Savory BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

Why Make This Recipe

Savory BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a delicious and healthy meal that combines tender BBQ chicken with the creamy texture of cottage cheese. It’s packed with protein and fresh veggies, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just want a tasty meal, this bowl has something for everyone.

How to Make Savory BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each) or 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 2 cups (16 oz) cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ English cucumber, diced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup corn kernels
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
• ¼ cup light mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (garnish, optional)
• Fresh chives, snipped (garnish, optional)
• Extra smoked paprika (garnish, optional)
• Hot sauce (garnish, optional)

Directions

1. 
   

   Prepare & Season Chicken
   
   Pat chicken dry. Combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Sprinkle seasoning generously over chicken.

   
   
2. 
   

   Cook Chicken
   
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or grill for 6-8 minutes on each side. Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes.

   
   
3. 
   

   Sauce Chicken
   
   Shred or dice the chicken. Toss it with BBQ sauce until fully coated.

   
   
4. 
   

   Prepare Bowl Base & Veggies
   
   Divide cottage cheese between two large bowls. Arrange mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, corn, and optional black beans over the cottage cheese.

   
   
5. 
   

   Make BBQ Dressing
   
   Whisk together light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional cayenne until smooth. Taste and adjust as needed.

   
   
6. 
   

   Assemble & Serve
   
   Spoon saucy BBQ chicken and diced avocado over the bowls. Drizzle generously with creamy BBQ dressing. Garnish with fresh cilantro, chives, smoked paprika, or hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately.

   
   

How to Serve Savory BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

Serve this bowl fresh and warm, ready to enjoy as a satisfying meal. It is great on its own but can also be paired with a piece of whole grain bread or roasted sweet potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

How to Store Savory BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and dressing separate from the cottage cheese and veggies if possible to maintain freshness. Reheat the chicken before serving.

Tips to Make Savory BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

• Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauces for unique tastes.
• Add your favorite veggies to customize the bowl.
• Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding more beans or tofu.

Variation

You can easily switch up this recipe by using different proteins like turkey or pork, or by adding grains like quinoa or brown rice for extra nutrition.

FAQs

1. 
   

   Can I use frozen chicken?
   
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even cooking.

   
   
2. 
   

   Is this recipe gluten-free?
   
   Yes, as long as you choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce and mayonnaise/Greek yogurt, this recipe can easily be gluten-free.

   
   
3. 
   

   Can I meal prep this recipe?
   
   Absolutely! This bowl is great for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat to keep everything fresh.

   
   

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