Spicy Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake with 40g Protein

Name: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake with 40g Protein
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup thick buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s Wing Sauce); 1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch seasoning mix; 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

Author: Emily Frost

Published: November 16, 2025

Updated: November 19, 2025

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Oh my goodness, you have to try this Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake—it’s become my family’s go-to weeknight dinner! I stumbled onto this combo when I was desperately trying to use up leftover chicken and cottage cheese, and wow, did we hit the jackpot. The creamy texture from blending cottage cheese with cream cheese is pure magic, and the spicy kick from that thick buffalo sauce? Absolute perfection.

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As a mom who’s constantly juggling hungry kids and tight schedules, I love how this dish comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The secret’s in the ranch seasoning—it balances the heat just right. Trust me, even picky eaters (like my youngest) go back for seconds when this bubbly, cheesy bake hits the table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake

Listen, this isn’t just another casserole—it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:

Creamy dreamy texture: Blending cottage cheese and cream cheese creates this luscious, velvety base that holds up to the bold buffalo sauce. No weird graininess, I promise!
Dinner in a flash: From fridge to oven in 10 minutes flat (seriously, even my toddler “helps” without slowing us down).
Protein powerhouse: Packed with nearly 40g of protein per serving—it keeps you full without that heavy, greasy feeling.
Meal prep MVP: Tastes even better reheated, so I always double the batch for easy lunches all week.

Oh, and did I mention it’s basically foolproof? Even my burnt-toast husband can’t mess this one up.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake

Okay, let’s talk ingredients—because the right ones make all the difference here! I’ve learned through trial and error (and a few sad, runny batches) that quality matters with this bake. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken – I use rotisserie chicken when I’m in a hurry, but leftover grilled works beautifully too
2 cups full-fat cottage cheese – Don’t even think about low-fat here—the fat is what gives us that creamy texture
4 oz cream cheese, softened – Leave it on the counter for an hour or microwave for 15 seconds if you forgot (we’ve all been there)
1/2 cup thick buffalo wing sauce – Frank’s Wing Sauce is my holy grail—the thinner stuff makes everything too watery
1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch seasoning mix – The hidden flavor bomb that ties everything together
1.5 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese – I often do half-and-half because why choose?
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional) – For that fresh crunch at the end

See? Nothing fancy—just good, honest ingredients that work magic together. Now let’s get mixing!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake

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Alright, let’s dive into the good stuff—making this glorious bake! I promise it’s easier than convincing my kids to eat their veggies. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a spicy, cheesy masterpiece in no time.

Step 1: Prep the Cheese Mixture

First things first—that creamy base! Grab your blender (or a big bowl and hand mixer if you’re old-school like me sometimes). Toss in the cottage cheese and softened cream cheese, then blend until it’s smooth as silk. No lumps allowed! If you’re using a blender, pulse a few times at first to break everything down. This step is crucial—it’s what gives our bake that dreamy texture instead of chunky cottage cheese surprises.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Now for the fun part! Pour that silky cheese mixture into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and 1 cup of your shredded cheese—I always give it a taste here because who can resist? Then, gently fold in your shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Key word: gently. You want to keep all that tender chicken intact, not turn it into mush. The mixture should look gloriously orange and speckled with chicken—that’s when you know it’s ready.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour everything into your greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese—because more cheese is always the answer. Pop it in a 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling like a spicy little volcano and the top turns golden brown. If you’re unsure, give it the jiggle test—the center should be set but still slightly wobbly. Let it sit for 5 minutes (if you can wait that long) before diving in!

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake

Want bakery-level results every time? Here are my hard-won secrets:

Thick sauce is key: That cheap runny buffalo sauce will make your bake watery—splurge on a quality wing sauce (Frank’s never fails me).
Softened cream cheese matters: Microwave it for 15 seconds if you’re impatient like me—lumps won’t blend out if it’s cold.
Green onion magic: Add half into the mix and save the rest for garnish—that fresh crunch makes all the difference!

Oh, and resist opening the oven door—that heat escape is the enemy of golden perfection.

Variations for Your Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake

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Listen, rules were made to be broken—especially in the kitchen! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:

Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for extra kick or mozzarella for that glorious stretchy pull.
Crunch factor: Stir in diced celery or crushed tortilla chips for texture—my kids go nuts for the “hidden crunch.”
Protein play: Swap chicken for shredded turkey or even canned tuna (trust me, it works!).

The beauty? This bake forgives all your creative sins. Go wild!

If you love the heat in this dish, try the Spicy Bang Bang Chicken—a quick weeknight favorite loaded with bold flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake

This spicy, cheesy bake is basically begging for some crunchy friends! I love it with crisp celery sticks (hello, classic buffalo pairing) or salty tortilla chips for scooping. For a light meal, a simple green salad with ranch dressing makes the perfect cooling contrast. And between you and me? Leftovers stuffed into a warm tortilla the next day is *chef’s kiss*.

Make it a theme night with the Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole, perfect for family dinners with layers of flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s the best part—this bake actually gets better as leftovers! Store any extras (if you’re lucky enough to have them) in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. When you’re ready to eat, microwave individual portions for 60–90 seconds until heated through. For that just-baked crispiness, pop it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes—just keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn. I’ve even frozen portions for up to a month—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bake FAQs

I get asked about this recipe all the time—here are the burning questions (pun intended) from my fellow cottage cheese converts:

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese? Technically yes, but you’ll lose that signature creamy texture. If you must, use thick Greek yogurt and add an extra ounce of cream cheese to compensate.
How spicy is this dish? With standard buffalo sauce, it’s got a nice kick—think medium wings. For kids or sensitive palates, use mild sauce or cut it with a tablespoon of honey.
Can I make it ahead? Absolutely! Assemble it (unbaked) up to 24 hours in advance—just add 5 extra minutes to the bake time since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
Why did my sauce separate? Probably used thin buffalo sauce or didn’t blend the cheeses enough—always go for thick wing sauce and blend until completely smooth!

Still have questions? Slide into my DMs—I love troubleshooting kitchen experiments!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads up—nutrition info can vary based on your exact ingredients and brands. But generally speaking, this bake packs serious protein while keeping carbs reasonable. Always check your specific product labels if you’re tracking closely!

I’d love to hear how your bake turns out! Tag me on Instagram or leave a rating—nothing makes my day like seeing your kitchen creations.

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