If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleaser that is both indulgently creamy and packed with bold flavor, this Easy Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip (Baked & Creamy) Recipe will quickly become your new favorite appetizer. Combining shredded rotisserie chicken with a luscious blend of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and buffalo sauce, this dip hits all the right notes with just the right kick. It’s simple to make, comforting, and perfect for game days, parties, or any casual get-together when you want to impress without the fuss. Once you try it, you’ll love how effortlessly it brings spice, creaminess, and protein together in one irresistible dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on simple but essential ingredients that create a harmony of textures and tastes. Each component contributes uniquely—from the creamy base to the spicy sauce and melty cheese topping—playing a vital role in making the dip perfectly balanced and delicious.
- Shredded cooked chicken (4 cups): Using rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds nice tenderness to the dip.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup + 1 cup for topping): Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy richness.
- Cottage cheese (1 cup): Adds creaminess with a subtle tang while keeping calories in check.
- Greek yogurt (½ cup): Boosts the cream factor and complements cottage cheese for a smooth texture.
- Buffalo sauce (½ cup, plus extra to taste): Brings the signature spicy, tangy flavor you crave.
- Ranch dressing (¼ cup): Provides herbaceous, cool balance to the heat.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing all flavors together and enhancing the overall taste.
- Chopped green onion (2 tbsp): Adds fresh color and a mild onion bite as a bright garnish.
- Feta cheese crumbles: Optional but adds a salty, creamy punch on top.
- Tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or pretzels: Perfect dippers for serving.
How to Make Easy Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip (Baked & Creamy) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Cheese Base
Start by mixing the shredded cooked chicken with one cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese in a large bowl. The warm shredded chicken helps the cheese melt more easily later and creates the hearty foundation for your dip.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Buffalo Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. This mixture will give the dip that signature tangy, spicy flavor while keeping it luxuriously creamy.
Step 3: Combine and Season
Pour the blended buffalo sauce over the chicken and cheese mixture. Stir everything together so the chicken is fully coated with the creamy sauce. Now is the perfect time to taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more buffalo sauce, salt, or pepper if you want more heat or seasoning. This step ensures your dip balances just how you like it.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish or a cast iron skillet, then sprinkle the additional shredded cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 18 to 22 minutes, until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese topping has melted and slightly browned. This baking step elevates the flavors and gives you that irresistible baked texture.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Once baked, drizzle extra buffalo sauce and ranch over the top, then sprinkle with chopped green onions and feta cheese crumbles for a colorful, flavorful finish. The garnishes add pops of freshness, creaminess, and a hint of saltiness that complement the dip beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip (Baked & Creamy) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and crumbled feta cheese are my go-to garnishes to add a splash of color and an extra layer of flavor complexity. Plus, an additional drizzle of buffalo sauce or ranch gives that professional touch that makes each bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Serve your Easy Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip alongside crunchy tortilla chips, crisp veggie sticks like celery and carrots, or salty pretzels. These options lend a satisfying crunch and variety to every bite, making your dip the star of any snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving the dip inside a hollowed-out bread bowl or stuffed inside mini bell peppers for a healthier option. You can even turn it into individual dip bowls using small ramekins for a charming party presentation. No matter how you present it, this dip is sure to wow!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld deliciously overnight, though the texture may thicken slightly, so a brief reheat and a quick stir will bring it back to creamy perfection.
Freezing
This dip freezes well, making it easy to prepare ahead and keep on hand. Place the fully assembled (but unbaked) dip in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat leftover dip, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in short intervals stirring in between to maintain that creamy texture. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make this dip with fresh cooked chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Fresh cooked chicken works just as well. Just be sure to shred it finely and warm it slightly so it mixes easily with the creamy sauce. Rotisserie chicken is a shortcut that adds great flavor and convenience, but fresh chicken is a fine alternative.
Can I use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese and yogurt?
Yes, you can use lower-fat versions if you prefer a lighter dip. The texture might be a bit less rich but still creamy and delicious. For the fullest flavor, whole or 2% versions are ideal, especially since buffalo sauce has quite a punch.
How spicy is this dip?
The heat level primarily depends on the buffalo sauce you choose and how much you add. Feel free to start with less and adjust after mixing if you want it milder or hotter. You can always add more buffalo sauce when serving for those who like extra spice.
Can I prepare this dip vegetarian?
This particular recipe centers around chicken, but you could certainly swap the shredded chicken for a plant-based protein like shredded jackfruit or chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will shift a bit.
What are some good alternatives for ranch dressing?
If you don’t have ranch on hand, blue cheese dressing is a fantastic substitute that complements buffalo sauce wonderfully. You could also try a simple mix of mayo, garlic powder, and herbs for a homemade ranch-style flavor.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Easy Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip (Baked & Creamy) Recipe. It is guaranteed to be a hit with its perfect balance of creamy texture and bold, spicy flavors that feel both indulgent and homey. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something cozy to snack on, this dip is a sure winner. So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and experience firsthand how easy and satisfying buffalo chicken dip can be when made with a creamy cottage cheese twist.
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Easy Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip (Baked & Creamy) Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Easy Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for game days or parties. Combining shredded rotisserie chicken with a blend of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, and ranch, it’s baked until hot and bubbly, then topped with extra cheese, green onions, and feta crumbles for a zesty kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, it pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or pretzels.
Ingredients
Base
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese (good culture or Daisy 2% or whole)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (2% or whole)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (plus more to taste; recommended brands: Franks or Primal Kitchen)
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (recommended: Primal Kitchen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp green onion (chopped)
- Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling
- Extra ranch dressing for drizzling
- Feta cheese crumbles for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir gently to mix and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a blender, blend the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Base and Sauce: Pour the blended buffalo mixture over the chicken and cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat all the chicken evenly. Taste the mixture and adjust buffalo sauce, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into a baking dish—ideally a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake the Dip: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove from oven and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Garnish with chopped green onions and feta cheese crumbles. Serve warm with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or pretzels.
Notes
- Make ahead: Assemble the dip completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake and add an additional 3 to 5 minutes to the bake time since the dip will be cold.
- Chicken shortcut: Using a rotisserie chicken saves prep time and helps the chicken mix more easily when slightly warmed.
- Season at the end: Taste and adjust salt and pepper after mixing since buffalo and ranch sauces vary in saltiness.
- Keep warm for serving: After baking, transfer the dip to a small slow cooker set on warm to maintain creaminess for serving during gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
