This BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a fun and tasty meal! It combines juicy chicken with creamy cottage cheese for a hearty dish that’s both filling and healthy.
The tangy BBQ sauce adds a delicious kick! I love to top mine with fresh veggies—makes me feel like I’m eating good and being a bit fancy. 😄
Making this bowl is super simple; just cook the chicken, mix it all together, and you’re ready to eat! Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that won’t weigh you down!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: White rice is commonly used, but brown rice offers more fiber, and cauliflower rice is great for a low-carb option. I often switch to brown rice for a nuttier flavor.
Cottage Cheese: This adds creaminess and protein. If you’re not a fan, Greek yogurt is a wonderful alternative. It has a similar texture and tangy taste.
Chicken: Shredded chicken is best here, and rotisserie chicken is a time-saver! For a vegetarian twist, use black beans or grilled veggies instead.
Cheeses: Cheddar and feta give a nice flavor contrast, but feel free to use cheese you love, like Monterey Jack or queso fresco.
Avocado: Fresh avocado adds healthy fats and creaminess. If you’re out, try using sliced olives or just skip it for fewer calories.
How Do You Cook Chicken Perfectly for Shredding?
Cooking chicken so it shreds easily is all about the method. You can grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken. Here’s my go-to method:
- Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook on medium heat (either on a grill or in a skillet) for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding. Resting allows the juices to settle, making it juicier!
This approach ensures you have tender chicken for your BBQ bowl, making every bite delicious!
BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (feel free to substitute with brown rice or cauliflower rice)
- 2 cups fresh lettuce, chopped
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cooked and shredded
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Optional: a small bowl of ranch or herb dip for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. In about 10-15 minutes, you can cook and shred the chicken (or use pre-cooked grilled chicken for a quicker option). The assembly will take another 10-15 minutes. It’s fast and easy, perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, start by grilling or pan-searing the chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked (make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy, then shred it using two forks.
2. Add BBQ Sauce:
In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Make sure every piece is coated well! This gives the chicken a tangy, sweet flavor that’s just delicious.
3. Prepare the Bowl Base:
To assemble the bowls, evenly divide the cooked rice between your serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous amount of chopped lettuce, creating a fresh base for all the good stuff!
4. Assemble the Bowl:
Now it’s time to layer! Place the BBQ chicken on one side of the bowl. For a colorful and tasty presentation, add the sliced avocado, quartered tomatoes, sliced red onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled feta cheese. Don’t forget to add dollops of cottage cheese for that creamy goodness!
5. Garnish:
Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the top for an extra pop of flavor and freshness. It makes everything look beautiful too!
6. Serve:
If you’d like, serve with a small bowl of ranch or herb dip on the side for extra dipping fun!
7. Enjoy:
Dig in! Mix the ingredients together as you like, and enjoy this hearty, flavorful BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl. It’s a delightful and satisfying meal that combines protein, freshness, and flavor!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just shred it and mix it with BBQ sauce, and you’re all set!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with black beans, chickpeas, or grilled vegetables. This will still give you a hearty and satisfying bowl!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You might want to add a little extra BBQ sauce or cottage cheese to freshen it up!
Can I Use Different Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your bowl with toppings like corn, bell peppers, or different cheeses. You can also switch out the lettuce for spinach or arugula for a different flavor.
