Looking for a creamy, flavorful dip thatās both healthy and satisfying? This Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip is a high-protein, low-carb twist on a classic, made with ranch dressing, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese for a gluten-free crowd-pleaser thatās perfect for any gathering!
This delicious Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It's especially popular for Super Bowl parties or any gathering where you need a dish thatās both delicious and satisfying. Its rich, tangy flavor, thanks to the combination of ranch dressing, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese, pairs perfectly with crunchy veggies or low-carb crackers.
Cottage cheese is a creamy, mild cheese made from curds and is packed with protein while being lower in fat than many other dairy options. Itās a great addition to recipes like this Buffalo Chicken Dip, adding a rich, creamy texture and a boost of protein without excess calories, making it a perfect healthy substitution in high-protein, low-carb meals. Not only is this dip gluten-free, but itās also low-carb and packed with protein, making it a great option for keto followers and anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional party snacks. Whether you're hosting a football watch party or bringing a dish to share, this dip is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone!
Looking for other easy cottage cheese recipes like this? Try my Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl, Cottage Cheese Queso, Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip or Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl.
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Ingredients
Here's what you need to make this easy Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip:
- Canned Chicken - Canned chicken is a convenient and protein-packed ingredient, perfect for quick recipes like this dip. You can find it in the canned goods aisle near tuna and other packaged proteins.
- Light Ranch Dressing - Light ranch dressing adds creamy flavor with fewer calories and less fat than traditional versions. Look for it in the salad dressing section, or choose a dairy-free alternative for special diets.
- Hot Sauce - Hot sauce brings the spicy kick that makes this dip irresistible. Popular options like Frankās RedHot can be found in the condiment aisle near ketchup and barbecue sauces.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese - Shredded cheddar cheese adds melty, savory goodness to the dip. Opt for pre-shredded cheese for convenience, or shred your own for a fresher textureāfind it in the dairy section.
- Cottage Cheese - I prefer low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter result, but you can use fat-free for an even leaner option or full-fat cottage cheese for a richer dish. Look for it in the dairy section near yogurt and sour cream.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
1. Preheat your oven to 425Ā°F (220Ā°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. In a mixing bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce until well combined.
2. Add the drained canned chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl, mixing thoroughly to incorporate all the ingredients.
3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Ā½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Hint: For an extra smooth texture, blend the cottage cheese in a food processor before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Substitutions
Want to substitute an ingredient in Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip? Here's how:
- Cottage Cheese - You can substitute an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese in place of the cottage cheese.
- Light Ranch Dressing - Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning can be used in place of ranch dressing.
- Canned Chicken - You can used cooked shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken instead of the canned chicken.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese -Use an equal amount of shredded Monterey Jack, Colby, or a dairy-free shredded cheese in place of the cheddar.
Variations
Try one of these variations of Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip:
- Dairy-Free - Use dairy-free substitutes for the cottage cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar. Many plant-based alternatives are available in grocery stores, and they work perfectly to keep the dip creamy and flavorful.
- Vegetarian - Replace the canned chicken with plant-based chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spicy Loverās - Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeƱos or a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also top the baked dip with crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Lower Sodium - Opt for reduced-sodium canned chicken, ranch dressing, and hot sauce to make a heart-healthier version of the dip. Using fresh shredded chicken also helps control the salt content.
- Keto-Friendly - Keep it keto by ensuring the ranch dressing and hot sauce are sugar-free and pairing the dip with low-carb veggies like celery, bell peppers, or cucumber slices.
- Loaded Buffalo Chicken Dip - Add mix-ins like crumbled blue cheese, green onions, or crispy bacon bits to take this dip to the next level. Sprinkle the extras on top for a flavorful finishing touch.
- Gluten-free - Double-check your labels to ensure that all of the ingredients you use are indeed gluten-free.
Equipment
This equipment comes in handy when making this healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip:
- Mixing Bowl - A medium to large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients.
- Baking Dish - A greased baking dish (8x8 or or a pie dish) is needed to bake the dip.
- Spoon or Spatula - Use a spoon or spatula to stir the ingredients together in the mixing bowl and to spread the mixture into the baking dish evenly.
- Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are essential for accurately portioning the cottage cheese, ranch, hot sauce, and shredded cheddar, ensuring the flavors come out just right.
- Oven - Youāll need an oven to bake the dip at 425Ā°F (220Ā°C), allowing the cheese to melt and the dip to become bubbly and golden.
Storage
Here's how to store Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip:
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze the dip for up to 2 monthsājust transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it in the oven at 350Ā°F until heated through, or microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Top tip
If you're hosting a party, you can assemble the dip ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it right before serving for a fresh and piping hot dish!
FAQ
Yes! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, crackers, celery sticks, bell pepper slices, or even carrot sticks for a healthier option.
Yes, you can make this dip in a slow cooker! Combine all the ingredients, set the slow cooker to low, and heat for 2ā3 hours or until everything is hot and melted. Stir occasionally and serve directly from the slow cooker to keep it warm.
Related
Looking for other appetizer recipes like this easy Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip? Try these:
Pairing
Serve this Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip with one of these drinks for an impromptu happy hour:
Recipe
Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- Ā½ cup light ranch dressing
- Ā½ cup hot sauce
- 2 12.5 oz canned chicken
- 1 Ā½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425Ā°F (220Ā°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. In a mixing bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce until well combined.
- Add the drained canned chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl, mixing thoroughly to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Ā½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Notes
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
Shannon
The ultimate crowd pleaser!