If you’re in the mood for a meal that tastes indulgent but fuels your body with nutritious goodness, this High Protein BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl hits the mark. Creamy mashed potatoes form a hearty base, topped with tender shredded BBQ chicken, creamy cottage cheese, crisp corn, avocado slices, red onion, and crumbles of tangy feta. Each bite is a satisfying blend of textures and bold flavors, balancing comfort with clean eating.
This bowl is a power-packed option whether you’re recovering from a workout, meal-prepping for the week, or simply looking to keep things high-protein and flavorful. It’s easy to assemble, endlessly customizable, and layered with vibrant ingredients that don’t just taste good—they make you feel great.
Why You’ll Love This High Protein BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Nutrient-Dense: Loaded with lean protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge, perfect for prepping ahead.
- Balanced Flavors: The smoky BBQ chicken contrasts beautifully with the creamy and fresh toppings.
- Customizable: You can switch out veggies or use different sauces to suit your tastes.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally free of gluten without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools and Equipment:
- Medium Saucepan or Pot: For making mashed potatoes as the base.
- Skillet or Slow Cooker: To cook and shred the BBQ chicken. A slow cooker will yield incredibly tender meat, while a skillet gives you speed.
- Mixing Bowls: For prepping and tossing corn, onions, and other toppings.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for chopping avocado, onions, and garnishes cleanly and safely.
- Measuring Cups/Spoons: For consistent flavor, especially when mixing BBQ sauce or seasoning.
Each tool ensures the ingredients are prepped efficiently, allowing for quick assembly and maximizing the freshness of the bowl. The entire meal can come together in under 30 minutes with the right gear ready.

Ingredients for the High Protein BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Shredded BBQ Chicken: This is your protein hero, tender and flavorful with smoky, sweet BBQ sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Acts as a comforting and creamy base that soaks up all the toppings.
- Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and a serious protein boost, while balancing out the BBQ sweetness.
- Feta Cheese: For a salty, tangy contrast that enhances the flavor layers.
- Corn Kernels: Adds crunch and sweetness; fresh, frozen, or canned all work.
- Avocado: Brings healthy fats and a buttery texture.
- Red Onion: For a sharp, colorful kick that balances the richness.
- Chopped Chives or Parsley: A finishing touch of freshness and color.
How To Make the High Protein BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet or slow cooker with BBQ sauce until tender. Shred using two forks and coat in the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Boil peeled potatoes until soft, then mash with butter, a splash of milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Prep the Toppings
While the potatoes cook, dice red onion, slice avocado, and heat corn if using frozen. Crumble the feta and get your cottage cheese ready.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Start with a generous layer of mashed potatoes, then layer the BBQ chicken, corn, avocado, onion, cottage cheese, and feta. Finish with chopped chives or parsley.
Serving and Storing Your Protein Bowl
Serve this bowl warm for ultimate comfort, or chill it for a refreshing, summer-style protein lunch. It’s a perfect dish for lunch, dinner, or even post-gym recovery.
To store, keep each ingredient in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat mashed potatoes and chicken together, then add the cold toppings fresh to preserve their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster. Just mix with BBQ sauce and heat.
What’s a good substitute for mashed potatoes?
Cauliflower mash or brown rice are excellent lower-carb or fiber-rich alternatives.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cottage cheese or omit it. Avocado adds creaminess to compensate.
Is this bowl freezer-friendly?
Mashed potatoes and BBQ chicken freeze well. Avoid freezing fresh toppings like avocado or cottage cheese.
Can I swap BBQ sauce for something else?
Try buffalo sauce, teriyaki, or even chimichurri for a different flavor twist.
Want More High Protein Ideas?
If you love this High Protein BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl, check out these other satisfying meals:
- Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for handheld cheesy protein goodness.
- Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza if you love Mediterranean flair.
- Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for the ultimate comfort protein pasta.
- Spicy Ranch Taco Dip as a perfect party protein pick.
- Chicken Street Tacos when you’re craving a handheld twist.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner or protein meal board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add jalapeños or hot sauce? Swap mashed potatoes for rice?
I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other eat well without compromise.
For more daily high-protein creations, check out my Pinterest board: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

High Protein BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This High Protein BBQ Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is the ultimate clean comfort food. With mashed potatoes, tender BBQ chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and vibrant toppings like avocado, corn, and feta, it’s perfect for meal prep, post-workout recovery, or a nourishing lunch or dinner. This protein-packed bowl is gluten-free, customizable, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
1 cup shredded BBQ chicken
1 cup mashed potatoes
1/2 cup cottage cheese
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup corn kernels
1/2 avocado, sliced
2 tablespoons diced red onion
1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley
Instructions
1. Cook chicken breasts in a skillet or slow cooker with BBQ sauce until tender. Shred with forks and coat in sauce.
2. Peel and boil potatoes until soft. Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
3. Dice red onion, slice avocado, and heat corn if needed. Prepare cottage cheese and crumble the feta.
4. In a bowl, layer mashed potatoes, then BBQ chicken, corn, avocado, red onion, cottage cheese, and feta.
5. Sprinkle with chives or parsley and serve immediately or store ingredients separately for meal prep.
Notes
For added flavor, try smoky chipotle or spicy BBQ sauce in the chicken.
Swap mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash for a low-carb version.
Layer ingredients just before serving to keep textures fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: High Protein Bowls
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg

