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I whipped this up one hectic evening when I wanted BBQ flavors but couldn't be bothered with the grill. This protein-loaded bowl came together on a whim. The pairing might raise eyebrows - BBQ sauce with cottage cheese? But honestly, the smooth, creamy cheese alongside tangy BBQ chicken creates something unexpectedly delicious. It's basically a cookout in a bowl, without dealing with heat or bugs.
Yesterday my partner - typically a firm believer that BBQ needs a bun - grabbed another helping of this bowl. The tastiest meals often come from tossing out conventional ideas.
Key Components
- Shredded Chicken: Grab a rotisserie chicken for convenience
- BBQ Sauce: Pick whatever type you enjoy - tangy, hot, or woody
- Cottage Cheese: Gives you a rich, protein-packed foundation
- Roasted Corn: Brings a hint of smoky flavor
- Fresh Coleslaw: Adds crisp texture and freshness
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Bowl Assembly Tips
- Creamy Base:
- Begin with a big scoop of cottage cheese. Think of it like setting up any good BBQ plate, you want something that will catch all those tasty juices.
- BBQ Section:
- Top with your saucy chicken while it's hot. The warmth gently heats the cottage cheese, making that nice hot-cold mix.
- Added Goodies:
- Scatter your corn and black beans around the meat. The corn gives that backyard BBQ vibe while beans add substance.
- Tasty Toppers:
- Finish with crunchy slaw, chunks of avocado, and an extra splash of BBQ sauce if you want more kick.
I stumbled onto this combo during a backyard party when my BBQ chicken ended up touching my cottage cheese. That random mix-up turned into what we now call our go-to quick dinner.
Hot Meets Cold
The way cool cottage cheese pairs with warm BBQ chicken gives you this fun temperature contrast that makes every bite interesting.
Packed With Protein
This dish delivers serious protein - grab it after hitting the gym or when you need energy that lasts.
Ways To Enjoy
Break some tortilla chips on top for extra crunch, or eat with warm cornbread for that classic BBQ feel.
Customize It
Switch up your sauce types, toss in some tangy pickled onions, or use pulled pork instead of chicken.
Keeping Leftovers
This tastes best fresh, but you can prepare each part separately and throw it together right before eating.
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Expert Kitchen Advice
- Give your chicken a quick reheat if using leftovers
- Keep some extra BBQ sauce nearby for pouring
- Squeeze lime juice on your avocado so it won't turn brown
After many rushed dinners and packed lunches, this bowl has become our favorite way to get BBQ flavor without any hassle. It shows that sometimes random food pairings and thinking differently lead to the tastiest meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which BBQ sauce tastes best?
- Try whatever you like—sweet, spicy, or smoky BBQ sauces all work great.
- → Can this be made ahead?
- Keep each ingredient separate and assemble it when you’re ready to eat. Add the avocado last.
- → How do I make it meat-free?
- Use grilled tempeh or BBQ-spiced black beans instead of chicken.
- → Can frozen corn be used?
- Absolutely. Just defrost and give it a quick roast in a pan for added flavor.
- → What’s a good swap for coleslaw?
- Shredded lettuce or a plain salad make a great stand-in.