This BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a fun and tasty meal! It features tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and zesty barbecue sauce for a delicious mix of flavors.
I love how quick it is to make, and it’s a great way to sneak in some protein. Serve it with a sprinkle of green onions for a fresh finish, and you’re good to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling, but you can swap them with thighs for more flavor. Alternatively, shredded rotisserie chicken works great too if you’re short on time!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce, or make your own for a personal touch! If you want a lighter option, try a sugar-free or low-calorie sauce.
Cottage Cheese: This adds a creamy texture and protein boost. If cottage cheese isn’t your favorite, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute, providing a similar creaminess.
Avocado: Diced avocado gives a nice creaminess. You can use guacamole in a pinch, or leave it out if you’re not an avocado fan.
Rice: Brown rice brings a nutty flavor and more fiber, but any cooked grain like quinoa or even cauliflower rice can work if you want something lighter.
How Do You Grill Chicken to Perfection?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your grill well to get those lovely grill marks and ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
- Season your chicken lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This keeps the meat moist.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For an added flavor kick, brush on the barbecue sauce towards the end of grilling to create a delicious glaze.
Letting the chicken rest after grilling is essential; it helps the juices redistribute for a more tender bite!
BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or blue cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or sour cream (optional)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes or chili powder for seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl takes about 30-35 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and grilling the chicken, and then about 5-10 minutes assembling your bowls. It’s a quick and nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While it heats up, take the chicken breasts and brush them lightly with olive oil. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and if you like a kick, some red pepper flakes or chili powder!
2. Grilling the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the hot grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). In the last few minutes of grilling, brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce over the chicken for a delicious glaze. Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
3. Assembling Your Bowl:
After letting the chicken rest, slice it into strips. In a large bowl, start by adding a base of cooked rice and top with a handful of shredded lettuce or cabbage. Then, arrange the sliced chicken strips on one side of the bowl. On the other side, add the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, and chopped cilantro.
4. Adding the Finishing Touches:
Top the bowl with generous dollops of cottage cheese and, if you’d like, sprinkle some crumbled feta or blue cheese on top for extra flavor. Finally, drizzle ranch dressing or sour cream over everything for creaminess.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is ready to serve! Dive in and enjoy every bite, mixing the ingredients together as you eat for a delightful blend of textures and flavors!
Enjoy this colorful, protein-packed BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl that’s fresh, tangy, and satisfying!
Can I Use a Different Protein in This Bowl?
Absolutely! You can substitute grilled tofu for a vegetarian option or use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation. Even ground turkey or beef would work well; just adjust the cooking methods appropriately.
Is This Bowl Suitable for Meal Prep?
Yes, this bowl is perfect for meal prep! You can grill the chicken and chop all the veggies in advance. Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble when you’re ready to eat!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the ingredients fresh, it’s best to store the dressing separately until ready to eat, as it can make the greens wilt.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like corn, black beans, or roasted veggies. You can also swap out the cottage cheese for a different type of cheese or even leave it out completely for a lighter option.
