This Macro Friendly BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl is a great option for anyone looking to fuel their body with protein and delicious flavors. Packed with lean protein from the chicken and a good amount of healthy fats and fiber, this dish is perfect for those on a high-protein, low-calorie diet. The combination of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing creates a perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and creamy flavors. Topped with reduced-fat shredded cheddar and a scoop of low-fat cottage cheese, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing, offering 42g of protein to keep you energized throughout the day. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner, this bowl will hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. High Protein Content

With 42g of protein per serving, this recipe provides a significant protein boost, which is perfect for building muscle or supporting your daily nutrition goals.

2. Low Calorie and Macro Friendly

This bowl is designed to be macro-friendly, with a balance of healthy fats, lean protein, and moderate carbs. It fits into a variety of diet plans, whether you’re on a high-protein, low-carb, or calorie-conscious diet.

3. Easy and Quick to Prepare

In less than 30 minutes, you can prepare this delicious and filling meal. The chicken cooks quickly, and the rest of the ingredients are ready to go in no time.

4. Flavorful and Satisfying

The combination of BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and cottage cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile without the need for excess calories or unhealthy ingredients.

5. Versatile and Customizable

You can easily customize this bowl by adding more veggies, swapping out the cheese for a dairy-free option, or adjusting the seasoning to your taste. It’s perfect for any dietary preferences.

Ingredients

1 Just Bare (or similar) chicken filet
½ cup low-fat cottage cheese (Good Culture brand)
2 tbsp Ranch dressing (Bolthouse Farms)
2 tbsp BBQ sauce (G.Hughes)
2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat

Variations

Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative and swap the cheddar cheese for dairy-free shredded cheese to make this bowl dairy-free.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add a handful of fresh greens, such as spinach, kale, or arugula, for an extra nutritional boost.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce for a spicy twist.
Swap Protein: You can replace the chicken with turkey breast, grilled shrimp, or even plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken filet for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Bowl

While the chicken is cooking, assemble your bowl by adding a scoop of low-fat cottage cheese to the base.

Step 3: Mix the Sauces

In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the cottage cheese. Drizzle the BBQ ranch sauce over the chicken and top with shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Macro Friendly BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Grill the Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have a grill, grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying can add a smoky flavor to your bowl.
Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a stronger BBQ flavor, increase the amount of BBQ sauce to suit your taste.
Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure it stays juicy and tender.

How to Serve

This bowl is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables, a small serving of quinoa or brown rice, or even a fresh salad. It pairs well with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a light beverage of your choice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the cottage cheese fresh, store it in a separate container.

Freezing

While the chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months, it’s best to avoid freezing the cottage cheese or the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the chicken and sauce for 1-2 minutes, or reheat them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Add fresh cottage cheese just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use any cheese of your choice, but for a macro-friendly option, try sticking with reduced-fat cheese.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this bowl.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure that the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free, this recipe is gluten-free.

5. How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can easily add roasted or grilled vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini, for added texture and nutrition.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more BBQ sauce with a spicy variety or include a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes to the ranch sauce.

7. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the BBQ ranch sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

8. Can I serve this in a wrap or taco instead of a bowl?

Yes, you can wrap the chicken, cottage cheese, and sauce in a whole wheat or gluten-free tortilla for a delicious wrap.

9. How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe is designed for one serving, but you can easily double or triple the ingredients for more servings.

10. Can I use a different dressing for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ranch dressing with other creamy dressings like blue cheese or Caesar, or opt for a lighter vinaigrette if you prefer.

Conclusion

The Macro Friendly BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl offers a protein-packed, satisfying meal that’s perfect for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying delicious flavors. With 42g of protein, it’s a great choice for muscle recovery, meal prepping, or simply satisfying your hunger without going overboard on calories. Easy to make and highly customizable, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal.