Looking for a protein-packed meal that’s both satisfying and simple? My BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl has become my go-to lunch option when I want something hearty yet nutritious. The combination of smoky BBQ chicken with creamy cottage cheese creates a delightful contrast that keeps your taste buds engaged with every bite.
This recipe came about during a busy week when I needed quick, high-protein meals to fuel my workouts. What started as a random refrigerator clean-out has evolved into one of my most requested recipes from friends and family who are trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This
- High protein content (over 30g per serving) makes it perfect for fitness enthusiasts
- Ready in under 45 minutes with minimal hands-on cooking time
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and BBQ sauce
- Great for meal prep—components can be prepared ahead and assembled when needed
- Budget-friendly ingredients that are readily available year-round
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup roasted corn
- ¼ cup black beans
- ½ cup coleslaw
- ½ avocado, chopped
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Toss shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Layer cottage cheese, BBQ chicken, roasted corn, black beans, avocado, and coleslaw in a bowl.
- Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a time-saving shortcut, use rotisserie chicken instead of baking your own.
- Try different BBQ sauce flavors—honey chipotle, bourbon, or Carolina-style each bring unique character to the dish.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with roasted chickpeas or black beans tossed in BBQ sauce.
- If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese’s texture, blend it until smooth for a creamier base.
- Add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra flavor dimension.
- Meal prep tip: Store all components separately and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowls are substantial enough to enjoy on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a side of warm pita bread or whole grain crackers for scooping. For a more complete meal, serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
If you’re serving these for a casual gathering, set up a “bowl bar” with all the components laid out separately so guests can build their own bowls according to their preferences.
Notes
- Cottage cheese can be drained slightly if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- The BBQ chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- For meal prep, prepare all components but wait to slice the avocado until just before serving to prevent browning.
- Look for chicken with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s properly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes a great substitute if you’re not a cottage cheese fan. It provides similar protein benefits with a different texture.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
The base recipe contains BBQ sauce which typically has sugar. For a keto version, use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and increase the avocado portion while decreasing the tomatoes.
How can I make this spicier?
Add diced jalapeños to the bowl or mix some hot sauce into your BBQ sauce for an extra kick. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes also works well.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Definitely! Grilled chicken adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce. Grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
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