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35g Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Bowl

35g Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Bowl Recipe

Allan
This 35g Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Bowl is a fresh, colorful, and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weekdays, healthy lunches, or post-workout dinners. Juicy seasoned chicken, creamy cottage cheese, wholesome grains, and crisp vegetables come together to create a balanced bowl that's both nutritious and incredibly flavorful. Easy to customize and ideal for meal prep, it's a recipe you'll find yourself making again and again.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 445 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • ¾ cup sweet corn
  • 1 diced avocado
  • ¼ cup chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Optional toppings: hot sauce everything bagel seasoning, chili flakes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds

Instructions
 

  • Pat the diced chicken breast completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the chicken brown properly instead of steaming, giving you a more flavorful, golden exterior. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl.
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, then add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for 10–15 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours if preparing ahead.
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, leaving a little space between the pieces. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this prevents proper browning. Cook the chicken undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until the bottom develops a golden crust.
  • Flip the chicken pieces using tongs or a spatula and continue cooking for another 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is evenly browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If cooking in batches, transfer the first batch to a plate before cooking the remaining chicken.
  • Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a clean plate. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping every bite tender and juicy.
  • While the chicken is resting, prepare the remaining ingredients. Cook the brown rice if it has not already been prepared and allow it to cool slightly. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion and fresh parsley, warm the corn if using frozen, and dice the avocado just before assembling to keep it fresh.
  • Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among four serving bowls, spreading it across the bottom of each bowl to create a hearty and balanced base.
  • Spoon an equal amount of cottage cheese into each bowl beside the rice instead of mixing it in. Keeping it separate creates an attractive presentation and allows everyone to stir it into the bowl while eating if they prefer.
  • Arrange the cooked chicken evenly over the rice, making sure each serving receives an equal portion for consistent flavor and protein.
  • Add the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, diced avocado, and chopped red onion around the chicken, placing each ingredient in its own section to create a colorful, fresh, and visually appealing bowl.
  • Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley evenly over each serving, then squeeze fresh lemon juice across the entire bowl to brighten the flavors and balance the creamy cottage cheese.
  • Add any optional toppings you enjoy, such as freshly cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes for heat, everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
  • Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the vegetables are crisp and fresh. For the best eating experience, gently mix all the ingredients together before enjoying so every bite includes the creamy cottage cheese, seasoned chicken, rice, and fresh vegetables.