Creamy High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip (Cottage Cheese Hack)

This recipe reimagines the classic appetizer by replacing the traditional heavy cream cheese base with whipped cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. This “nutritional pivot” significantly reduces the saturated fat content while increasing the protein density to approximately 25g per serving. The key to success is mechanical aeration: blending the cottage cheese until the curds are fully completely broken down creates a smooth emulsion that mimics the mouthfeel of full-fat dairy, allowing the vinegar-based buffalo sauce to integrate perfectly without separating.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 Min
• Cook Time: 15 Min
• Total Time: 25 Min
• Yield: 6 Servings
• Calories: 185 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

The Creamy Base

• 1.5 cups Low-Fat Cottage Cheese (Small curd is best for smooth whipping)
• 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (For added tang and stability)

The Spice & Protein

• 2 cups Shredded Chicken Breast (Rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1/3 cup Buffalo Pepper Sauce (Adjust to heat preference)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Dried Dill

The Topping

• 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 2 tbsp Green Onions, thinly sliced

Preparation Steps:

1. Whipping the Dairy Base

1. To achieve a professional, cream-cheese-like consistency, place the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt into a blender or food processor.
2. Blend on high for 45–60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and no curds remain. This step is critical for texture.

2. Combining the Ingredients

3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, the smooth whipped cottage cheese mixture, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and dried dill.
4. Fold the ingredients together until the chicken is thoroughly and evenly coated in the spicy base.

3. The Baking Phase

5. Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
7. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15 minutes.

4. Broiling and Serving

8. For a golden finish, turn the oven to the broiler setting for the last 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and has developed small brown spots.
9. Remove from the oven, let it rest for 2 minutes to set, and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Expert Tips:

• The Texture Hack: Never skip the high-speed blending step. Adding cottage cheese straight from the tub without aerating it first will result in a watery, lumpy dip that fails to mimic the traditional density of cream cheese.
• Moisture Control: If you are using freshly boiled chicken, ensure it is fully drained and pat-dried before mixing. Excess water from the meat can cause the dairy base to break during baking.