Description
This Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and protein-packed dish featuring tender BBQ-seasoned chicken breast served over a creamy cottage cheese base, topped with a vibrant quinoa, corn, and red onion mixture, and finished with shredded cheddar cheese. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal, blending smoky spices and fresh ingredients in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Quinoa Mixture
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Bowl Base and Topping
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the pan: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the tablespoon of olive oil to coat the surface, preparing it for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: While the pan heats, evenly season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt for optimal flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the heated pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and develop a golden-brown crust.
- Rest and slice chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice into thin strips for serving.
- Prepare quinoa mixture: If not already cooked, prepare quinoa according to package instructions. In a small bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, corn kernels, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Coat chicken with BBQ sauce: Once sliced, drizzle the BBQ sauce over the chicken strips and gently toss to evenly coat each piece with the sauce.
- Assemble the bowl base: Spoon 1 cup of cottage cheese into the base of your serving bowl, creating a creamy foundation for the bowl.
- Add BBQ chicken: Layer the BBQ-coated chicken strips evenly on top of the cottage cheese base.
- Add quinoa topping: Spoon the prepared quinoa mixture over the chicken layer to add texture and freshness.
- Sprinkle cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the entire bowl to finish.
- Serve: Serve the bowl immediately while the chicken is warm and enjoy the balanced combination of flavors and textures.
Notes
- To make this dish gluten free, ensure the BBQ sauce you select does not contain gluten ingredients.
- If quinoa is not pre-cooked, allow extra time for cooking before assembly.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- This bowl can be served warm or at room temperature depending on preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
