Get ready for a cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip that tastes rich yet packs less fat and calories compared to a regular buffalo chicken dip. This recipe is perfect if you want a healthy buffalo chicken dip that still brings the tangy kick of buffalo sauce. You can serve this dip for any occasion, whether you are hosting a party, enjoying a quiet afternoon snack, or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer on game day.
By using cottage cheese, we create a high protein base that blends beautifully with shredded chicken and other tangy ingredients. Many dip recipes load up on cream cheese or sour cream, but here we use cottage cheese and Greek yogurt to give a smooth consistency without sacrificing taste. It also works well for meal prep, because you can make this recipe ahead of time and keep it on hand for an easy snack or a quick lunch.
When you make buffalo chicken dip this way, you won’t miss your usual tub of cream cheese. You’ll discover a dip that is creamy, spicy, and bursting with flavor, all while being high in protein. This unique version will surprise anyone who thinks that a buffalo chicken dip is made only with heavier ingredients. The next time you think about serving a classic artichoke dip or spinach artichoke dip, try adding this protein packed variation to the mix. It just may become your new favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Delicious: You just need a handful of simple items to put together a delicious dip that tastes like a much richer treat. This dip offers a creamy texture, a tangy flavor, and a kick of spice.
- High Protein Cottage Cheese: Many people don’t realize how high in protein cottage cheese can be. By using high protein cottage cheese, you create a filling, satisfying snack that works well for meal prep.
- Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip: Compared to a traditional buffalo chicken dip, this version requires fewer calorie-dense items. We replace cream cheese with a mixture of cottage cheese and greek yogurt, making it a healthier buffalo chicken dip without giving up the flavor you love.
- Perfect for Game Day: This dip makes a nice alternative to your typical game day spread. When your friends come over to watch a match, they’ll appreciate a spicy treat that doesn’t leave them feeling sluggish.
- Works with Variations: Need to tweak the recipe? You can swap chicken breast for rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken. You could also add blue cheese or skip it. The options are endless.
- Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip: It’s a real protein version of a classic. If you want a burst of flavor plus a substantial macro boost, this dip answers the call.
Ingredients
Below is a breakdown of everything you’ll need for this buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese:

- Cooked Chicken (2 cups)
- This can be shredded chicken from leftover chicken or shredded chicken breast baked or boiled ahead of time. You can also use rotisserie chicken if you want convenience. Some people opt for canned chicken in a pinch.
- This can be shredded chicken from leftover chicken or shredded chicken breast baked or boiled ahead of time. You can also use rotisserie chicken if you want convenience. Some people opt for canned chicken in a pinch.
- Cottage Cheese (1 ½ cups)
- Use any brand you prefer. Choose a low-fat type if you want fewer calories. This is key to a dip is made with cottage cheese base that’s both smooth and higher in protein.
- Use any brand you prefer. Choose a low-fat type if you want fewer calories. This is key to a dip is made with cottage cheese base that’s both smooth and higher in protein.
- Plain Greek Yogurt (½ cup)
- Combine cottage cheese and plain Greek yogurt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Blending yogurt and cottage cheese helps maintain a silky texture.
- Combine cottage cheese and plain Greek yogurt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Blending yogurt and cottage cheese helps maintain a silky texture.
- Buffalo Sauce (½ cup)
- A good buffalo wing sauce or any spicy hot sauce you love works here. Start with a smaller amount if you’re sensitive to heat. You can also add a dash more if you love the burn. Some prefer a brand labeled simply as buffalo sauce.
- A good buffalo wing sauce or any spicy hot sauce you love works here. Start with a smaller amount if you’re sensitive to heat. You can also add a dash more if you love the burn. Some prefer a brand labeled simply as buffalo sauce.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup)
- Sharp cheddar is a classic, but you can mix in other cheeses. This dish calls for shredded cheddar cheese or a pre-shredded cheese blend. It melts beautifully and gives a cheesy bite.
- Sharp cheddar is a classic, but you can mix in other cheeses. This dish calls for shredded cheddar cheese or a pre-shredded cheese blend. It melts beautifully and gives a cheesy bite.
- Blue Cheese (¼ cup, optional)
- If you enjoy bold flavors, crumble some blue cheese on top. You can also use blue cheese crumbles for an even sharper kick. Or skip it if you’re not a fan.
- If you enjoy bold flavors, crumble some blue cheese on top. You can also use blue cheese crumbles for an even sharper kick. Or skip it if you’re not a fan.
- Green Onions (2 stalks, chopped)
- These deliver extra taste and a fresh bite. They also make the dip mixture look more colorful. Reserve some for garnish.
- These deliver extra taste and a fresh bite. They also make the dip mixture look more colorful. Reserve some for garnish.
- Bell Pepper (1 small, diced)
- Adds extra crunch, color, and nutrients. You can use any color you prefer.
- Adds extra crunch, color, and nutrients. You can use any color you prefer.
- Sour Cream (¼ cup, optional)
- If you like a richer taste, add sour cream to the mixture. This step is optional but can help round out the flavor if you miss that tang from cream cheese or ranch.
- If you like a richer taste, add sour cream to the mixture. This step is optional but can help round out the flavor if you miss that tang from cream cheese or ranch.
- Ranch Seasoning (1 tablespoon)
- If you like a mild herbal note, include a spoonful of ranch seasoning. You may also use ranch dressing in the same portion, but adjust salt to taste.
- If you like a mild herbal note, include a spoonful of ranch seasoning. You may also use ranch dressing in the same portion, but adjust salt to taste.
- Hot Sauce (optional, to taste)
- If you want more spice, add a teaspoon or two of your favorite hot sauce along with the buffalo sauce. This is your chance to adjust the heat to your liking.
- If you want more spice, add a teaspoon or two of your favorite hot sauce along with the buffalo sauce. This is your chance to adjust the heat to your liking.
Make sure you have a blender or food processor handy to blend cottage cheese into a smooth base. You can use a countertop or handheld option. This helps you achieve the silkiness that replaces cream cheese.
Instructions
Here’s how to make this dip step by step:
Step 1: Blend the Cottage Cheese and Greek Yogurt
- Stir in shredded chicken; you can use chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken. This step ensures a velvety base without lumps. If the consistency seems too thick, splash in a tablespoon of water.
Step 2: Combine the Base with Buffalo Sauce

- Pour your blended mixture into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the buffalo sauce, or your preferred buffalo wing mixture. If you like extra spice, add more hot sauce. Taste as you go.
Step 3: Stir in the Shredded Chicken
- Add shredded chicken (or cooked chicken from chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken) into the bowl. Mix gently until the chicken mixture is coated with the sauce. This ensures every bite of dip has some chicken.
Step 4: Add Shredded Cheese and Other Ingredients

- Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced bell pepper, optional ranch seasoning, and half of the chopped green onions. You can also add a small scoop of blue cheese if you want a sharper flavor. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish

- Pick a lightly greased baking dish, such as a pie plate or small casserole. Pour your dip mixture into it. Spread it evenly for a smooth top. If you want to go extra cheesy, sprinkle more cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the dip is heated through and the top is golden. This short baking time ensures a hot and cheesy center without drying out the chicken.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Once you pull the baking dish out, top with the remaining green onions. If you like a fresh crunch, add diced celery on top. Serve hot with tortilla chips, sliced bell pepper, crackers, or cut veggies.
By following these steps, you create a chicken dip without cream cheese that still has a tangy, creamy vibe. It’s a buffalo chicken dip recipe that packs flavor without feeling overly heavy.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Boost the Heat: Increase the spice level by adding extra hot sauce. Or serve the finished dip with extra buffalo sauce on the side for guests who crave more heat.
- Use Chicken Thighs Instead: If you have chicken thighs on hand, shred them for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that thighs are a bit higher in fat.
