BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl Recipe
Introduction
The BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken with creamy cottage cheese, tangy ranch, and smoky BBQ sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for lunch or dinner, especially when you want something nutritious yet delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 Just Bare (or similar) chicken filet
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (Good Culture brand recommended)
- 2 tbsp Ranch dressing (Bolthouse Farms recommended)
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce (G.Hughes recommended)
- 2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the chicken by grilling, baking, or pan-frying the filet until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This typically takes about 6 to 8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Step 2: While the chicken is cooking, place ½ cup of low-fat cottage cheese into your serving bowl.
- Step 3: Once cooked, slice the chicken and arrange it over the cottage cheese in the bowl.
- Step 4: Drizzle the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce evenly over the sliced chicken for a balanced flavor.
- Step 5: Finish by sprinkling the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese on top to add a rich, cheesy touch.
- Step 6: Serve immediately for the best taste, or refrigerate for meal prep and enjoy the next day.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add some sliced green onions or a handful of crunchy lettuce beneath the cottage cheese.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for cottage cheese if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Use spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
- Try swapping shredded cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store the assembled bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, you can enjoy it cold or reheat the chicken separately and add it back to the bowl to prevent the cheese from melting too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken filets for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Is this bowl low in calories?
This recipe uses low-fat dairy and lean chicken, making it a balanced option for a moderate-calorie meal. Adjust portions to fit your dietary needs.
PrintBBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl Recipe
A flavorful and protein-packed BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl featuring grilled chicken filet served over cottage cheese, topped with tangy ranch dressing, smoky BBQ sauce, and a sprinkle of reduced-fat cheddar cheese. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner with balanced flavors and simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
- Total Time: 17-21 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 Just Bare (or similar) chicken filet
Dressings & Sauces
- 2 tbsp Ranch dressing (Bolthouse Farms recommended)
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce (G.Hughes recommended)
Dairy
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (Good Culture brand recommended)
- 2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken filet until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking time varies with thickness, generally about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Prepare the Bowl: While the chicken cooks, scoop ½ cup of low-fat cottage cheese into a serving bowl as the base.
- Assemble the Bowl: Once the chicken is cooked through, slice it and place it atop the cottage cheese in the bowl. Drizzle the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken for flavor.
- Finish the Bowl: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese over the assembled bowl for an added creamy, cheesy taste.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately while warm, or refrigerate for a convenient meal prep option the next day.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
- Substitute with any favorite ranch or BBQ brand if preferred.
- For a low-carb option, this recipe is naturally suitable due to cottage cheese and chicken base.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within 24-48 hours.
- Can be customized by adding fresh herbs or a side of steamed vegetables for extra nutrition.
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Bowl, Ranch Chicken Bowl, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Low-fat Chicken Bowl, Quick Chicken Dinner
