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Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowls have become my answer to busy weeknights and protein packed lunches. Cool cottage cheese, crunchy veggies, and spiced buffalo chicken combine for a bold twist on snack platters or salads. If you love flavor and crave something quick with minimal cleanup, this bowl is for you.
The first time I made this, I used up every container of leftovers in my fridge. It became an instant favorite for its balance of spice and crisp veggies—a satisfying lunch that does not wilt in a lunchbox.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken: Brings in lean protein and soaks up all the buffalo flavor. Look for freshly roasted or rotisserie chicken for the best texture and taste
- Buffalo sauce: Delivers the signature heat and tang. Choose one with clean ingredients or homemade if you love control over spice levels
- Low fat cottage cheese: Cools the buffalo heat while amping up protein. Pick a brand with small curds for creaminess
- Diced cucumber: Adds crunch and juiciness. Firm cucumbers hold up best and stay fresh for meal prep
- Celery sticks: Bring classic buffalo wing vibes and satisfying crunch. Choose thick stalks with crisp texture
- Matchstick carrots: Offer light sweetness and color. Pre cut bags save time but fresh carrots give better texture
- Chopped green onions: Add a burst of flavor and color. Go for ones with bright green tops and no wilting
- Optional extras: Avocado slices or ranch dressing let you tailor the bowl. Creamy dressing smooths the heat while a squeeze of lime brightens all the flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Shred fully cooked chicken with two forks or your hands for bite size pieces. In a medium bowl, toss with buffalo sauce until all chicken is evenly coated. Let it rest for two minutes to absorb flavor
- Prep the Veggies:
- Rinse cucumber carrots and celery under cold water. Pat dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the bowl. Dice cucumber into bite size cubes. Slice celery into matchsticks or small sticks. Julienne carrots if using whole carrots for better texture
- Assemble the Bowl:
- Choose a wide serving bowl for best presentation and easy mixing. Scoop cottage cheese onto one side. Arrange buffalo chicken in a separate section. Place diced cucumber celery sticks and matchstick carrots in the remaining areas for a colorful pattern
- Garnish and Customize:
- Sprinkle chopped green onions on top. If desired, drizzle extra buffalo sauce over the chicken for more heat. Add black pepper to cottage cheese or veggies for extra bite. Tuck in avocado slices or give a squeeze of lemon or lime for freshness.
- Serve or Store:
- Eat right away for best crunch or keep components separate in meal prep containers for up to three days. Assemble just before eating for the freshest dish
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The green onions always get the most attention at our table I love how they tie together the tangy buffalo flavor and crunch of the veggies. This recipe became our summer picnic go to because it travels well and never feels heavy or greasy.
Storage Tips
Keep each ingredient in its own airtight container for best freshness. The cottage cheese can hold for about four days in the refrigerator which is nearly the same as cooked chicken. Vegetables stay crisp when wrapped in paper towels before sealing. When ready to eat just assemble your bowl and add garnishes.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out chicken for cooked turkey or tofu for a different protein base. Use Greek yogurt if cottage cheese is not your style or try a mix of the two for creaminess and boost in protein. Any sturdy veggie like bell pepper or radish works well if you want to add variety.
Serving Suggestions
These bowls shine as a complete lunch but also make a fast dinner when paired with a baked potato or crusty bread. Sometimes I break up gluten free crackers on top for extra crunch or serve with a wedge of lemon to brighten everything up.
Cultural Context
Buffalo sauce hails from Buffalo New York where cooks first combined hot sauce and butter for wings. This recipe swaps fried chicken for a lighter shredded version and creamy cottage cheese stands in for the blue cheese dip in traditional wing baskets. It is an everyday way to enjoy those classic flavors without the fuss.
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Your next protein packed meal prep will be full of bold flavors and freshness with this easy recipe ready anytime you crave classic buffalo taste.
Common Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for the bowl?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well. Shred and toss it with buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
- → What sauce substitutes can be used for buffalo sauce?
Try sriracha, hot honey, or chipotle sauce for different heat levels and flavors.
- → Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Store chicken, vegetables, and cottage cheese separately; assemble just before eating.
- → How can I make it vegetarian?
Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce.
- → Which dressings pair best with this bowl?
Ranch or blue cheese dressing brings creaminess and complements the buffalo flavor balance.