- Try Leftover Chicken: Don’t let leftover chicken go to waste. Use it in this dip for an easy meal upgrade.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: If you like extra tang, replace some greek yogurt with a little ranch or blue cheese dressing. Keep an eye on salt, as these dressings can be quite salty.
- Gluten Free: This dip can easily be gluten free as long as you choose a buffalo sauce and seasonings that have no gluten-containing fillers. Verify that your tortillas or chips are also labeled gluten free.
- Cottage Cheese Instead of Cream Cheese: This entire recipe relies on cottage cheese instead of heavier cheeses. You still get that smooth mouthfeel, but with fewer calories and more protein.
- Blend Cottage Cheese to Eliminate Lumps: Some people skip blending and just stir. However, it’s better to use a blender or food processor to achieve a uniform consistency.
- Add Extra Cheese: A slight sprinkle of shredded cheese on top can help form a cheesy crust. You can also try mixing in a bit more blue cheese or cheddar if you like an even richer taste.
- High Protein Cottage Cheese: For an even higher protein ratio, use a brand specifically marketed as high protein cottage cheese.
- Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip: This is truly a protein buffalo chicken dip, or a protein buffalo alternative, thanks to the combination of cottage cheese, chicken, and yogurt. That synergy creates a healthier buffalo chicken dip recipe with minimal sacrifice in flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy and salty, these are a classic way to enjoy this dip.
- Bell Pepper Slices: Fresh red, yellow, or green pepper slices add color and crunch. They offer a dip without added carbs from chips.
- Celery Sticks: Another crisp option. Celery is also reminiscent of how people serve buffalo wing items.
- Crackers or Bread Slices: Warm baguette slices or sturdy crackers give a nice base for scooping.
- Veggie Platter: If you’re looking for a low-carb dip scenario, cut carrots, cucumbers, or zucchini into dippable shapes.
Use your imagination. You can serve this warm appetizer at parties or include it in a dinner spread. Some folks even spoon this dip onto lettuce wraps or pile it into a baked potato.
Conclusion
This easy dip manages to be both comforting and light. By blending cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, you keep the overall calorie count lower while creating a high in protein snack. It’s a go-to recipe whenever you need something quick yet impressive for a gathering or game day event.
Additionally, this cheese dip tastes just as delightful reheated, so you can prepare a large batch ahead of time. Every spoonful bursts with savory goodness, making this chicken dip with cottage cheese a winner for any schedule or occasion.
When you make this recipe, note the versatility. You can tweak ingredients for personal preferences. Go lighter on the sauce or heavier on the cheese. You can also incorporate optional items like chopped onions or a dash of ranch dressing. However you approach it, you’ll enjoy a balanced mix of tangy, creamy, and spicy notes, all while benefiting from that higher protein content.

Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients
Cooked Chicken (2 cups)
- This can be shredded chicken from leftover chicken or shredded chicken breast baked or boiled ahead of time. You can also use rotisserie chicken if you want convenience. Some people opt for canned chicken in a pinch.
Cottage Cheese (1 ½ cups)
- Use any brand you prefer. Choose a low-fat type if you want fewer calories. This is key to a dip is made with cottage cheese base that’s both smooth and higher in protein.
Plain Greek Yogurt (½ cup)
- Combine cottage cheese and plain Greek yogurt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Blending yogurt and cottage cheese helps maintain a silky texture.
Buffalo Sauce (½ cup)
- A good buffalo wing sauce or any spicy hot sauce you love works here. Start with a smaller amount if you’re sensitive to heat. You can also add a dash more if you love the burn. Some prefer a brand labeled simply as buffalo sauce.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup)
- Sharp cheddar is a classic but you can mix in other cheeses. This dish calls for shredded cheddar cheese or a pre-shredded cheese blend. It melts beautifully and gives a cheesy bite.
Blue Cheese (¼ cup, optional)
- If you enjoy bold flavors crumble some blue cheese on top. You can also use blue cheese crumbles for an even sharper kick. Or skip it if you’re not a fan.
