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BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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