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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite flavor) - 1 cup cottage cheese - 1 cup cooked brown rice (or quinoa) - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned) - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 small red onion, diced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) - Sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick (optional) The main ingredients form the base of the dish. Chicken breasts provide protein. Barbecue sauce adds sweetness and tang. Cottage cheese gives creaminess and helps balance the flavors. In the additional ingredients, brown rice or quinoa serves as a hearty base. Corn kernels add a sweet crunch. Diced bell pepper and red onion bring color and freshness. Each ingredient plays a role in making the bowl satisfying. For seasoning, smoked paprika and garlic powder add depth. Salt and pepper enhance the dish. Fresh cilantro brightens the taste. Jalapeños offer a spicy kick. You can adjust these as per your taste. This combination creates a tasty and easy meal that is also filling. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. While it warms up, prepare the chicken. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure it's fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, take it off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. While the chicken rests, grab a small saucepan. Heat your barbecue sauce over low heat. This warming method brings out the sauce's great flavor without cooking it down. It only takes a few minutes, so keep an eye on it. Now it’s time to build your bowl! Start with half of the cooked brown rice or quinoa at the bottom of a serving bowl. Next, add the cottage cheese on top. Then, layer in the corn kernels, diced bell pepper, and red onion. Chop the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix the chicken with half of the warmed barbecue sauce. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Spoon this BBQ chicken mix over the veggies and cottage cheese. Drizzle the rest of the barbecue sauce over the top for extra flavor. For a nice finish, sprinkle chopped cilantro and add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Serve in colorful bowls for a vibrant look, and don't forget a lime wedge on the side for a zesty touch! To grill chicken well, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures it is safe to eat. After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices settle, making it tender and juicy. When picking BBQ sauce, choose one that fits your taste. Sweet, smoky, or spicy flavors all work great. You can also mix sauces for a unique twist. To boost the taste further, use seasonings like smoked paprika and garlic powder. These add depth and richness to your dish. For sides, consider fresh salad or roasted veggies. These add color and nutrition to your meal. You can also serve with tortilla chips for a crunchy bite. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. This makes your bowl look vibrant and inviting. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an even tastier chicken, marinate the chicken breasts in the barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will infuse the meat with extra flavor. Use Leftover Chicken: To save time, use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken. Just chop it up and mix it with the barbecue sauce for a quick assembly. Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to add other vegetables like avocado, black beans, or diced tomatoes to your bowl for added nutrition and flavor. Control the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños or opt for a milder pepper if you prefer less heat in your dish. You can always serve them on the side for guests to add as they like. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your bowl. Try using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Both options soak up flavors well, making them tasty. If you want meat, consider using beef or pork. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose. Need it gluten-free? Use quinoa instead of brown rice. Quinoa is a great grain that is also high in protein. If you want a vegan option, swap the cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative. You can find many good dairy-free cottage cheese brands in stores. Make your bowl even better by using seasonal veggies. In summer, fresh corn and bell peppers are perfect. In winter, try roasted squash or hearty greens. Adjust your recipe based on what is fresh and available. This makes your meal more flavorful and nutritious. To store your Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down to room temperature first. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This dish stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Be sure to check for any off smells before eating. If you want to freeze it, here are a few steps to follow. First, separate the chicken and veggies from the cottage cheese. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out as much air as you can before sealing. This way, you can keep it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Heat it gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water for moisture. Meal prepping makes cooking easier and quicker. You can prepare the chicken and rice ahead of time. Cook them on a Sunday and store them in the fridge. When you want a quick meal, just assemble your bowl. Layer the ingredients in a container for an easy grab-and-go lunch. This way, you enjoy a tasty meal without much hassle. A Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl is a tasty meal that combines chicken, cottage cheese, and fresh veggies. This dish is fun and easy to make. It has a mix of flavors from the barbecue sauce and the creaminess of cottage cheese. Many people love this bowl for its balance of protein, carbs, and veggies. It’s quick to prepare, making it a popular choice for busy weeknights. Yes, you can easily add some heat! If you like spicy food, add sliced jalapeños on top. You can also mix in some hot sauce with the barbecue sauce. Start with a little bit and taste it. You can always add more if you want it spicier. This way, you control the heat and make the dish just right for you. Cottage cheese is very healthy! It's low in fat and high in protein. This makes it great for muscle building and weight loss. It also has calcium, which is good for your bones. However, some brands may have added salt, so check the label. Overall, cottage cheese is a smart choice for a healthy meal. This blog post showed you how to create a tasty Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl. We covered the main ingredients like chicken, barbecue sauce, and cottage cheese. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking, assembling, and tips for perfect flavor and presentation. Remember, you can customize this dish with different proteins or seasonal veggies. Store leftovers well and enjoy meal prep tips for easy cooking. This dish is fun, healthy, and full of flavor. Dive in and make your own unique version today!

Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl

A delicious and hearty bowl featuring grilled chicken, barbecue sauce, cottage cheese, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 piece bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh cilantro for garnish
  • optional sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • While the chicken is resting, in a small saucepan, heat the barbecue sauce over low heat until warm. This brings out the flavors of the sauce without cooking it down.
  • After the chicken has rested, chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken with half of the warmed barbecue sauce, tossing until evenly coated.
  • In a serving bowl, layer half of the cooked brown rice at the bottom. Top it with the cottage cheese, followed by the corn kernels, diced bell pepper, and red onion.
  • Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture on top of the veggies and cottage cheese. Drizzle the remaining barbecue sauce over the top for extra flavor.
  • If desired, sprinkle chopped cilantro and add sliced jalapeños for a spicy finish.

Notes

Serve in colorful bowls for a vibrant look, garnished with cilantro and a lime wedge on the side for a zesty touch.
Keyword BBQ, bowl meal, Chicken, cottage cheese