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This macro-friendly BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl has become my go-to lunch whenever my day’s packed and I need a quick meal that’s healthy and loaded with protein. You get juicy chicken, creamy cottage cheese, tangy ranch, smoky BBQ sauce, and a sprinkle of cheddar. Each bowl brings in a massive 42g of protein, keeping you full and powering you through the afternoon.
The first time I tried this was on a super busy workday, and I was shocked by how tasty and filling it was even with just a few things thrown together. Now, it’s my lifesaver meal after hitting the gym.
Ingredients
- 20g reduced-fat cheddar: cheesy flavor boost without all the fat, and freshly grated melts best
- 20ml BBQ sauce: smoky and just the right bit sweet, try a low sugar one like G Hughes to fit your macros
- 20ml ranch dressing: brings creaminess and flavor, go with a light option like Bolthouse Farms
- 120g cottage cheese: delivers a creamy, protein-rich base—choose a low-fat brand like Good Culture if you can
- 1 chicken breast: tender, low-fat protein, fresh is best (try Just Bare or something similar)
Step-by-step guide
- Finish with cheese:
- Sprinkle the freshly grated cheddar all over the bowl. The warmth from the chicken will melt it and tie everything together.
- Add the sauces:
- Drizzle BBQ sauce and ranch all over the chicken slices so every forkful packs a punch.
- Build your bowl:
- Slice the cooked chicken and lay it on top of the cottage cheese base.
- Get your cottage cheese ready:
- While the chicken’s cooking, spread the cottage cheese in a big enough bowl for your meal to come together nicely.
- Cook up the chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry, then cook it in a nonstick pan on medium heat for about 6–8 minutes per side, until totally cooked through and juicy (74°C internal). Or, just bake it at 180°C fan oven if you prefer. It’s done when it’s solid white and stays juicy inside.
- Serve it up:
- Dive right in, or cover and stash in the fridge for a day if you wanna prep ahead. If meal prepping, keep parts separate and mix right before eating.
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I’m obsessed with the mix of BBQ sauce and cottage cheese—it just hits the spot every time. My partner and I took these bowls to the lake for a quick picnic last trip, and we couldn’t believe how long they kept us full.
Storage tips
This bowl keeps well in the fridge for up to a day when prepped ahead. It’s best to store the chicken separately and throw everything together right before eating, so everything stays fresh and the cheese melts perfectly. Pre-cooked chicken also freezes well in portions; just thaw and you’re set.
Ingredient swaps
You can swap in grilled turkey breast for the chicken. Smoked tofu works for a veggie-friendly twist. Light mozzarella as shredded cheese is great, too. Not a BBQ sauce fan? Go with spicy salsa instead. Ranch out? Yogurt dip does the trick.
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Serving ideas
You can totally eat this bowl just as it is, or add crisp raw veggies like bell pepper or cucumber sticks on the side. Finish with fresh cilantro or chives for a flavor pop. If you want it more filling, roasted sweet potatoes or chickpeas work awesome tossed in.
Fun background
Protein bowls and one-bowl meals have been all the rage in the States for years. People love them here too, since you get everything in one bowl and you can mix things up. After the gym, quick bowls like this are a major win for time and refueling.
Recipe FAQs
- → Which chicken parts should I use?
Chicken breast is moist, cooks fast, and is packed with protein. If you want, chicken thighs or drumsticks work too—they’ll just need a bit more time to cook through.
- → Is cottage cheese necessary?
Cottage cheese brings creaminess and a protein boost. But you can totally swap in skyr or fat-free quark for the same vibe and nutrients.
- → Can I swap out ranch or BBQ sauce?
Sure! Try a yogurt-based sauce, salsa, or a homemade vinaigrette instead. Keep it light for better macros if you’re watching that.
- → How do I make this meal less boring?
Mix it up with crispy cucumbers, bell peppers, or roasted sweet potatoes. Using different cheeses can give a new twist every time.
- → Who’s this bowl good for?
Whether you’re into sports, trying to eat healthy, or just want a speedy protein fix, this bowl’s got your back.
BBQ Ranch Protein Bowl
Tender chicken, cottage cheese, and ranch-BBQ drizzle make this bowl loaded with protein and totally satisfying.
Ingredients
→ Main Things
Steps
Dig in right away, or put it in the fridge and save it for tomorrow.
Drizzle ranch and the BBQ sauce on the chicken, then toss the shredded cheddar over the top.
Once the chicken's cooked, cut it up and place it on the cottage cheese in your bowl.
While the chicken cooks, scoop 120 g of that low-fat cottage cheese into your bowl.
Grill, bake, or pan-fry your chicken breast for 12–16 minutes total, turning so both sides cook, and make sure the middle hits 74°C.
Notes
- Want more crunch? Add chopped fresh veggies or some roasted sweet potatoes. You can easily swap out the sauces—just stick with low-cal options if you're watching your macros. Feel free to switch up the cheese or toss in extra veggies too.
Required Equipment
- Grill, oven, or skillet
- Kitchen knife
- Bowl
Allergen Information
Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
- Has dairy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This data is for informational purposes only and doesn’t replace medical advice.
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbs: 14 g
- Protein: 42 g