If youโve ever craved a healthy, protein-packed meal thatโs bursting with flavor, then this Greek Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is for you! Itโs light, refreshing, and loaded with all the tasty ingredients you love in a Greek-inspired dish. From the savory chicken to the creamy cottage cheese, every bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Trust me, once you take a forkful of this bowl, youโll be hooked! Itโs an easy meal to make and will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight dinners.
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Why Youโll Love This Recipe
This recipe isnโt just about healthy eatingโitโs about enjoying a meal that tastes indulgent while still being good for you. Hereโs why itโs a winner:
Healthy & Protein-Packed: The combination of chicken and cottage cheese makes this bowl a protein powerhouse. Whether youโre fueling your workout or just need a satisfying meal, this dish has you covered.
Simple & Quick: It comes together in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just donโt feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
Loaded with Flavor: With a Greek-inspired twist, the flavors in this dishโgarlicky chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and tangy olivesโcome together in a perfect harmony. Youโll love every bite!
Customizable: Want to add more veggies? Throw in some cucumber, tomatoes, or red onions. You can easily tweak this dish to suit your tastes.
One-Bowl Meal: Itโs all-in-one. No need to worry about side dishes or extra cooking. This bowl is a complete meal, packed with everything you need to feel full and satisfied.
Ingredients
Hereโs what youโll need to make this Greek Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl:
- Chicken Breast: The lean protein base for this bowl. Cooked to perfection, itโll be tender and juicy.
- Cottage Cheese: Adds a creamy, slightly tangy element that pairs beautifully with the chicken and vegetables.
- Olives: Kalamata olives bring a salty, briny flavor that gives the dish that Greek flair.
- Cucumber: Crisp, refreshing, and adds a nice crunch to balance the creaminess of the cottage cheese.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these pop in your mouth and brighten up the whole dish.
- Red Onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and color. If youโre not a fan of raw onion, you can skip it or lightly pickle it for a milder flavor.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil brings a rich, fruity finish to the dish.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brings brightness and tanginess, perfect for cutting through the richness of the chicken and cottage cheese.
- Dried Oregano: A classic Greek seasoning that gives the chicken and veggies that signature Mediterranean flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Letโs dive into the steps to create this Mediterranean-inspired bowl:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season your chicken breast with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until itโs golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest before slicing it into strips.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
While the chicken is cooking, slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the olives. If youโre using red onion, thinly slice it, or pickle it lightly if you prefer a milder taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowl
Start with a base of cottage cheese in each bowl. Arrange the sliced chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and red onion on top of the cottage cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of dried oregano and more salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Greek-inspired meal!
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook chicken]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Greek Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
This bowl is a complete meal, but here are a few ideas to serve it alongside:
- Warm Pita Bread: A side of soft, warm pita is perfect for dipping into the creamy cottage cheese or scooping up the chicken.
- Greek Salad: If you want a bit more crunch, serve with a side of a fresh Greek salad.
- Hummus: Pair with a dollop of hummus for an extra Mediterranean touch.
- Rice or Quinoa: If youโre in the mood for something heartier, serve this bowl with a side of brown rice or quinoa.
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Prep Ahead: You can prep the chicken and veggies the night before to save time on busy days.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in some spinach, roasted bell peppers, or even avocado for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Substitute the Cottage Cheese: If youโre not a fan of cottage cheese, you can swap it for Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use thighs instead of chicken breast?
A1: Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will add a richer, juicier flavor to the dish. Just cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (75ยฐC).
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can cook the chicken and chop the veggies ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the bowl when youโre ready to eat.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When youโre ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and assemble the bowl.
Q4: Can I make this vegetarian?
A4: Absolutely! Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like roasted eggplant, zucchini, or chickpeas for a filling, plant-based version.
Q5: Can I add more cheese?
A5: Definitely! Feta cheese would be an excellent addition to this bowl and complement the other Greek flavors perfectly.
Q6: How can I make this more filling?
A6: Add some cooked quinoa, rice, or couscous to make the dish more substantial.
Q7: Can I use non-dairy cottage cheese?
A7: Yes, you can! Look for a plant-based alternative that has a similar texture to dairy cottage cheese.
Q8: How do I make this dish dairy-free?
A8: Replace the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as a cashew-based cream cheese or dairy-free yogurt.
Q9: Can I add fruit to this bowl?
A9: Yes! Adding some fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or pomegranate seeds, can bring a touch of sweetness and color.
Q10: How can I make the chicken extra juicy?
A10: Marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and a bit of garlic for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure itโs extra juicy and flavorful.
Conclusion
There you have itโyour new favorite Greek-inspired bowl thatโs packed with flavor, protein, and all the goodness you need for a satisfying meal. Whether youโre cooking for yourself or making it for the whole family, this Greek Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a winner every time. So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintGreek Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautรฉing
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Description
This Greek Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a protein-packed meal that combines tender, seasoned chicken with creamy cottage cheese, fresh veggies, and zesty Greek flavors. Itโs a healthy and satisfying bowl thatโs perfect for healthy dinner recipes or a quick lunch idea. Rich in protein, this bowl is a great choice for a light but filling meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Bowl:
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (sliced)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Rub the mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (75ยฐC). Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the bowl: In each bowl, add a scoop of cottage cheese. Top with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta.
- Top with chicken: Slice the cooked chicken and add it on top of the veggies and cottage cheese.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice over the veggies.
- You can swap the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a smoother texture.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach to customize the bowl.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg