High-Protein Chicken & Cucumber Cottage Cheese Bowl – Fresh, Low-Carb Power Lunch

Introduction

Have you ever had one of those days when you just need something refreshing, filling, and high in protein, but you’re not in the mood to cook an elaborate meal?
That was exactly me last week — I’d just finished a morning walk and some light resistance training, craving something that would refuel my muscles but still taste crisp, creamy, and fresh.

That’s when this High-Protein Chicken & Cucumber Cottage Cheese Bowl was born.

It’s the kind of meal that checks every box:
✅ Packed with lean protein
✅ Perfectly low in carbs
✅ Creamy and cooling (thank you, cottage cheese + cucumber combo)
✅ Ready in minutes

For anyone following a keto, high-protein, or weight-loss plan, this is a dream recipe.
It’s light but deeply satisfying, combining the juicy bite of seasoned chicken, the cool crunch of cucumbers, and the creamy tang of cottage cheese — all tied together with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Whether you’re looking for an easy lunch to take to work, a quick post-workout refuel, or a balanced dinner that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy, this bowl is going to be your new go-to.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

💪 High in Protein: Over 40g of clean protein per bowl — perfect for muscle recovery.
🥗 Low in Carbs: Just a few net carbs, making it keto-friendly and weight-loss approved.
⏱️ Quick to Prepare: Ready in less than 20 minutes.
🥒 Fresh & Creamy: The cucumber-cottage cheese combo is incredibly refreshing.
🍋 Customizable: Add herbs, avocado, or spices to make it your own.
🥡 Meal-Prep Friendly: Make it once, enjoy it all week long.

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My Personal Experience

When I first created this recipe, it honestly came from pure laziness — I didn’t feel like cooking.
I had leftover grilled chicken from dinner, a half tub of cottage cheese in the fridge, and a lonely cucumber sitting in my vegetable drawer. I threw them together, added some seasoning, and boom — instant magic.

What I didn’t expect was how balanced it would taste. The chicken gave it that hearty, satisfying protein punch, the cottage cheese added creaminess without the heaviness of mayo or sour cream, and the cucumber made every bite cool and crisp.

From that day, this High-Protein Chicken & Cucumber Cottage Cheese Bowl became my favorite go-to lunch — especially on days I’m tracking macros or aiming for 140g+ protein intake.

It’s also super versatile: sometimes I add chopped boiled eggs or avocado for a higher fat ratio when I’m deep in keto mode; other times I toss in a handful of spinach to make it more like a salad bowl.

This recipe isn’t just delicious — it’s a lifestyle bowl. A mix of ease, health, and satisfaction that fits any routine.

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Required Equipment

🥣 Mixing Bowl

You’ll need a medium-sized mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients evenly. A glass or stainless steel bowl works best — it helps keep everything chilled and fresh.

🔪 Sharp Knife & Cutting Board

You’ll use this to cube your chicken, slice cucumbers, and chop any herbs. A sharp knife ensures cleaner cuts (and avoids bruising your cucumber slices).

🍳 Skillet or Grill Pan

If you’re cooking chicken fresh, a non-stick skillet or grill pan is perfect for searing the chicken to juicy perfection.

Tip: Preheat your pan before adding the chicken to lock in moisture and flavor.

🥄 Measuring Cups & Spoons

For tracking macros and protein accuracy, use these to measure cottage cheese, olive oil, and seasonings precisely.

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Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 200g boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and cubed
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (about 220g)
• ½ large cucumber, diced
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp crushed black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Optional: 1 tbsp chopped dill or parsley for garnish

Ingredient Insights:

• Chicken breast → Lean, high-quality protein (approx. 26g protein per 100g). Keeps the bowl light yet filling.
• Cottage cheese → Adds creaminess and an extra 15–20g of protein per cup. Great for bone health, muscle recovery, and satiety.
• Cucumber → Hydrating, crunchy, and low in calories — balances the richness of cottage cheese.
• Olive oil → Adds healthy fats that support hormone balance and satiety.
• Lemon juice → Brings brightness and enhances flavor without adding calories.
• Garlic powder & pepper → Simple but powerful flavor boosters.

Substitutions:

• Swap chicken with boiled eggs, turkey breast, or tofu for variety.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a tangier, creamier flavor.
• Add avocado for extra healthy fats and creaminess.
• Replace olive oil with avocado oil or flaxseed oil if desired.

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How to Make High-Protein Chicken & Cucumber Cottage Cheese Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

• If you’re not using leftovers, season raw chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Grill or pan-sear for about 5–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until fully cooked.
• Let it rest, then cube or shred it.

💡 Mini Tip: Don’t overcook! Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough — you want juicy, tender cubes.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

• Dice the cucumber into bite-sized cubes.
• If you like extra crunch, keep the peel on. For a softer bite, peel it first.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

• In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Mix gently — don’t mash it, keep the textures distinct.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

• Fold in the cooked chicken cubes. Mix well so the cottage cheese coats every bite evenly.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

• Optional: Chill the bowl for 15 minutes before serving. It enhances the flavor and makes it even more refreshing.

Serve immediately with a sprinkle of chopped dill or parsley for freshness.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Overcooking the Chicken: Dry chicken ruins the texture — keep it juicy.
🚫 Using watery cottage cheese: Drain excess liquid before mixing to prevent a soggy bowl.
🚫 Skipping the lemon juice: It adds balance and freshness to the creaminess.
🚫 Overmixing: Gently fold; don’t stir aggressively or it’ll turn mushy.

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Pro Tips for Best Results

⭐ Always chill your bowl for 10–15 minutes before serving — it enhances both texture and flavor.
⭐ Add herbs like dill, chives, or mint to elevate freshness.
⭐ Use a mix of chicken breast and cottage cheese to reach an ideal 40–45g protein per serving.
⭐ Meal-prepping? Store chicken and cottage cheese separately to avoid sogginess.

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High-Protein Nutrition & Strategy

The core of this recipe is clean protein balance — lean chicken and dairy-based protein from cottage cheese make it perfect for:

• Post-workout recovery (helps rebuild muscle)
• Keto and low-carb diets (minimal carbs, high satiety)
• Weight management (high protein keeps hunger in check)

💡 Why Cottage Cheese Is a Fitness Secret:

Cottage cheese contains casein, a slow-digesting protein that keeps you full for hours — unlike whey, which digests fast. Pairing it with chicken (a fast-digesting protein) gives your body both immediate and long-lasting protein release.

This means sustained energy, better muscle recovery, and fewer cravings later.

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Variations You Can Try

🔥 Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
🧀 Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or feta for extra flavor.
🥑 Keto Boost: Add avocado cubes or crushed walnuts for extra fats.
🌿 Herb Garden Style: Mix in basil, dill, or mint.

Each variation changes the macros slightly — but all keep it high-protein and low-carb.

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Tips for This Recipe

• Keep your cottage cheese cold for maximum creaminess.
• For lunchbox meal prep, layer ingredients (chicken at bottom, cottage cheese in middle, cucumber on top).
• Add a few cherry tomato halves if not strict keto.
• A dash of smoked paprika adds depth without carbs.

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Optional Additions (For Extra Protein)

💥 2 boiled egg whites – +7g protein
💥 1 tbsp chia seeds – +2g protein, +fiber
💥 1 scoop unflavored whey – +20g protein (mix gently!)
💥 2 tbsp Greek yogurt – +4g protein

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Serving Ideas

🥗 Serve it in a bowl with lettuce for a salad-style meal.
🌮 Wrap it in keto tortillas for an on-the-go lunch.
🍱 Use it as a meal-prep box base — lasts 3–4 days in the fridge.

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Storage Recommendations

• Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Not recommended (cottage cheese changes texture).
• Reheat: Serve chilled or room temperature — no need to reheat.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! It’ll give a tangier, thicker texture but still pack protein.

2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s low in carbs and fits perfectly into keto macros.

3. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, it’s a great shortcut! Just drain well and mix gently.

4. How can I make it even higher in protein?
Add egg whites, Greek yogurt, or a small scoop of unflavored whey protein.

5. Is this good for meal prep?
Yes — store chicken separately and assemble just before eating.

6. What if I don’t eat dairy?
Use tofu or vegan cottage cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.

7. Can I add rice or quinoa?
Sure — if you’re not keto, a small serving of cooked grains makes it more filling.

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Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 370 kcal
• Protein: 44g
• Fat: 16g
• Total Carbs: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Net Carbs: 5g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg

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📌 Recipe Snapshot

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Lunch / Dinner / Post-Workout Meal
Cuisine: High-Protein, Keto, Gluten-Free
Servings: 2
Calories: 370 per serving
Protein: 44g per serving