An easy and healthy game day snack. Cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip is a lightened-up appetizer with 23 grams of protein per serving.

Healthy buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese in a baking dish surrounded by veggies and tortilla chips

This post may contain affiliate links.

Traditional buffalo chicken dip can be a bit heavy on the cream cheese or ranch. And while that’s super delicious — it doesn’t exactly leave me feeling energetic and light.

Enter: cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip with extra protein from a dietitian. Made with a base of blended cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, this lighter version is balanced and nutritious.

I promise, you won’t miss the cream cheese in this gooey, cheesy, and flavorful snack. It tastes just as decadent as the real deal, with less fat and calories. You can make this dip in the oven or microwave too.

Why you’ll love cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip

  • Made in one bowl
  • Quick and easy
  • High protein
  • Lower fat
  • Super delicious
Baking dish containing cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip topped with green onions

What makes this buffalo chicken dip healthy?

  • Less fat — swapping cream cheese for cottage cheese and Greek yogurt makes for less unsaturated fats that can harm your heart health.
  • Fewer calories — calories aren’t everything, but they’re worth mentioning. You’re saving hundreds of calories swapping out the cream cheese, which can be helpful for weight loss.
  • More protein — Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are extremely protein-rich.
  • Super filling — I love a tasty appetizer that keeps you full for hours like this buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese.

Ingredients in cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip

Here’s what you’ll need to make this buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese:

Shredded chicken breast: Make your own or use rotisserie chicken from the store. Make sure your chicken is well-shredded for the most smooth and delicious dip. You’re welcome to use dark or white meat chicken.

Blended cottage cheese: Use low fat cottage cheese. If possible, blend it in a small blender with a blender cup for 30-60 seconds until totally smooth beforehand. If you can’t blend your cottage cheese, that’s okay! Your dip won’t be quite as smooth but it will still be tasty. You can also leave out the cottage cheese and use two cups of yogurt instead.

Plain greek yogurt: I prefer this recipe with 2% plain Greek yogurt but you can use higher fat percentages if you like. I don’t recommend using fat-free yogurt. If you don’t love cottage cheese, use two cups of yogurt instead of the suggested blend.

Ingredients for buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese displayed in small bowls on a white kitchen counter

Buffalo wing’s sauce: I use Frank’s Buffalo Wing’s Sauce but you can use any brand you like.

Fresh garlic: You can mince this yourself or use the jarred stuff.

Black pepper: A few cracks of fresh black pepper. You don’t need to add salt to this recipe, as you’re getting lots from the Buffalo sauce.

Green onions: Don’t skip the sliced green onions! You’ll use this in the buffalo chicken dip and as a topping too.

Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded sharp/old cheddar gives the best flavor for this recipe. If you need to use pre-shredded, that’s okay! You could also use grated mozzarella, havarti, or pepperjack.

How to make cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip

Position your oven rack to the middle and pre-heat to 350 F.

Add chicken, blended cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Buffalo sauce, garlic, black pepper, ⅓ cup green onions, and shredded cheese to a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.

Ingredients for buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese in a large glass bowl
Ingredients for buffalo chicken dip in a large glass bowl, mixed with a wooden spoon

Transfer Buffalo chicken dip to your baking pan. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently press and flatten your dip. Top with more shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Raw buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese in a baking dish

Bake for 22-27 minutes or until cheese is melted and dip is bubbling.

Microwave instructions

You can heat your buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese in the microwave instead. There are no unsafe raw ingredients — so you’re heating it more than you’re cooking it!

Here’s how: Add dip to a microwave-safe dish and cook for 2-3 minutes or until dip is heated through.

I do not recommend topping your buffalo chicken dip with extra cheese if you’re using the microwave since you may need to stir occasionally for even warming.

What to serve with cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip

  • Tortilla chips
  • Protein chips
  • Crackers
  • Fresh pita
  • Pita chips
  • Sourdough
  • Pumpernickel bread
  • Carrot sticks
  • Celery sticks
  • Broccoli florets
  • Cauliflower florets
  • Cucumber slices
Baking dish with buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese surrounded by vegetables and tortilla chips

Tips for success

  • Use tender (not over-cooked) shredded chicken or the dip with be tough. Texture is everything in this recipe.
  • Don’t over-cook your buffalo chicken dip or the cottage cheese can get watery.
  • If you notice your cottage cheese starts to separate or get watery, stir your dip to bring everything back together.

Shop this post

Frequently asked questions

Can I eat cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip cold?

Yes, you can eat this buffalo chicken dip cold. There are no unsafe raw ingredients here — baking it is simply to get it heated and gooey.

Can I use all cottage cheese or all Greek yogurt instead of the blend you suggested?

Yes, you could use all cottage cheese or all Greek yogurt instead of the blend I suggested. Just make sure there is a total of 2 cups of cottage cheese and/or yogurt being used in this recipe.

Will a different size baking pan work?

Yes! This cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip calls for an 8×8 inch baking pan, but use what you have. A larger baking dish will need less cooking time. A smaller baking dish may need more cooking time. Adjust as needed!

Did you try this recipe?

Leave your rating and review below! And don’t forget to post a picture to Instagram, and tag me @real.life.nutritionist.

Healthy buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese in a baking dish surrounded by veggies and tortilla chips
5 from 3 votes

Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
An easy and healthy game day snack. Cottage cheese Buffalo chicken dip is a lightened-up appetizer with 23 grams of protein per serving.

Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups shredded chicken breast
  • 1 cup blended cottage cheese
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, I used 2%
  • ½ cup Buffalo wing's sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup sliced green onions, divided
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, more for topping if desired

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Position your oven rack to the middle and pre-heat to 350 F (see notes for microwave instructions).
  • Add chicken, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, Buffalo sauce, garlic, black pepper, ⅓ cup green onions, and shredded cheese to a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
  • Transfer Buffalo chicken dip to your baking pan. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently press and flatten your dip.
  • Top with more shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
  • Bake for 22-27 minutes or until cheese is melted and dip is bubbling. Top with remaining green onions before serving.

Notes

Microwave instructions: Add dip to a microwave-safe dish and cook for 2-3 minutes or until dip is heated through. I do not recommend topping your buffalo chicken dip with extra cheese if you’re using the microwave since you may need to stir occasionally for even warming.
Calories: 197kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.002g, Cholesterol: 57mg, Sodium: 898mg, Potassium: 197mg, Fiber: 0.02g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 221IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 195mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Appetizer, Snack