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Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl - A Creamy, High-Protein Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped; rotisserie works great)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite; see notes for smoky vs. sweet)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd or whipped; 2% or 4% for creaminess)
  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (brown rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; drained if canned)
  • 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes (or diced roma tomatoes)
  • 1 small red onion (thinly sliced or diced)
  • 1 avocado (sliced or diced)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional but adds freshness)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for warming corn or charring if desired)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Method
 

  1. Warm the base: Heat the rice or quinoa until hot and fluffy. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, toss the cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce. Warm until the sauce bubbles and coats the chicken, 3–5 minutes.
  3. Prep the veggies: Slice the onion, chop the tomatoes, and dice the avocado. Rinse and drain the black beans. If using frozen corn, sauté it with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and chili powder for 3–4 minutes to bring out sweetness.
  4. Season the cottage cheese: In a bowl, stir the cottage cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili powder.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the rice or quinoa into bowls. Add a generous scoop of cottage cheese to each.
  6. Add the toppings: Spoon on the BBQ chicken, then layer corn, black beans, tomatoes, and red onion. Add avocado last so it stays fresh.
  7. Finish with freshness: Sprinkle with cilantro and add lime wedges on the side. Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce if you like it saucy.
  8. Taste and adjust: Add salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime to brighten everything up.