This BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a yummy mix of protein and flavor! It features tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and creamy cottage cheese, all in one bowl.
It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. I love how easy it is to whip up—just toss everything together, and you’ve got a tasty and filling meal that feels like a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken works best for quick cooking. If you need a substitute, you can use thigh fillets or even shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make it homemade! If you’re avoiding sugar, opt for a sugar-free BBQ sauce. For a smoky flavor, look for sauces with chipotle.
Rice: This recipe calls for white or brown rice, but quinoa or cauliflower rice can be great gluten-free alternatives. Both are nutritious and have a nice texture.
Cottage cheese: It adds creaminess and protein. If you’re not a fan, Greek yogurt or silken tofu can work well as substitutes, maintaining a similar consistency.
Fresh veggies: Feel free to mix in any other favorites you have, like corn, carrots, or avocado. They all add a nice crunch and flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is key! Coat it well in BBQ sauce and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. You can let it marinate longer (up to 2 hours) to soak all that flavor in even more.
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high before adding the chicken. This helps create a nice sear and keeps the juices locked in.
- Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, checking for doneness. It should be well-cooked, but don’t rush it; the perfect cooking time can make a huge difference.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before chopping, this allows the juices to redistribute for a tender bite!
How to Make a BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
Ingredients List:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
For the Base:
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup chopped lettuce or mixed greens
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small cucumber, sliced and chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Cilantro Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes marinating and cooking the chicken, and 10 minutes prepping the vegetables and assembling the bowl. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate and Cook the Chicken:
Start by coating the chicken breasts with the BBQ sauce, making sure they are evenly covered. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes (or you can pop them in the fridge for up to 2 hours if you have time). While your chicken is marinating, preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side until they are charred and fully cooked. After cooking, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Cilantro Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined. Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Set aside to let the flavors blend.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the chicken cools, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, chop the cucumber, thinly slice the red onions, and slice the yellow bell pepper. You want everything to be ready for assembly!
4. Assemble the Bowl:
Start with a generous helping of cooked rice as the base, followed by a layer of chopped lettuce or greens in a serving bowl. Arrange the BBQ chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, yellow bell pepper, and cottage cheese on top, creating colorful sections.
5. Add Finishing Touches:
If you’re using feta cheese, sprinkle that over the bowl, along with some extra chopped cilantro for freshness. Drizzle the cilantro yogurt sauce generously over everything. It’s going to be so tasty!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
For an extra kick, feel free to add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika on top of the veggies. This BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for lunch or dinner. Enjoy it warm, and savor every bite!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken can be shredded or chopped and tossed into the bowl. Just skip the marinating step and warm it slightly if desired before assembling.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Meal Prep?
Yes! You can prepare the individual components ahead of time. Cooked chicken, rice, and chopped veggies can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Assemble just before serving for the freshest taste.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based protein option. Use any BBQ sauce that fits your diet, and enjoy the same great flavors!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, and enjoy! The fresh veggies and cottage cheese are best added just before serving.
