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Healthy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Bowl

healthy high-protein cottage cheese buffalo chicken bowl - featured image
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A creamy, spicy, protein-packed bowl combining buffalo chicken with cottage cheese, quinoa or rice, and fresh vegetables for a quick, nourishing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (about 12 oz / 340 g)
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (small-curd preferred)
  • 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (170 g) quinoa or brown rice under cold water. Cook according to package instructions—about 15 minutes for quinoa or 40 minutes for brown rice. Fluff with a fork and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Pat dry the chicken breasts and cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Season evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 75°C). Remove from heat.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese with 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce. Stir until blended but still slightly chunky.
  5. Add the cooked chicken to the buffalo cottage cheese mixture and gently fold until coated.
  6. Steam 1 cup broccoli florets until bright green and tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Shred carrots and chop celery while chicken cooks.
  7. Divide cooked quinoa or rice into two bowls. Top evenly with buffalo cottage cheese chicken, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and celery.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, crumbled blue cheese if desired, and a lime wedge on the side.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure browning. Keep cottage cheese mixture slightly chunky for texture. Rinse quinoa to avoid bitterness. Avoid overcooking broccoli to maintain crispness. Rotisserie chicken can be used as a shortcut but will lack fresh seared flavor. Store components separately to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken bowl, cottage cheese recipe, high protein meal, healthy chicken bowl, quick dinner, meal prep, gluten-free, low-fat

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/healthy-high-protein-cottage-cheese-buffalo-chicken-bowl-recipe-easy-and-delicious/