Green Onions (2 stalks, chopped)
- These deliver extra taste and a fresh bite. They also make the dip mixture look more colorful. Reserve some for garnish.
Bell Pepper (1 small, diced)
- Adds extra crunch color, and nutrients. You can use any color you prefer.
Sour Cream (¼ cup, optional)
- If you like a richer taste add sour cream to the mixture. This step is optional but can help round out the flavor if you miss that tang from cream cheese or ranch.
Ranch Seasoning (1 tablespoon)
- If you like a mild herbal note include a spoonful of ranch seasoning. You may also use ranch dressing in the same portion, but adjust salt to taste.
Hot Sauce (optional, to taste)
- If you want more spice add a teaspoon or two of your favorite hot sauce along with the buffalo sauce. This is your chance to adjust the heat to your liking.
Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Cottage Cheese and Greek Yogurt
- Stir in shredded chicken; you can use chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken. This step ensures a velvety base without lumps. If the consistency seems too thick, splash in a tablespoon of water.
Step 2: Combine the Base with Buffalo Sauce
- Pour your blended mixture into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the buffalo sauce, or your preferred buffalo wing mixture. If you like extra spice, add more hot sauce. Taste as you go.
Step 3: Stir in the Shredded Chicken
- Add shredded chicken (or cooked chicken from chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken) into the bowl. Mix gently until the chicken mixture is coated with the sauce. This ensures every bite of dip has some chicken.
Step 4: Add Shredded Cheese and Other Ingredients
- Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced bell pepper, optional ranch seasoning, and half of the chopped green onions. You can also add a small scoop of blue cheese if you want a sharper flavor. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish
- Pick a lightly greased baking dish, such as a pie plate or small casserole. Pour your dip mixture into it. Spread it evenly for a smooth top. If you want to go extra cheesy, sprinkle more cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the dip is heated through and the top is golden. This short baking time ensures a hot and cheesy center without drying out the chicken.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Once you pull the baking dish out, top with the remaining green onions. If you like a fresh crunch, add diced celery on top. Serve hot with tortilla chips, sliced bell pepper, crackers, or cut veggies.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient: Amount Calories: 190 kcal Total Fat: 9g Saturated Fat: 4g Cholesterol: 55mg Sodium: 520mg Total Carbohydrates: 5g Dietary Fiber: 1g Sugars: 2g Protein: 20gFAQs
Can I use cottage cheese in buffalo chicken dip?
Yes, you can. In this buffalo chicken dip without cream, cottage cheese is key to creating a creamy consistency. This approach lowers the fat and calories without sacrificing flavor.
Is Buffalo chicken dip supposed to be warmed up?
Absolutely! Baked buffalo chicken dip is a popular way to enjoy this dish warm. This ensures it stays creamy and blends the flavors thoroughly. You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven.
What is a good substitute for cream cheese in Buffalo chicken dip?
You can use cottage cheese as a lighter alternative to cream cheese. For extra creaminess, you can add some greek yogurt or sour cream. This helps you maintain that smooth texture.
What dairy is in buffalo sauce?
Many types of buffalo sauce do not actually contain dairy. However, always check labels for hidden ingredients. Some sauces do contain small amounts of butter or other dairy-based flavorings.
Can you melt cottage cheese into a sauce?
Yes. You can melt and blend cottage cheese into sauces with the help of a food processor or blender. Once it is heated and mixed, it resembles a creamy sauce that’s perfect for a dip.
Can you mix Greek yogurt and buffalo sauce?
Yes. You can mix Greek yogurt and buffalo sauce to create a tangy, creamy base. This is often seen in a chicken dip without cream cheese, since it reduces some calories and still holds a rich taste.
Should you put buffalo sauce on chicken before or after cooking?
It depends on the recipe. In a buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese, you mix the buffalo sauce with your shredded or cooked chicken during assembly. For classic buffalo wings, many people toss them in sauce after the wings are cooked.