This BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a fun and tasty dish! It’s packed with juicy chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and a zesty BBQ sauce that brings it all together.
The best part? It’s super quick to make and can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. I love piling on some veggies for crunch—makes it feel extra special! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. If you’re looking for a faster option, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly too.
BBQ Sauce: Any BBQ sauce you love can work here! Try honey BBQ for sweetness or smoky BBQ for a more robust flavor. For a healthier option, consider a homemade BBQ sauce with less sugar.
Cottage Cheese: This adds creaminess and protein to the bowl. If you’re not a fan, Greek yogurt makes a nice substitute. It’s smooth and tangy!
Feta Cheese: I love the tangy flavor feta adds! If you prefer a milder cheese, try crumbled goat cheese or even shredded mozzarella.
Vegetables: Fresh veggies add crunch and color. Feel free to swap any veggies or add others like shredded carrots or radishes based on what you like or have on hand.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken in BBQ sauce is key to great flavor! Start by leaving the chicken in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, overnight is best.
- Heat your skillet or grill to medium heat. A hot surface helps sear the chicken, giving it delicious charring.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice brown color and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy before slicing.
BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked rice or quinoa (optional base)
- 1/2 cup mixed salad greens (lettuce, arugula, etc.)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup pickled red onions
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl takes about 30 minutes of prep time for marinating the chicken, plus an additional 20 minutes to cook and assemble the dish. If you choose to marinate the chicken overnight, it’ll save you time on the day you want to serve this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by marinating the chicken breasts in 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating overnight helps the chicken absorb more flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re fully cooked and slightly charred. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, take the chicken out and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
3. Prepare the Base:
If you’re using cooked rice or quinoa, warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. Place the warm rice or quinoa at the bottom of your bowl as a base if you like a heartier meal.
4. Assemble the Bowl:
On one side of the bowl, arrange a layer of fresh salad greens. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, pickled red onions, and slices of avocado. This adds a pop of color and crunch to your bowl!
5. Add the Chicken:
Place the sliced, cooked BBQ chicken over the rice or directly over the salad greens, whatever you prefer!
6. Add Cottage Cheese and Toppings:
Spoon the cottage cheese generously over the bowl. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor.
7. Drizzle and Garnish:
Finish with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on top. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl immediately while everything is fresh and vibrant. Dig in and enjoy this tasty and nutritious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this bowl vegetarian, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas. You can marinate the tofu in BBQ sauce as well for that rich flavor. Additionally, consider adding more vegetables, like roasted zucchini or bell peppers!
Can I Prepare This Bowl Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all components, like chicken, veggies, and grains, ahead of time. Store everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just assemble the bowl when you’re ready to eat!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to warm the chicken separately and then assemble the bowl again for the best taste and texture.
