This quick cottage cheese BBQ chicken bowl is a protein-packed meal that’s creamy, tangy, and incredibly satisfying. With tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and creamy cottage cheese, it’s a balanced dish that comes together in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- High in protein and perfect for meal prep
- Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients
- A delicious combination of smoky, creamy, and savory flavors
- Customizable with different toppings and sides
Ingredients
For the Greek-Style Chicken Meatballs:
ground chicken
breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
egg
feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
fresh parsley, chopped
dried oregano
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper
olive oil (for cooking)
For the Lemon Orzo:
orzo pasta
chicken broth (or water)
olive oil
garlic, minced
Zest lemon
lemon
dried oregano
salt
black pepper
feta cheese, crumbled
fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Preparing the Chicken
If using fresh chicken, season with salt and pepper and cook in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let it rest, then chop or shred.
Assembling the Bowl
Start with a base of cooked rice or mixed greens. Layer the shredded or chopped chicken on top.
Adding the Cottage Cheese
Spoon a generous amount of cottage cheese over the chicken. This adds creaminess and extra protein to the dish.
Drizzling with BBQ Sauce
Drizzle your favorite BBQ sauce over the bowl. Adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness and smokiness.
Finishing Touches
Top with sliced green onions, avocado, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken: A quick and easy way to save time.
- Pick the right BBQ sauce: Go for a smoky or spicy variety to balance the cottage cheese.
- Warm or cold?: Enjoy this bowl warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
- Try different bases: Swap rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a salad mix.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Make it vegetarian: Use grilled tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.
- Switch up the cheese: Try ricotta or feta for a different texture.
- Add crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or toasted nuts.
- Spice it up: Mix some hot sauce into the BBQ sauce for extra heat.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This bowl pairs well with roasted sweet potatoes, grilled corn, or a side of coleslaw. For drinks, a glass of iced tea or a light beer complements the flavors nicely.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If meal prepping, keep the cottage cheese separate until ready to eat.
- Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave, then assemble fresh.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but can be eaten cold for a quick lunch.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, though fresh or rotisserie chicken has a better texture.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A smoky or honey BBQ sauce works great for balance.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, just store everything separately and assemble before eating.
Is cottage cheese a good source of protein?
Absolutely! It’s high in protein and adds a creamy texture without being too heavy.
Conclusion
This quick cottage cheese BBQ chicken bowl is an easy, nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy days. With a great mix of flavors and textures, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Quick Cottage Cheese BBQ Chicken Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Description
This Zesty Lemon Orzo with Greek-Style Chicken Meatballs is a bright and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish. Juicy, herbed chicken meatballs are served over tender orzo infused with lemon, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for a fresh, satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
For the Greek-Style Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
For Serving:
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small cucumber, diced
- Kalamata olives (optional)
- Extra lemon wedges
Instructions
- Make the Greek Chicken Meatballs:
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, feta cheese, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Lemon Orzo:
- In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions. Drain if necessary.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the cooked orzo, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in feta cheese and fresh herbs.
- Assemble & Serve:
- Divide the lemon orzo into bowls.
- Top with Greek-style chicken meatballs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and olives.
- Garnish with extra feta, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter option, swap orzo for cauliflower rice or quinoa.
- Make ahead: Meatballs can be prepped and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with tzatziki or Greek yogurt sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: ~460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: ~720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: ~110mg
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