High Protein Buffalo Ranch Chicken Bowl – Creamy & Low Carb

There’s something deeply satisfying about a meal that’s both comforting and nourishing, especially on a busy weekday evening when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Buffalo Ranch Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowls are the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet supports your health goals at the same time. Creamy, spicy, tangy, and packed with protein, this bowl is perfect for meal prep, post-workout refueling, or a quick family dinner.

This recipe was inspired by the growing love for high-protein bowl meals that combine bold flavors with wholesome ingredients. Buffalo chicken has long been a favorite in wraps and salads, and pairing it with creamy cottage cheese and ranch seasoning creates a fresh, modern twist that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

• High in protein to keep you full and energized

• Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes

• Perfect for meal prep

• Customizable with your favorite vegetables and toppings

• Bold buffalo flavor balanced with creamy ranch

This bowl combines lean chicken breast, tangy buffalo sauce, cool ranch seasoning, and creamy cottage cheese into one balanced meal. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a high protein easy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

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What Makes This a High-Protein Powerhouse?

Protein is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall health. This bowl delivers protein from two primary sources:

• Boneless skinless chicken breast

• Full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese

A single serving of this bowl can easily provide over 40 grams of protein, depending on portion size. Cottage cheese adds not only protein but also a creamy texture that balances the heat of buffalo sauce beautifully.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the detailed ingredients with precise measurements:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 grams)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)

• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (120 ml)

• 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix

• 2 cups cottage cheese (480 grams)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (150 grams)

• 1 cup cucumber, diced (130 grams)

• 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice (200 grams cooked)

• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (30 grams)

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (10 grams)

• Optional: 1/4 cup shredded lettuce (20 grams)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml) in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

3. Add Buffalo Flavor

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or cubes. Toss with 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (120 ml) and 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix until evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Bowls

Divide 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice (200 grams) between bowls. Add 1 cup cottage cheese (240 grams) per bowl. Top with buffalo chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, or store in airtight containers for meal prep.

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Visual Inspiration

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Customization Ideas

One of the best parts about Buffalo Ranch Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowls is how adaptable they are.

Swap the Base

• Quinoa (1 cup cooked / 185 grams)

• Mixed greens for a low-carb option

• Roasted sweet potatoes (1 cup / 200 grams)

Add More Vegetables

• Diced bell peppers (1/2 cup / 75 grams)

• Steamed broccoli (1 cup / 150 grams)

• Corn kernels (1/2 cup / 80 grams)

Adjust the Heat Level

• Use mild buffalo sauce for less spice

• Add extra hot sauce for more kick

• Stir 1 tablespoon (15 grams) Greek yogurt into buffalo sauce to mellow heat

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Meal Prep Tips

This recipe is perfect for weekly meal planning.

• Cook chicken in advance and store for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

• Keep cottage cheese separate until serving to maintain freshness.

• Store vegetables in separate compartments to prevent sogginess.

For best results, reheat only the rice and chicken before adding cold cottage cheese and fresh toppings.

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Nutritional Benefits

This high protein easy meal supports:

• Muscle recovery

• Sustained energy

• Blood sugar balance

• Satiety for weight management

Cottage cheese provides calcium and casein protein, while chicken breast offers lean protein with minimal fat.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this bowl:

• After a strength training session

• As a quick weeknight dinner

• Packed for lunch at work

• As part of a family-style build-your-own bowl bar

You can even turn leftovers into wraps using whole wheat tortillas (8-inch / 20 cm).

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option for this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl. Simply shred 3 cups (about 420 grams) of cooked chicken and warm it in a skillet with 1/2 cup (120 ml) buffalo sauce and 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix. While freshly cooked chicken breast gives you more control over seasoning and sodium levels, rotisserie chicken works beautifully for busy days when convenience matters. If using store-bought rotisserie chicken, you may want to reduce added salt in the recipe since it’s often pre-seasoned. This substitution keeps the meal high in protein and makes it even faster to prepare, reducing total cooking time to under 10 minutes.

2. Is cottage cheese good in savory bowls?

Absolutely. Cottage cheese is incredibly versatile and works very well in savory dishes. Its mild, slightly tangy flavor pairs perfectly with bold ingredients like buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning. The creamy texture balances spicy heat and adds richness without requiring heavy sauces. Additionally, cottage cheese is packed with protein and calcium, making it a smart choice for high-protein meals. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend 1 cup (240 grams) of cottage cheese in a food processor until creamy before adding it to your bowl. This creates a texture similar to a thick savory yogurt spread while keeping the same nutritional benefits.

3. Can I make this bowl low carb?

Yes, this recipe is easy to adapt for a low-carb lifestyle. Replace the 1 cup cooked rice (200 grams) with 1 cup cauliflower rice (150 grams) or a base of mixed greens. You can also increase the amount of non-starchy vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, or leafy greens to add volume without significantly increasing carbohydrates. Be mindful of the buffalo sauce you use, as some brands contain added sugars. Choosing a low-sugar version helps keep the carb count lower. With these adjustments, the bowl remains high in protein and satisfying while aligning with lower carbohydrate goals.

4. How long does this recipe last in the fridge?

When stored properly in airtight containers, Buffalo Ranch Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowls can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. For best results, store the components separately: keep the chicken and rice in one container and the cottage cheese and fresh vegetables in another. Reheat the chicken and rice portion before assembling the full bowl. Avoid freezing cottage cheese, as it can change texture after thawing. If meal prepping multiple servings, portion ingredients evenly into containers right after cooking to ensure freshness and consistent servings throughout the week.

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Expert Tips for the Best Flavor

• Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.

• Toss chicken in buffalo sauce while still warm for better absorption.

• Use freshly chopped green onions for brightness.

• Taste and adjust salt after adding buffalo sauce.

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Final Thoughts

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowls prove that healthy eating does not have to be bland or complicated. This high protein easy meal brings together bold, satisfying flavors with wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients in a way that feels indulgent but supports your wellness goals. The creamy cottage cheese balances the spicy buffalo sauce, while fresh vegetables add crunch and freshness. Every bite offers contrast, texture, and depth.

What makes this recipe truly special is its flexibility. Whether you are preparing meals for a busy workweek, fueling your body after workouts, or simply looking for a dinner that everyone in the family can customize, this bowl delivers. You can adjust the heat, swap the base, add extra vegetables, or even transform leftovers into wraps or salads.

Beyond flavor, this recipe supports a balanced lifestyle. With lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats, it keeps you satisfied without feeling heavy. It’s a meal that works as hard as you do.

If you’re looking for a reliable, protein-packed recipe that you’ll return to again and again, this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl deserves a permanent place in your rotation. Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to make healthy eating both exciting and deeply satisfying.

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