This BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a tasty mix of juicy chicken and creamy cottage cheese, topped with your favorite barbecue sauce. It’s quick to make and super filling!
I love how simple this dish is—just toss it together and enjoy! Perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something hearty but easy. Plus, it’s packed with protein, which is always a win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a quicker option, try using rotisserie chicken, which is already cooked and can save you time!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for that different flavor! You can make your own by mixing ketchup, vinegar, and spices. If you’re avoiding sugar, look for sugar-free or low-sugar options at the store.
Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is creamy and high in protein. If you’re not a fan, Greek yogurt can be an excellent substitute. It provides a similar texture and tang.
Corn: Fresh corn is great, but you can use canned or frozen corn in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw if using frozen, and drain the canned corn before adding. I love the sweetness that corn brings to the bowl!
Mixed Greens: I enjoy using a mix of romaine and spinach, but feel free to swap in any salad greens you like. Kale or arugula could also be nice choices!
How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with these steps, you’ll get perfectly cooked, moist chicken each time!
- Always preheat your grill or skillet. This helps create a nice sear on the chicken, locking in juices.
- Season with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance flavor. Let the chicken rest after cooking—this keeps it juicy!
- Use BBQ sauce for the last few minutes of grilling so it gets sticky and caramelized without burning.
- Check doneness by cutting into the thickest part or using a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C).
BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, or spring mix)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup ranch or cilantro-lime dressing (for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the chicken and prepping the ingredients, and the assembly is super quick. It’s a great option for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, generously brush BBQ sauce on both sides of the chicken.
2. Grill to Perfection:
Grill or cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks. When done, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice it into strips.
3. Prepare the Corn:
While the chicken is cooking, take a small pan and add the corn kernels along with olive oil. Heat them for about 3-4 minutes until they are warm and a little charred. Add a pinch of salt for flavor.
4. Assemble the Bowl:
Now for the fun part! Start by placing a base layer of cooked rice in a bowl. Arrange the mixed salad greens around the edges of the bowl, creating a colorful display. Add sections of sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion on top of the greens.
5. Add the Main Ingredients:
Place the sliced BBQ chicken strips right on top of the rice. Next, add spoonfuls of cottage cheese around the bowl. Don’t forget the warm grilled corn—please add that beside the other ingredients for a nice touch!
6. Dress It Up:
Drizzle ranch or cilantro-lime dressing over everything for extra flavor. Finish it off by garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro.
7. Enjoy!
Dig in right away to enjoy all the fresh flavors and textures in this delicious BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Bowl?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just chop it up and follow the remaining steps. You can also reheat it briefly before serving if you prefer warm chicken.
What If I Don’t Have Cottage Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, try using hummus or a plant-based yogurt instead!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bowl components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken and corn in the microwave or on the stovetop, and assemble the bowl again!
Can I Make This Bowl Vegetarian?
Yes! Easily make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more protein-rich ingredients like black beans or chickpeas. You can keep the rest of the ingredients as is for a delicious veggie bowl!
