Unbelievable Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl in 20 Minutes

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Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a game-changer for healthy eating. I stumbled upon this combo during a fridge-raid after a particularly intense workout. The creamy cottage cheese, spicy chicken, and crunchy veggies hit all the right spots. It’s now my go-to quick lunch. The recipe embodies my love for bold flavors and simple prep. Think of it as a deconstructed buffalo chicken salad with a protein punch. I also love adding a bit of blue cheese dressing! If you’re craving something satisfying and guilt-free, especially if you like buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowls for dinner, this is it. Let’s get cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

  • Ready in under 20 minutes—seriously, from hanger to happy in a flash!
  • Packed with protein to keep you full for hours. No more mid-afternoon energy crashes!
  • A delicious way to eat your veggies. Trust me, you’ll *want* to eat your cucumbers and carrots this way.
  • Customizable to your spice preference. Go mild or wild – it’s totally up to you! I sometimes add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
  • Budget-friendly ingredients. You don’t need to break the bank for a healthy, tasty meal.
  • Perfect for meal prepping. Make a few of these old-fashioned spiced buffalo chicken bowls on Sunday and you’re set for the week!
  • A satisfying and healthy meal. This isn’t diet food, it’s *good* food that happens to be good for you, too.
  • Incredibly tasty. Seriously, this homemade buffalo chicken dessert is addictive!

Ingredients for Your Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease, but you can bake or poach your own. Just shred it up!)
  • 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (This is where the magic happens! Adjust to your spice level – I like Frank’s RedHot, but use whatever you love.)
  • ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (The creamy coolness balances the buffalo heat. Full-fat works too, if you’re feeling indulgent!)
  • ½ cup diced cucumber (For that refreshing crunch. Make sure it’s diced small so it mixes well.)
  • ½ cup celery sticks (More crunch! I like to cut them into sticks for easy grabbing.)
  • ½ cup matchstick carrots (Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Pre-cut are a lifesaver!)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (A little zing and freshness on top. Don’t skip these!)
  • Extra buffalo sauce (optional, for drizzling)
  • Cracked black pepper (optional, for seasoning)
  • Squeeze of lemon or lime juice (optional, for brightness)
  • Avocado slices (optional, for healthy fats and creaminess)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for added flavor – I’m a blue cheese girl myself!)

How to Make a Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

  1. Step 1: Toss the chicken with buffalo sauce. Get your shredded chicken (still warm if you just cooked it, or straight from the fridge if you’re using leftovers) into a bowl. Drizzle with the buffalo sauce. I like to use my hands to really coat the chicken – makes sure every strand is covered in that tangy, spicy goodness! The chicken should be a vibrant orange-red color and smell amazing! Let it sit for a minute or two; that allows the flavors to meld.
  2. Step 2: Prepare your vegetables. Now for the crunchy, refreshing part! Wash your cucumber, celery, and carrots. Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces. Cut the celery into thin sticks – about the same size as your carrots. If you’re using baby carrots, just halve or quarter them.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the ingredients. This is where you get to be a little artistic! In a bowl (I like a wide, shallow bowl for this), place the buffalo chicken, cucumber, celery, and carrots in separate sections. It’s like a little buffet of deliciousness! This way, you get a bit of everything in each bite.
  4. Step 4: Add the cottage cheese. Now for the creamy coolness! Spoon the cottage cheese right into the center of the bowl or dollop it on top of the chicken. The creamy white cottage cheese looks so good against the spicy chicken, and it cools down the heat perfectly.
  5. Step 5: Garnish and serve. Almost there! Sprinkle chopped green onions over the entire bowl. If you’re feeling extra saucy (pun intended!), drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce on top. A sprinkle of black pepper adds a little extra kick, too. Serve immediately, while the veggies are still super crisp and the chicken is warm (or cold, if that’s your jam!). Enjoy your delicious buffalo chicken bowl!

Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl - detail 2

Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

  • Use cold ingredients! Seriously, this really makes the bowl extra refreshing and the textures pop. I even chill my bowl sometimes!
  • Don’t go overboard with the buffalo sauce. A little goes a long way, and you can always add more. Trust me, you don’t want to set your mouth on fire on your first try!
  • A squeeze of lime or lemon juice brightens up all the flavors and adds a little zing. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

What’s the secret to perfect Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl?

The secret is using *really* good cottage cheese. I’m talking creamy, small curd, maybe even a little bit fancy. It makes such a difference in the overall texture and flavor. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands until you find one you absolutely love!

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl ahead of time?

Absolutely! This buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl for dinner (or lunch!) is perfect for meal prep. Just store the chicken, veggies, and cottage cheese separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just assemble and enjoy. This way, nothing gets soggy, and everything stays fresh and delicious.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl?

