Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bowl

Football season sparked my creation of this buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl, and now I turn to it whenever wing cravings hit but I want something lighter. It delivers those buffalo flavors we all crave with an extra protein boost that keeps you full throughout the game. And the best part? No sticky fingers afterward!

I whipped these up for my friends during last week's game, and even Mike, who never deviates from traditional wings, couldn't stop digging in. His wife's been texting me non-stop asking how to make them!

Key Ingredients:

• Buffalo sauce of choice: - Frank's is my pick because my dad always used it
• Quality cottage cheese: helps balance the heat
• Already-cooked chicken: makes this super convenient
• Crunchy celery: for that necessary texture contrast
• Carrots: (hand-grated tastes so much better than pre-shredded)
• Full-fat ranch dressing: - skip the light version for this dish

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Preparation Steps:

Base Layer:

Scoop plenty of cottage cheese into your bowl. I always make a small depression in the middle - it catches the buffalo sauce perfectly.

Heat Level:

Mix your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until fully covered. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more - you can always increase the heat but can't dial it back!

Stacking:

Put your saucy chicken right in the middle of the cottage cheese. You'll notice the chicken's warmth slightly heats the cottage cheese - that's when everything comes together.

Veggie Time:

Sprinkle diced celery and shredded carrots around the edges. They aren't just garnish - they help cool your mouth between spicy bites.

Finishing Touch:

Add a generous pour of ranch dressing over everything. Sometimes I go with a zigzag pattern, other times little dots - just depends on my mood.

This bowl came to life during playoff season when I wanted a healthier alternative to ordering wings. It's become such a hit that my brother-in-law asks for it whenever there's a game on!

Simple Meal Planning:

Works great for packed lunches - just store the buffalo chicken separately until you're ready to eat. I typically cook extra chicken on Sundays so I can enjoy these bowls throughout the week.

Custom Variations:

Swap in blue cheese dressing for ranch to get that classic wing experience. Toss in some diced avocado for richness, or add chopped bell peppers for extra crunch. When I want more kick, I'll splash additional hot sauce on top before eating.

Freshness Matters:

For best results, put everything together just before you eat. Your vegetables will stay crunchier, and you can adjust the spiciness based on how you're feeling.

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Smart Cooking Tips:

• Heat chicken slightly before mixing in buffalo sauce
• Slice celery diagonally for a restaurant-quality presentation
• Always have additional ranch nearby - you'll thank me later

These bowls always transport me back to watching football with my dad, but in a healthier way. They're comfort food that won't leave you sluggish - just what you need when cheering for your team without facing a food coma afterward!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is this very spicy?

Adjust the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce depending on your taste.

→ Can I prep this ahead?

Keep each ingredient separate and put it together just before eating.

→ What’s the best buffalo sauce for this?

Use any buffalo wing sauce you like—just pick your favorite flavor and heat level.

→ Can I substitute ranch with blue cheese?

Sure, blue cheese dressing pairs wonderfully with buffalo chicken.

→ How do I make it healthier?

Use low-fat cottage cheese and a lighter version of ranch dressing to cut down on calories.