Introduction
Transform leftover chicken into a spicy, creamy, and protein-packed masterpiece in just 15 minutes! This Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution for busy cooks who crave flavor without the fuss. Forget complicated recipes; this one’s all about simple ingredients and maximum deliciousness.
Why This Works
This recipe is a game-changer because it’s ridiculously fast, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly healthy. Cottage cheese provides a creamy base that perfectly complements the tangy buffalo sauce and juicy chicken. It’s the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and satisfying, making it a go-to for a quick and easy protein-rich meal any night of the week.
Key Ingredients
🐔 1.5 cups cooked chicken, shredded
🧀 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese
🌶️ 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
🌿 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
🧈 1 tablespoon butter
💙 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken: Shred your leftover cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!). If starting with raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before proceeding.
2️⃣ Melt the Butter: In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
3️⃣ Sauté the Garlic: Add the garlic powder to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. (Skip this step if you’re short on time!)
4️⃣ Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cottage cheese, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and sautéed garlic butter (if using).
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve: Gently stir to combine. Top with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Handy Tips
- Use pre-shredded chicken to save even more time.
- For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Adjust the amount of Frank’s RedHot sauce to control the spice level.
Heat Control
The only heat involved is the gentle melting of butter for the garlic. Low to medium heat ensures the garlic infuses the butter with flavor without burning. If you skip this step, the recipe is still delicious!
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on creamy texture, you can add a crunch element by topping with crushed tortilla chips, chopped celery, or toasted breadcrumbs.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Boost the flavor: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the overall taste.
- Make it a meal prep star: Prepare multiple bowls ahead of time for a quick and healthy lunch throughout the week.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This recipe isn’t ideally suited for gifting, as it’s best enjoyed fresh due to the nature of cottage cheese.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Ranch Buffalo: Add 1-2 tablespoons of ranch dressing for a creamy, tangy twist.
🌟 BBQ Buffalo: Substitute your favorite BBQ sauce for the Frank’s RedHot sauce.
🌟 Honey Garlic Buffalo: Drizzle with honey and add more garlic powder for a sweet and savory kick.
🌟 Spicy Buffalo: Increase the amount of Frank’s RedHot and add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Troubleshooting
- Too spicy: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool down the heat.
- Too dry: Add a splash of milk or cream to achieve desired consistency.
- Chicken too bland: Marinate the chicken before cooking for more intense flavor.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of cheese? While cottage cheese works best for its creamy texture, you can experiment with ricotta cheese or even cream cheese.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.
- What kind of chicken should I use? Any leftover cooked chicken works, but rotisserie chicken is a convenient option.
- Is it healthy? Yes, this recipe is packed with protein and relatively low in fat, making it a healthy meal option.
- Can I freeze it? Freezing is not recommended due to the cottage cheese; the texture will likely be negatively affected upon thawing.
Conclusion
This Speedy Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is your new go-to for a quick, delicious, and protein-packed meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. Share this recipe with your friends and family—we guarantee they’ll love it!
5-Minute Buffalo Chicken Bowl: Protein Power Lunch
A quick and nutritious buffalo chicken bowl packed with flavor and protein, perfect for a power lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn, canned or frozen
- 1/2 cup diced avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, mixing until the chicken is evenly coated.
- In serving bowls, layer the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Top each bowl with diced avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice to the avocado.
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.