A satisfying and protein-packed meal, the Quick Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl combines tender BBQ chicken with creamy cottage cheese and fresh veggies for a delicious, balanced dish. It’s the perfect weeknight meal or meal prep option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bowl is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious, and hearty meal. It’s packed with lean protein, full of vibrant vegetables, and comes together in just 25 minutes. The sweet and tangy BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy cottage cheese and crisp veggies, making each bite a burst of flavor. Whether you need a quick lunch, a post-workout meal, or a comforting dinner, this recipe hits the spot.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
1 lb chicken breast
-
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
-
1 cup cottage cheese
-
1/2 cup corn kernels
-
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
-
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
-
Salt and pepper to taste
directions
-
Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
-
Grill or cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
-
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
-
In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
-
In a separate bowl or individual serving bowls, layer the cottage cheese, corn, red bell pepper, and green onions.
-
Top with the BBQ chicken mixture.
-
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Variations
-
Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken.
-
Vegetarian twist: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh tossed in BBQ sauce.
-
Grain base: Serve over a bed of quinoa, rice, or farro for added fiber.
-
Different cheese: Try ricotta or Greek yogurt as an alternative to cottage cheese.
-
Extra veggies: Add chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots for more crunch.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the BBQ chicken separately in the microwave or on the stove, then reassemble the bowl with fresh cold or room-temperature ingredients to preserve texture.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just shred it and mix it with BBQ sauce. It’s a great time-saver.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, or spicy all work well depending on your taste preference.
Is cottage cheese healthy?
Yes, cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, making it a nutritious choice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prep the ingredients separately and assemble the bowl when ready to eat for best texture.
What veggies can I substitute?
You can use any fresh vegetables like cucumbers, shredded carrots, or cherry tomatoes.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Just store the chicken and other ingredients separately for better freshness.
Can I freeze the BBQ chicken?
Yes, the BBQ chicken freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative or swap it with mashed avocado or hummus.
What protein alternatives can I use?
Grilled tofu, tempeh, or even shrimp make great substitutes for chicken.
Conclusion
The Quick Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl is the ideal combination of ease, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re short on time or looking for a satisfying high-protein meal, this recipe delivers. With endless customization options, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Print
Quick Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl
This Quick Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl is a protein-packed, flavor-loaded meal made with shredded BBQ chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and crisp veggies. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect wholesome lunch or dinner for busy days.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup corn kernels
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Season chicken breast with salt and pepper.
-
Grill or cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
-
Shred the cooked chicken with two forks.
-
Toss shredded chicken in BBQ sauce until coated.
-
In serving bowls, add layers of cottage cheese, corn, red bell pepper, and green onions.
-
Top with BBQ chicken mixture and serve immediately.
Notes
-
Time Saver: Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
-
Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
-
Dairy-Free Option: Use mashed avocado or dairy-free cottage cheese.
-
Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free