High-Protein Cottage Cheese Buffalo

My coworker brought this to a potluck last spring, and I honestly expected it to be one of those dry, forgettable protein dips that tastes like gym class. Instead, I found myself reaching for a third helping while standing by the table, completely mesmerized by how creamy and tangy it was without tasting diet-like at all. The Buffalo kick hit just right, and when she mentioned cottage cheese was the secret ingredient, I almost didn't believe her. I've made it at least a dozen times since, often doubling the batch because it vanishes before anything else on the platter.

Last month, my sister texted asking for a high-protein appetizer for her team meeting, and I sent her this recipe with a note: just blend and bake. She reported back that three colleagues asked for the recipe, and one guy went back for seconds even after finishing his lunch—which told me everything about how well this works for actual humans, not just fitness influencers.

Ingredients

• Cooked, shredded chicken breast (2 cups): This is your protein foundation, so don't skip it or substitute with canned, which tends to get watery and thin out the dip's texture.
• Low-fat cottage cheese (1 ½ cups): The unsung hero that makes this creamy without heaviness—blend it until completely smooth or you'll get a grainy texture that nobody wants.
• Plain Greek yogurt (½ cup): This adds tang and moisture while keeping the protein count high and preventing the dip from drying out in the oven.
• Shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (½ cup): Brings warmth and familiar flavor without overpowering the Buffalo notes.
• Crumbled blue cheese (¼ cup, optional): If you use it, you get that authentic Buffalo wing experience; skip it if you're sensitive to strong flavors.
• Buffalo hot sauce (½ cup): Go with Frank's RedHot or something equally reliable—the cheap stuff tastes thin and chemical.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika: These seasonings layer flavor depth without requiring fresh ingredients you might not have on hand.
• Green onions and extra blue cheese for garnish: These finish the dish with color and a fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.

Instructions

Heat your oven and prep the workspace:

Set the oven to 375°F and grab your blender or food processor because the cottage cheese needs serious attention—it's the texture secret.

Blend cottage cheese and yogurt into silk:

Pulse them together until completely smooth with no lumps visible; this step makes or breaks the creamy finish. If you skip this, the dip will taste gritty and disappointing.

Mix everything in a large bowl:

Combine the blended mixture with chicken, Buffalo sauce, both cheeses, and all the seasonings, stirring until the chicken is fully coated and evenly distributed. Taste a tiny spoonful and adjust the heat or salt if it feels flat.

Transfer to a baking dish:

An 8-inch square dish works perfectly, but anything oven-safe around that size will do the job just fine.

Bake until bubbling and hot:

Slide it into the oven for 18 to 20 minutes; you're looking for the edges to bubble and the center to be hot throughout. If the top looks pale, give it another 2 minutes under a broiler for a bit of color.

Garnish and serve warm:

Pull it out of the oven, scatter green onions and extra blue cheese on top, and bring it to the table while it's still steaming. Serve with whatever you have: celery, carrots, peppers, or crackers.

Save

My neighbor brought her kids over for movie night, and when I set out this dip, I watched her 7-year-old take a bite and immediately go quiet. She looked at her mom like she'd discovered treasure, and suddenly it wasn't just about protein or healthy snacking anymore—it became this small moment where food actually brought genuine joy. That's when I realized this dip works because it tastes good first, and everything else is a bonus.

Why This Beats Store-Bought Dips

The pre-made dips at the grocery store are usually loaded with ingredients you can't pronounce and thickeners that make them feel plastic-y in your mouth. This one is just real food blended together, so it tastes like what it actually is: chicken, cheese, and flavor. Plus, you control the heat level, the thickness, and whether you want the blue cheese punch or a gentler approach.

Make-Ahead Magic

If you're hosting and want to reduce stress, assemble everything in the baking dish the morning of, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When guests arrive, pop it straight from the fridge into a preheated oven—it might need an extra 2 to 3 minutes to heat through, but that's it. This completely changes the hosting game because you're not stuck in the kitchen at the last minute.

Flavor Tweaks and Personal Touches

This recipe is honestly a canvas, and I've experimented enough times to know what sticks. Want more heat? Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier hot sauce; I've done this for parties with friends who love fire, and nobody complains. The blue cheese is completely optional—leave it out if you want something milder or if you're serving people with strong opinions about strong cheeses. You can also swap fresh rotisserie chicken for the cooked kind, which saves you the step of cooking and shredding it yourself.

• Try adding a tablespoon of ranch seasoning for a Buffalo-ranch fusion that's absolutely addictive.
• If you want extra richness, replace half the Greek yogurt with sour cream for a deeper tang.
• Leftover dip keeps in the fridge for 3 days and reheats beautifully with a splash of hot sauce stirred back in.

Save

This dip has somehow become my go-to for potlucks, game day gatherings, and those moments when I need to contribute something that tastes impressive without demanding hours in the kitchen. It's proof that healthy eating doesn't have to taste like punishment.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time.

→ What can I use instead of shredded chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute for pre-cooked shredded chicken.

→ How can I make the dip spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or increase the amount of Buffalo hot sauce to enhance the heat.

→ What are good accompaniments for this dip?

Serve warm with celery sticks, carrot sticks, sliced bell peppers, or whole grain crackers for a crunchy contrast.

→ Is this dip suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, but check labels of hot sauce and cheeses to ensure they are gluten-free if you have sensitivities.