BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe

Introduction

The BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a flavorful and nutritious meal that combines smoky BBQ chicken with creamy cottage cheese and fresh veggies. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this bowl offers a satisfying balance of protein, texture, and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (use halal-certified)
• 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
3. Step 3: Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet, let rest a few minutes, then shred with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
5. Step 5: If not already cooked, prepare quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork once done.
6. Step 6: Chop cherry tomatoes, slice avocado, and drain corn if needed. Set aside.
7. Step 7: In a large bowl, layer cooked quinoa as the base, then add about half a cup of cottage cheese on top.
8. Step 8: Top with shredded BBQ chicken, then add cherry tomatoes, corn, and avocado slices.
9. Step 9: Drizzle lime juice over the bowl and sprinkle chopped cilantro. Add additional toppings like green onions or jalapeños if desired.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, try adding a dash of chipotle powder to the chicken seasoning.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture and tangy taste.
• Quinoa can be substituted with brown rice or couscous depending on your preference.
• To make it a vegetarian option, replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and use a vegetarian BBQ sauce.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the BBQ chicken gently in a skillet or microwave and assemble the bowl fresh to maintain the texture of cottage cheese and vegetables. Avoid reheating the entire assembled bowl to keep the fresh elements crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply shred it and toss with BBQ sauce before assembling the bowl.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Prepare all ingredients ahead and store separately. Assemble individual bowls when ready to eat for the freshest taste and texture.

BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 52 reviews

A wholesome and flavorful BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl featuring tender shredded BBQ chicken breast served over a base of cooked quinoa and creamy low-fat cottage cheese, topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, avocado slices, and a bright cilantro-lime garnish. This protein-packed bowl balances smoky, savory, creamy, and fresh elements for a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the BBQ Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup halal-certified BBQ sauce

For the Cottage Cheese Bowl:

• 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring the spices coat the meat thoroughly.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Add the BBQ Sauce: Pour the halal-certified BBQ sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavors together.
4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes, then shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Set aside.
5. Cook the Quinoa: Prepare quinoa according to package instructions, typically by boiling a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio, simmering for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed, then fluffing it with a fork.
6. Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the avocado, and drain the corn kernels if canned. Set aside.
7. Assemble the Bowl Base: In a large bowl, add a layer of cooked quinoa as the base to provide texture and heartiness.
8. Add Cottage Cheese: Spoon approximately half a cup of low-fat cottage cheese on top of the quinoa layer to add creaminess and tangy flavor.
9. Top with BBQ Chicken: Add a generous portion of shredded BBQ chicken over the cottage cheese, ensuring even distribution for flavor in every bite.
10. Add Fresh Veggies: Layer halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, and avocado slices over the chicken to add freshness, sweetness, and creaminess.
11. Garnish and Finish: Drizzle lime juice on top for brightness and sprinkle chopped cilantro for herbaceous flavor. Optionally, enhance with extra toppings like green onions, crushed tortilla chips, jalapeños, or additional BBQ sauce.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl immediately warm or prepare it in advance by dividing into containers and refrigerating for up to several days.

Notes

• Use halal-certified BBQ sauce to ensure the dish meets dietary requirements.
• Quinoa can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge to save preparation time.
• Feel free to customize the bowl with additional fresh vegetables or spices according to taste.
• This dish works well for meal prep and can be enjoyed cold or reheated gently.
• Check internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Bowl, Cottage Cheese Bowl, Healthy Chicken Bowl, Protein Bowl, Halal BBQ Chicken, Quinoa Bowl, Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Recipe