Looking for a fast, delicious, and protein-packed meal? This Quick Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl is exactly what you need! It’s a healthy take on a BBQ chicken bowl, and the creamy cottage cheese adds a unique twist, making this dish not only satisfying but full of flavor. With tender grilled chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and fresh toppings, this bowl comes together in minutes and will keep you full and happy for hours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe is all about ease and flavor. The cottage cheese makes a perfect base for the BBQ chicken, giving the dish a creamy richness without being overly heavy. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce balances beautifully with the freshness of the veggies, making every bite burst with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile! You can adjust the toppings to your liking, and it’s a meal that can easily be prepped ahead of time. Quick, healthy, and oh-so-delicious—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s a peek at what you’ll need for this delicious bowl (full ingredient list below):

Chicken breast or thighs
BBQ sauce
Cottage cheese
Fresh vegetables (like corn, cucumber, and bell peppers)
Green onions (optional)
Fresh herbs (optional)
Olive oil

Be sure to check out the full ingredient list below for the exact measurements!

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken. If you’re grilling, simply brush the chicken with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you’re pan-frying, heat some olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side. Once the chicken is cooked, brush it generously with your favorite BBQ sauce and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 2: Assemble the Bowl

Now it’s time to assemble! Start with a scoop of cottage cheese in the bottom of a bowl. It creates a creamy base that pairs perfectly with the BBQ chicken. Add a serving of the BBQ chicken on top, along with your choice of fresh veggies like corn, cucumber, and bell peppers. You can also add a sprinkle of green onions or fresh herbs like cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Step 3: Finish and Serve

Top the bowl with a little extra BBQ sauce if you like, or add a squeeze of lime for some acidity. Serve immediately and enjoy your quick and tasty meal!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use grilled chicken for extra flavor: Grilling gives the chicken a nice smoky char that pairs beautifully with the BBQ sauce. If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan works great too.
Add some crunch: Top your bowl with some crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch, or even some roasted nuts for extra texture.
Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or jalapeños to your bowl for some extra kick.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Use chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great option. They’re juicier and pack a bit more flavor.
Add more toppings: Feel free to add anything you like to the bowl, such as avocado, shredded cheese, or even some pickled onions for extra tang.
Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist, and the BBQ sauce still works perfectly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Quick Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl is filling on its own, but you can pair it with a light side salad or roasted vegetables if you want to round out the meal. For a refreshing drink, try pairing it with iced tea, a sparkling water with lime, or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the cottage cheese separate to maintain its freshness. To reheat, you can warm up the chicken and veggies in the microwave, but be sure to not overheat the cottage cheese. It’s best served fresh for that creamy texture.

4 FAQs

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce? Absolutely! Store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly for this recipe, but feel free to use homemade if you prefer.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the bowl and add the cottage cheese.
Can I use a different protein? Yes! You can easily swap out the chicken for grilled steak, turkey, or even shrimp for a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze leftovers? While the chicken can be frozen, cottage cheese doesn’t freeze well. It’s best to store the chicken and veggies separately in the fridge and assemble the bowl when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

This Quick Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl is the ultimate easy meal when you need something flavorful and satisfying in a hurry. It’s packed with protein, fresh veggies, and a creamy base that takes it to the next level. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this bowl is a winner every time. Quick, healthy, and totally delicious!

Quick Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl

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A fast, protein-packed meal with tender grilled chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and creamy cottage cheese. This healthy take on a BBQ chicken bowl is topped with fresh veggies and is sure to satisfy any craving!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Chicken breast or thighs – 2 large breasts or 4 small thighs
BBQ sauce – 1/2 cup (more for topping)
Cottage cheese – 1 cup (for 4 servings)
Fresh vegetables – 1 cup each of corn (fresh or frozen), cucumber (diced), and bell peppers (diced)
Green onions – 2 stalks (optional)
Fresh herbs (optional) – 1/4 cup cilantro or parsley
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for grilling or frying)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Brush chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side or pan-fry for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temp). Brush with BBQ sauce and let rest before slicing.
Assemble the Bowl: Start with a scoop of cottage cheese as the base in a bowl. Add BBQ chicken and fresh veggies like corn, cucumber, and bell peppers. Optionally add green onions or herbs.
Finish and Serve: Top with more BBQ sauce or a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.