The biggest mistake? Too much buffalo sauce! I always start with a tablespoon or two and then add more to taste. You can also accidentally let it sit too long after you assemble it. The veggies will lose their snap if they sit in the sauce for hours. So assemble right before serving, and you’ll be golden!

Best Ways to Serve Your Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

This Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is best served chilled—that cool contrast with the spicy chicken is just *chef’s kiss*. I think it’s great:

  • As a super quick and healthy lunch when you’re short on time but want something satisfying.
  • As a light dinner. It’s surprisingly filling but won’t weigh you down before bed.
  • As a post-workout meal. That protein will help those muscles recover!

For a more complete meal, I sometimes add a side of whole-grain crackers for some extra crunch or a small side salad for more greens. You could even pair it with my Cucumber and Dill Salad for an extra refreshing twist!

Nutrition Facts for Your Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

Here’s a peek at what you’re getting in each bowl. Remember, this is just a ballpark—it depends on the exact brands and amounts you use. But generally, per serving (I’d say it happily feeds one hungry person!), you’re looking at:

  • Calories: Approximately 350
  • Fat: 15g
  • Protein: 40g (hello, muscle fuel!)
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g (gotta keep things moving!)
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg

This is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. But hey, at least you know it’s packed with protein and relatively light on everything else!

How to Store and Reheat Your Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

Alright, so you’ve made your awesome Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl, but you’ve got leftovers (or you’re meal-prepping like a boss!). Here’s how I keep everything fresh and delicious:

The key is to store each part of this healthy buffalo chicken bowl separately. Grab some airtight containers (I love my trusty glass ones!) and stash the chicken, veggies, and cottage cheese in their own little homes in the fridge. The chicken will happily hang out for 3-4 days. The veggies are best eaten within 1-2 days to keep that satisfying crunch. Trust me, you *don’t* want to freeze the cottage cheese or the veggies—they’ll get weird and watery. When you’re ready to chow down, just reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s warmed through. Then, assemble your bowl and enjoy that spicy, creamy goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about this Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl.

  • Is this Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl good for weight loss?
    • Absolutely! It’s packed with protein, which keeps you feeling full and satisfied, and relatively low in carbs and calories. That makes it a great choice if you’re trying to shed a few pounds.
    • How many calories are in this bowl? Check out the nutritional information section above for all the details.
  • Can I use a different type of cheese?
    • Definitely! While I love the creaminess of cottage cheese, feel free to swap it out for something else. Feta or blue cheese would be amazing, but they’ll definitely change the flavor profile.
    • What if I don’t like cottage cheese? No problem! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute—it’s also high in protein and has a similar tang.
  • What other vegetables can I add?
    • The possibilities are endless! Bell peppers (especially the crunchy kind!), cherry tomatoes, or shredded cabbage would all be delicious additions.
    • Can I add lettuce? Sure, but I recommend adding it right before serving so it doesn’t wilt and get sad. Nobody wants sad lettuce!

Variations of Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl You Can Try

Want to mix things up? This Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl recipe is super versatile. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Vegan: Swap the chicken for marinated and baked tofu (crispy is best!) and use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative. There are some surprisingly good ones out there!
  • Spicier: Feeling brave? Add a dash of cayenne pepper to your buffalo sauce or use a hotter sauce. Ghost pepper sauce, anyone? (Just kidding… mostly.)
  • Creamier: If you’re craving extra richness, drizzle on some ranch or blue cheese dressing. It’s not *quite* as healthy, but hey, sometimes you need a little indulgence!
  • Grilled: Use grilled chicken instead of shredded for a smoky, summery twist. Grilling the veggies too adds a whole new dimension of flavor to this quick buffalo chicken lunch.
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Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

Unbelievable Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl in 20 Minutes


  • Author: Jannet Lisa
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

Enjoy a fresh, balanced, and protein-packed Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl. This recipe combines spicy buffalo chicken with cool cottage cheese and crisp vegetables for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • ½ cup diced cucumber
  • ½ cup celery sticks
  • ½ cup matchstick carrots
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
  • Extra buffalo sauce (optional)
  • Cracked black pepper (optional)
  • Squeeze of lemon or lime juice (optional)
  • Avocado slices (optional)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken in a bowl, shred if needed, and toss with buffalo sauce. Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Wash and prepare celery, cucumber, and carrots. Cut celery into sticks, dice cucumber, and slice carrots into matchsticks.
  3. In a bowl, arrange chicken, cucumber, celery, and carrots in separate sections.
  4. Spoon cottage cheese into the center or on top of the chicken.
  5. Garnish with green onions and drizzle extra buffalo sauce. Add pepper if desired.
  6. Serve immediately. If meal prepping, store components separately.

Notes

  • Adjust buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
  • For meal prep, keep ingredients separate until serving.
  • Add avocado or dressing for extra flavor and creaminess.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Lunch/Dinner
  • Method: Assembly
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: Approximately 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: buffalo chicken, cottage cheese, healthy bowl, low carb, high protein, meal prep

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