Meet your new favorite high-protein, low-carb meal: the Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl. It’s bold, fresh, and unbelievably satisfying — a perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and crunchy. Think tender shredded buffalo chicken paired with cool, crisp veggies and creamy cottage cheese, all tied together with a drizzle of hot sauce.
This bowl delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort — and the best part? No stove required if you use pre-cooked chicken. Whether you’re meal prepping, refueling after a workout, or just craving something light but flavorful, this recipe hits every mark: quick, balanced, and endlessly customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🔥 Packed with Protein: Between juicy shredded chicken and creamy cottage cheese, this bowl offers a serious protein boost to power your day.
🥕 Fresh & Balanced: The spicy chicken contrasts beautifully with the crisp, cooling veggies.
⏱️ Ready in Minutes: A true “no-cook” recipe if you start with rotisserie chicken.
🥗 Meal Prep Friendly: Stays fresh and delicious for several days in the fridge.
⚡ Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap veggies, or use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese.
🥩 Low-Carb & Keto-Approved: Big flavor, minimal carbs — perfect for clean eating or keto diets.
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need a full kitchen setup for this one — just a few simple tools to make prep quick and clean:
- Mixing Bowl: To toss the shredded chicken evenly with buffalo sauce.
- Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For crisp, uniform veggie prep.
- Measuring Spoons: To control your sauce and seasoning amounts.
- Serving Bowl: A wide, shallow bowl makes it easy to assemble and visually stunning.
- Forks or Shredder Tool (optional): For pulling apart chicken quickly.
Each tool helps you get clean cuts, even flavor distribution, and that fresh, Instagram-worthy presentation.
Pro Tips for Perfect Assembly
✅ Use Rotisserie Chicken: Cuts prep time in half and adds rich, savory flavor.
✅ Keep Veggies Cold: Chilled cucumbers, celery, and carrots make the spicy chicken pop.
✅ Pat Veggies Dry: Water dilutes the flavor — dry them for maximum crunch.
✅ Balance the Heat: Start with 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce and adjust to taste.
✅ Plate It Pretty: Arrange ingredients in neat sections for visual appeal and texture variety.
✅ Upgrade with Add-Ons: Add avocado, shredded lettuce, or even a drizzle of ranch for your perfect combo.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup celery sticks
- ½ cup matchstick carrots
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ons
- Extra buffalo sauce
- Cracked black pepper
- Lemon or lime juice
- Sliced avocado
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Each component brings its own magic: spicy, creamy, crunchy, and fresh. Together, they create a perfectly balanced bowl that’s both light and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Shred & Sauce the Chicken
Place 1 cup of pre-cooked shredded chicken in a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce and toss until every piece is coated. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up all that spicy goodness.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
Wash, dry, and chop your veggies:
- Slice celery into sticks
- Dice cucumber into small cubes
- Julienne or shave carrots into thin matchsticks
Keep everything separate for easy plating.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowl
In a wide serving bowl, arrange the shredded buffalo chicken on one side. Add sections of cucumber, celery, and carrots around it for that beautiful “bowl aesthetic.”
Step 4: Add Cottage Cheese
Spoon ½ cup of cottage cheese into the center or top of the chicken for a cool, creamy contrast to the heat.
Step 5: Garnish & Drizzle
Top with chopped green onions and drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top. Add a crack of black pepper or a squeeze of lemon if you’d like a little brightness.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately while the chicken is slightly warm and the veggies are crisp. For meal prep, store each component separately and assemble just before eating.
Recipe Notes & Variations
💡 Make It Your Way: Swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt or add avocado for a creamy dairy-free option.
🌶️ Adjust the Spice: Use mild buffalo sauce or mix in Greek yogurt to mellow the heat.
🥬 Add Greens: Toss in baby spinach or lettuce for more volume and fiber.
🥑 Dairy-Free: Skip the cottage cheese and use mashed avocado or dairy-free yogurt.
👶 Kid-Friendly: Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a milder version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Over-saucing the Chicken: Start light; you can always add more.
🚫 Wet Veggies: Pat them dry to prevent sogginess.
🚫 Using Runny Cottage Cheese: Choose a thicker brand for better texture.
🚫 Skipping Garnish: Green onions and extra sauce add that final layer of flavor.
🚫 Assembling Too Early: For meal prep, keep ingredients separate until serving.
What to Serve With It
This bowl stands strong on its own but pairs perfectly with light sides and snacks:
- Whole Wheat Pita or Crackers – Great for scooping or dipping.
- Chilled Watermelon or Pineapple – Sweet contrast to the heat.
- Air-Fried Sweet Potato Wedges – Warm, hearty, and slightly sweet.
- Pickles or Pickled Veggies – Tangy, crunchy, and refreshing.
- Green Smoothie – Add a nutrient-packed drink to round it out.
- Deviled Eggs – More protein, more flavor.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing – Perfect for dipping.
- Crispy Roasted Chickpeas – Crunchy, fiber-rich snack on the side.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Store Components Separately: Keeps textures crisp and fresh.
- Buffalo Chicken: Up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Veggies: Best within 3–4 days.
- Cottage Cheese: Use within 5–7 days once opened.
- Reheat Chicken Only: If you want it warm, microwave just the chicken before assembling.
- ❄️ Do Not Freeze: Cottage cheese and fresh veggies don’t freeze well.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: ~340 kcal
Protein: ~38g
Carbs: ~12g
Fat: ~15g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~5g
Sodium: ~780mg
High in protein, low in carbs, and incredibly filling — this bowl is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.
FAQs
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Store components separately and assemble before serving.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
Greek yogurt, ricotta, or hummus all work beautifully.
Is it spicy?
Depends on your buffalo sauce — choose mild or mix with Greek yogurt for less heat.
Can I use canned chicken?
Absolutely! Drain it well and toss with sauce before adding to your bowl.
Is it keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs and fits perfectly in a keto plan.
Can I eat it cold?
Definitely — it’s delicious cold, making it great for lunches or on-the-go meals.
Kid-friendly version?
Swap buffalo for BBQ sauce for a milder take.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is everything you want in a quick, healthy meal — bold flavor, fresh crunch, and satisfying protein power. It’s fast, filling, and flexible enough for any diet or schedule.
Whether you need a post-workout boost, an easy meal prep option, or a spicy lunch that keeps you full for hours, this bowl has your back. It’s clean eating made craveable — one bite, and you’ll be hooked. 🔥🥗💪
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 2 tbsp buffalo sauce
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup celery sticks
- ½ cup matchstick carrots
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions
Optional Additions:
Extra buffalo sauce, black pepper, avocado, ranch or blue cheese dressing, lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl.
- Chop and dry all veggies.
- Arrange chicken, veggies, and cottage cheese in a serving bowl.
- Garnish with green onions, drizzle sauce, and season as desired.
- Serve fresh or store ingredients separately for meal prep.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins