Quick Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl

I used to think that chicken had to be complicated to taste good. My mom would marinate it for hours or coat it in all sorts of seasonings. Then one busy weeknight in college, I discovered something by accident – BBQ sauce and cottage cheese are secretly best friends. I was just throwing together whatever I had in my fridge, but that random combination turned into one of my go-to meals.

Now when I need something quick and filling after work, this BBQ chicken bowl is my answer. It takes about 15 minutes to make, uses just a few ingredients, and the cottage cheese adds a creamy richness that makes it feel like comfort food without all the fuss.

Great Toppings for Your Bowl

Adding the right toppings can take your Quick Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl to the next level.

Consider including some crunchy elements like chopped scallions or sliced radishes for contrast.

A sprinkle of fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley can add a burst of freshness. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

For a touch of sweetness, mix in some corn kernels or diced red bell peppers. These toppings not only enhance flavor, but they also add texture and color to your bowl.

Key Ingredients and Alternatives

To make the Quick Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl, you’ll need some core ingredients, but there’s flexibility if needed.

Boneless chicken breast is ideal for quick cooking and tender texture, but you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

BBQ sauce is a must for that smoky-sweet taste; choose your favorite brand or make your own!

Cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein, though Greek yogurt can be a substitute if you prefer a tangier profile.

Adjust these ingredients to suit your taste and pantry supplies.

Preparing in Advance

You can make parts of the Quick Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl in advance. Start by cooking the chicken and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

You can also mix the BBQ sauce with the chicken ahead of time to let the flavors meld.

Just before serving, all you’ll need to do is warm up the pre-cooked components and add your fresh ingredients and toppings.

This approach makes meal prep efficient and convenient.

Estimated Nutrition Facts

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 400-450
• Protein: 40-45 g
• Fat: 15-20 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	20 minutes
Total Time	30-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Ingredients

• 1 chicken filet
• ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 2 tbsp Ranch dressing
• 2 tbsp Shredded cheddar cheese (reduced fat)
• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Once the oven is hot, place the chicken filet on a baking tray and cook it for 20 minutes or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside.

Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s 165°F (75°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture

While the chicken is cooking, mix together cottage cheese and ranch dressing in a bowl.

Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Heat the Chicken and Prepare the Bowl

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven.

In a separate pan, heat some BBQ sauce and toss in the cooked chicken breast, coating it well with the sauce.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the BBQ chicken and cottage cheese mixture. Drizzle with some BBQ sauce and shredded cheddar cheese. Enjoy.