, quick prep, and solid nutrition all in one bowl. It’s friendly to beginners, time-saving for busy days, and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try and tailor the toppings to your taste. If you love it, drop a comment or share your spin on social media to inspire other busy families.
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High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl: Quick & Flavorful
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- fork
- Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large Boneless chicken breast split
- 1.5 tbsp Buffalo Wing Sauce
- 0.25 cup Cottage cheese regular or creamed (4% fat)
- 1 small stalk Celery 5” long
- 0.5 small Carrots, raw 5 3/4” long or less
- 2 tbsp Ranch dressing The Original Ranch
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil the chicken breast in water in a small saucepan over medium heat until tender, then shred it with a fork.
- Dice the celery and shred the carrot. Toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
- In a bowl, layer the cottage cheese, buffalo chicken, diced celery, and shredded carrots.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and serve immediately.
