BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

$- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade) - 2 cups cottage cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned) - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup shredded lettuce (like romaine or iceberg) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Lime wedges for garnish Use fresh chicken for the best flavor. Shred it after cooking for even heat. Choose ripe avocados for creaminess. Make sure tomatoes are firm and vibrant. If you use canned corn, rinse it well. This helps reduce excess sodium. Always wash lettuce thoroughly to remove dirt. Fresh herbs like cilantro add a nice touch. Store these items in a cool place before use. Cottage cheese is high in protein and low in fat. It helps keep you full longer. Chicken breast is also lean and packed with protein. This dish has healthy fats from avocado. Tomatoes add vitamins A and C, plus antioxidants. Corn brings fiber to the table, aiding digestion. Red onion gives flavor and boosts heart health. Lime juice adds vitamin C, which helps boost immunity. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, shred your cooked chicken breast. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease. In a medium saucepan, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Use your favorite brand or try making your own. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Stir often until the chicken warms up. This should take about five minutes. The chicken will soak up the BBQ flavor. Grab a large bowl. Start by adding the cottage cheese as the base. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Next, spoon the warm BBQ chicken on top. Make sure it covers the cheese well. Then, layer the cherry tomatoes, corn, diced avocado, and sliced red onion. Add the shredded lettuce last. This keeps it fresh and crispy. Don’t forget to sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. If you like, add chopped cilantro for extra flavor. Serve your BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl right away. I like to add lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some juice over the bowl before you dig in. It adds a zesty kick that brightens every bite. For a fun touch, consider using colorful bowls. They make your meal look even more appealing. Enjoy this dish warm for the best taste! When picking BBQ sauce, think about your taste. Do you like sweet, tangy, or spicy? Look for a sauce that matches your style. If you want to make your own, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. This easy blend packs a punch. Always taste the sauce before you use it. Adjust it with spices or honey to make it just right. Fresh herbs can lift your dish. Cilantro is my go-to for this bowl. It adds a fresh kick. You can also try parsley or chives. Just chop them fine and sprinkle on top. If you want a bolder taste, use basil or dill. Fresh herbs not only taste great, but they also make your bowl pop with color. Sometimes, we need to make a meal fast. Buy rotisserie chicken for the quickest prep. It’s already cooked and tasty! You can also use pre-shredded veggies. They save time and add crunch. If you want to skip cooking, try canned corn or cherry tomatoes. They are ready to go and add great flavor. With these tips, you can whip up your BBQ chicken cottage cheese bowl in no time! Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, saving you time in the kitchen. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite toppings, such as black beans, jalapeños, or shredded cheese for extra flavor. Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the BBQ chicken mixture. Chill for a Cold Bowl: To enjoy this dish as a refreshing cold bowl, let the BBQ chicken cool and serve it chilled over the cottage cheese. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other meats. Try shredded turkey for a lighter taste. Pulled pork works well too, adding a sweet and smoky flavor. If you want beef, use shredded brisket. Each option gives a new twist to the dish. For a vegetarian option, use black beans or chickpeas. They add protein and a hearty feel. If you want it vegan, replace cottage cheese with a plant-based option. Look for almond or soy-based cheese. This keeps the meal creamy and satisfying. Get creative with your toppings! Add diced bell peppers for crunch. Try pickled jalapeños for heat. You can even sprinkle some cheese on top. Other fun options include roasted pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips. Each topping adds unique flavors and textures. To keep your BBQ chicken cottage cheese bowl fresh, store it in an airtight container. Layer the ingredients as you made the bowl. Place the chicken and veggies on top of the cottage cheese. This helps keep the cottage cheese from getting too wet. You can also store each ingredient separately. This way, you can mix them later. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, heat the chicken mixture first. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid. Heat it in 30-second bursts until warm. Stir between each burst for even heating. Once heated, layer it back on the cottage cheese. If you want it warm, eat it right away. For cold enjoyment, skip the heating and enjoy it fresh! For busy days, prep your ingredients ahead of time. Cook the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can chop your veggies and keep them in separate bags. On busy days, just grab a bowl, layer your cottage cheese and veggies, and top with the chicken. This makes for a quick, tasty meal! Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this by placing it in the fridge overnight or using the microwave. Once thawed, cook it until it reaches 165°F. Then, shred it and mix with BBQ sauce. This method gives you tasty chicken in no time! You can try these sides to make your meal even better: - Grilled corn on the cob - Fresh fruit salad - Coleslaw for crunch - Sweet potato fries - Garlic bread for a nice touch These sides pair well and add variety to your plate. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it fresh longer, separate the ingredients. Keep the BBQ chicken separate from the cottage cheese. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor or texture! This guide walked you through making a BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to enhance flavor. You learned about variations, storage, and even had FAQs answered. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. With fresh ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can make a tasty meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make this dish your own!$

BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

A delicious and hearty bowl featuring shredded chicken in BBQ sauce served over cottage cheese with fresh toppings.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 whole avocado, diced
1 cup corn kernels
0.5 whole red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded lettuce
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish lime wedges

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated and heated through, about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, layer the cottage cheese as the base. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the bowl.
Top the cottage cheese with the warm BBQ chicken mixture, ensuring it's distributed evenly.
Next, layer on the cherry tomatoes, corn, diced avocado, sliced red onion, and shredded lettuce.
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the top to taste. Add chopped cilantro for a fresh touch if desired.
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish, squeezing lime juice over the bowl just before eating.

Notes

Add lime juice just before eating for extra flavor.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, cottage cheese, healthy bowl